HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I was just checking on my tank to see what I can see from underneath my crabitat...when I looked I saw that there are multiple spots that are changing a weird color. I’ve never seen this and don’t know why this is happening or what it is. I did a full tank clean at the end of January or beginning of February. My tank stays around 75% humidity and around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. I see/hear my crabs playing around in the early morning. There are 3 one is the size of a dime with her shell on she’s tiny, another is like the size of a quarter with her shell and the biggest one is like double that size, but she’s still really small too. I really love these crabs and want the best for them. I need my crabs to live a very good and healthy life. I don’t know how to add pictures of my tank but Hopefully I can get some friendly help/advice. Thanks in advance.

Different colours usually mean different things. What cooour is it exactly?

Green - likely to be algae, its harmless
Orange - substrate contains some iron in it (happened to me with a bag of sand in the past....)
Black - anaerobic bacteria, usually a sign of flooding (very bad!)


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It’s turning orange in certain spots

I use eco earth coconut fiber substrate.

Is there any way to send you a photo through this

Could it just be dry spots from when you mixed the substrate? I know Eco Earth gets a bit darker once it get wet.

That’s what I thought but it seems to be wet. I’m going to keep an eye on it. Can’t really touch my tank because I think my tiny one is molting. I can’t find anything about this online and haven’t experienced this yet up until now.

Also there is no abnormal odor either.

It's looking like dry or not fully expanded patches to me as well. I think keeping an eye on it is a good call.

You generally won't smell anything until the substrate is disturbed if there is a problem, so don't go by that!

Thank you. I’m definitely going to keep an eye on it and I’ll update you on my findings.

I hope you figure it out and it goes well!

I’ve been watching my tank and the orange spots are getting smaller and turning to the color of the eco earth substrate. I saw Ziggy my tiny crab 2 days ago so her molt went good. I am going to change my crabitat this month and make sure I really mix the substrate thoroughly and not put too much water when I’m misting the tank.