Shiny Shells Now Dull

[Avalos59]

About 1 month ago I changed my 100% EcoEarth substrate to 5:1 (Play Sand:EcoEarth). My crabbies love it. However, after only a month my shells have gone from shiny and new to dull and dry looking. Is this normal with the new substrate mix? I had only used 100% EE for years and the shells I had always looked pretty and shiny. Also, are the dull/dry shells still okay for my hermit crabs?

Top shells are some I have not used yet and are still shiny. The ones below show the change in shine after one month in my new substrate.

[JoeHermits]

Sand is more abrasive than coconut fiber so your substrate change could definitely be a factor.

The shells may not be as shiny but they’re still safe to use. Appearance doesn’t usually matter so long as the shell is comfortable.


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[Xenocrab]

All our crabs have dull shells. They were nice and "shiney" at first, but crabs dig and dig. They are very active and they are in the sturdy shells that they need. Their shells are for a purpose, not vanity to look pretty. We mix our 5:1 with dcsw and the pretty wears off fast, but the stability of the shells doesn't.

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[Avalos59]

Sand is more abrasive than coconut fiber so your substrate change could definitely be a factor.

The shells may not be as shiny but they’re still safe to use. Appearance doesn’t usually matter so long as the shell is comfortable.


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Thank you so much for replying. I appreciate your thoughts on this very much. I'm glad they are still usable.

[Avalos59]

All our crabs have dull shells. They were nice and "shiney" at first, but crabs dig and dig. They are very active and they are in the sturdy shells that they need. Their shells are for a purpose, not vanity to look pretty. We mix our 5:1 with dcsw and the pretty wears off fast, but the stability of the shells doesn't.

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Thank you so much. I guess if the crabs don't care if they are "pretty" I shouldn't either. I was worried that the shells might not be stable for them and I'm more than glad that they still are. I appreciate your response.

[wodesorel]

I'm kind of surprised your shells were better with the straight EE. Usually people report more issues with cocofiber both dulling and staining shells. In any case, corraling them off the substrate in a shell shop can really help with keeping them newer for longer. (Just don't use moss. I ruined brand new shells in a few days by putting them on moist moss.)