HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I always use a saltwater conditioner and some soaking salt. should I be using both? how much of each and am i doing it wrong?

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Everything you always wanted to know about hermit crab water needs but were afraid to ask!

The water care sheet explains everything you need to know and the rationale behind it.
Basically, you need a pool of fresh water that is made by adding dechlorinator to tap water.
Then you need a pool of salt water that is the same tap water you treated with the dechlorinator, but has marine salt added to it.

Just to make sure this point is clear, yes you should dechlorinate both BUT you need to use MARINE salt only. You should be able to get marine salt at any pet store. There are instructions for how to mix on the box.

the salt i use is “thrive” hermit crab soaking salt, is there a difference between the two?


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Just looking at the ingredients, it's hard to say. However, marine salts such as instant ocean are formulated to mimic marine salt water. This is really what we're going for. We're trying to recreate the natural environment in the crabitat. Thrive doesn't make any claims to do this. Instant ocean is also a product that has been proven to work for marine animals. Therefore, I would highly reccomend purchasing some instant ocean. Using instant ocean will also allow you to mix the saltwater to the correct strength because it comes with a water to salt ratio.

alrighty; thank you so much for the help!!


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Ps, saltwater pro tip: make your dechlorinated saltwater in a gallon jug. This way, when you need to replace your saltwater, you already have some dechlorinated saltwater mixed up! So much easier than mixing it up every time. Just make sure to shake the jug well before dispensing.

okay!! also quick question, should i continue to take the bowls out and wash them out or just keep adding new water?


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I like to wash them whenevrr i change the water because they get pretty gnarly but you probably don't need to use soap every time.

ok!!!


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trinr25 wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 31, 2022 8:12 am

the salt i use is “thrive” hermit crab soaking salt, is there a difference between the two?


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Like Rosie said, Thrive isn't marine salt. It won't hurt your crabs, but it won't provide all the necessary minerals they need for long term health.

ROSIEonFIRE wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 31, 2022 10:05 am

Ps, saltwater pro tip: make your dechlorinated saltwater in a gallon jug. This way, when you need to replace your saltwater, you already have some dechlorinated saltwater mixed up! So much easier than mixing it up every time. Just make sure to shake the jug well before dispensing.

You keep saying Dechlorinated? What if you run off of well water? (No chlorine or any chemicals) would I still need to dechlorinate it?

silver-crow17 wrote: You keep saying Dechlorinated? What if you run off of well water? (No chlorine or any chemicals) would I still need to dechlorinate it?

I also have well water, and I still treat it with Seachem Prime. While there is no chlorine in well water, Prime still detoxifies ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates as well as heavy metals found in ground water.

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i use the same "thrive" stuff, it says it's a seawater conditioner and its meant for hermit crabs, i haven't had any issues with it yet although if that isn't what i should use for my crabs please tell me!


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