HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Does anyone have any opinion about ZooMed brand salt water conditioner? It's just that everyone seems to recommend other brands...is there something wrong with the ZooMed brand, or are they all basically the same? Thanks!

ZooMed does not contain enough salts in it to make good saltwater. That is why it is best to choose Instant Ocean, Oceanic, or API.

I agree with Kilimanjaro. Not enough salinity in it. I use Oceanic and it is great! I definitely recommend it.

Like Kilimanjaro and dancinhermielover, I do not recommend this product. You are better off getting a mix (or already mixed water bag) used for marine aquariums (the brands mentioned above).

I would also recommend getting a hydrometer as well to measure the salinity/specific gravity (for hermie keepers use the just fill and test mini-graduated-cylinder type hydrometers instead of those that look like giant thermometers that you dip in deep water).

Great suggestions everyone. Thanks. I ran out and got the Oceanic last night... I assume the marine salt does NOT double as a dechlorinator, so I need to add that in, too. Since no one seemed to like the ZooMed products, I tossed that dechlorinator and picked up some Stress Coat by API. Good move?

Hmm...

I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to use Stress Coat in your hermits water.

Uh oh. Really? I thought I remembered other crabbers mentioning it.... Here is what I used:

http://www.aquatichouse.com/Water%20Con ... ssCoat.asp

Actually, I may have figured it out. The Care Sheet says to add stress coat to the bath water, not drinking water. Darn... and I already mixed up a whole gallon of it...

Yes, it should not be used in the drinking water. Check here.