HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi! I am new to the forum and I think I posted this in the wrong place, so I am going to post it here again.
Can anyone tell me if API Stress Coat+ is good to use for hermit crabs. I read the post "The Great Stress Coat Experiment" and see that Stress coat is not harmful. I guess I am asking if API is a good brand to use, or are there other brands that are better.
I think the answer to my next question is rather obvious, but I am going to ask anyway. Do I then make saltwater (I will be using Instant Ocean) with the Stress Coat treated water? Or should I make saltwater using just water treated with something to remove chlorine/chloramines, heavy metals and ammonia?

Iv'e used Stress Coat with no ill effects. Instant ocean is also a dechlorinator , so you can use just plain tap water when making it.

I use API Betta Water Conditioner instead of the Stress Coat variety but either one is fine. As far as I know, Instant Ocean is not a dechlorinator by itself so I use the API Betta in both jugs of water and then add Instant Ocean to one jug.

Crabinski wrote:I use API Betta Water Conditioner instead of the Stress Coat variety but either one is fine. As far as I know, Instant Ocean is not a dechlorinator by itself so I use the API Betta in both jugs of water and then add Instant Ocean to one jug.

This is directly from instant ocean's website.


Q: Does Instant Ocean[REGISTERED SIGN] contain a dechlorinator? Does Instant Ocean[REGISTERED SIGN] contain any ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or other types of metal chelators?
A: Instant Ocean[REGISTERED SIGN] has never contained a dechlorinator or any type of chelator. It is advisable to dechlorinate using a commercially available de-chlorinator when using tap water to dissolve Instant Ocean[REGISTERED SIGN].

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Just remember if your tap water uses chloramines, you need a product that removes ammonia as well. There are only a couple out there that do! There's a list of products and what they remove in the water FAQ: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92553

Argh. I thought it did. I've switched over to a new saltwater conditioner which does contain a dechlorinator.

As far as I'm aware, none of the proper marine salts that the hermits need come with a dechlor. It's always a two-step process. What conditioner are you using?