HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Posted: **Mon Dec 16, 2019 10:17 am**

I have 2 crabs and have only observed one of them molt in the almost 2 years I've had them. I was worried it wasn't warm enough, etc so I upgraded to a bigger tank, and added things. Now they are just huddled under some artificial vines. Is it possible they are still scared from the tank change from a few weeks ago? How often do they molt? The only molt I saw was a surface molt when I first got them and didn't have enough substrate. They've got extra shells, the temp and humidity is always about 85. Substrate is 3 or 4 times deeper than they are. They haven't even dug tunnels since the move. Is it possible the artificial vines are making them sick? I didn't have them in the old tank.

Posted: **Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:53 am**

It seems like you have their major needs under control. Do they get enough calcium and protein in their diets? They need both of these to have a solid healthy molt. Do you offer plenty of fresh and salt water?

You covered a lot of the info already, but we may be able to better assist if you fill out the emergency template.

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Posted: **Mon Dec 16, 2019 1:48 pm**

I put egg shells in there and they do eat them, I also give them shrimp and a dried mix of oatmeal nuts seaweed coconut chia seeds flax seed... I can't remember I think that's it. I'll also toss some random things in like fruit or spinach whatever I have in the fridge. I don't know how to get the emergency template. Also I have both salt and fresh water. They do eat and drink but they normally are very active and digging around at night but they aren't doing anything right now. I took the fake plant out incase that's the issue. Seems like everytime I put something in there with them they get like this. Maybe it's toxic? Idk

Posted: **Mon Dec 16, 2019 1:57 pm**

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? Play Sand, about 6 inches.

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes, 85 for both
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? 2 Reptile heat pads half in substrate on each side of tank

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Fresh and salt, mixed according to box.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Mixture of oatmeal nuts seaweed fruits veggies egg shells and shrimp

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Sorry I copied this template from another post, I've had both of them about 2 years. They are purple Pinchers

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? 1 of 2 molted about 2 years ago and it was a surface molt because of poor conditions.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
50 gallon fish tank with glass lid it comes with

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 small about a half dollar size

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? 5

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Once a month or so earlier if needed? Scoop out old food wash out bowls daily

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Artificial vines, since removed

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)no

Posted: **Mon Dec 16, 2019 7:15 pm**

carrieaurquhart wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 16, 2019 1:57 pm
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? Play Sand, about 6 inches.

HG- is the substrate sandcastle consistancy?

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes, 85 for both

HG- do you have digital therm/hygro? Analog aren't accurate

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? 2 Reptile heat pads half in substrate on each side of tank

HG- i assume the heat mats are on the outside of the tank. You really want to heat the air more than the substrate. Although plenty of people cover from top to bottom.

4. What types of water are availiable (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Fresh and salt, mixed according to box.

HG- what dechlorinator do you use? The most recommended is Prime. And Instant Ocean for salt. How deep are the pools?

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Mixture of oatmeal nuts seaweed fruits veggies egg shells and shrimp

HG- they need a more varied diet. Calcium and protein daily. Read through the safe/unsafe food list and the food pyramid.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Had him for about 4 months, blue claw crab

HG- I'm not familiar with that species. It may need a little different care.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? 1 of 2 molted about 2 years ago and it was a surface molt because of poor conditions.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
50 gallon fish tank with glass lid it comes with

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 small about a half dollar size

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? 5

HG- the HCA recommends 3-5 shells per crab

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Once a month or so earlier if needed? Scoop out old food wash out bowls daily

HG- there's no need to do a full cleaning. Unless there's a bacterial bloom or flood. Just spot clean.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Artificial vines, since removed

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)no

If they're eating and moving around they're fine. Sometimes crabs like to hang out in the same spot for a long time.

Posted: **Mon Dec 16, 2019 7:33 pm**

What’s going on here?

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Posted: **Mon Dec 16, 2019 11:43 pm**

No idea that's strange looking. I took the vines out and they started wandering around. I guess that was it?

HCA: Hermit Crab Association

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