HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey everybody! I’ve had the opportunity to upgrade some tank decor and wanted to share! I love decorating tanks and providing a natural vibe for my crabbies!

One of the changes was to add “pillow moss”...I used it on top of the clear risers for the 2nd level. My question is, how long can I leave the pillow moss in there before I have to change it out? What will happen if I just leave it in there for a while?

I’m adding some pics of my new tank set up and you’ll see my very first wheel in there...my boyfriend, who thinks I should start a crabitat decorating business (lol) called it “Casey’s Crabitat Carousel”! You’ll also see a homemade balance swing bridge and another walk across bridge, all made from natural jute and household items. They also have a homemade rope swing, but it’s hard to see. Hope y’all like my tank!


You can’t tell in this pic, but there’s lots of walking space in the middle and under the 2nd level stuff. Also, ignore the low humidity level, this was right after I’d had tank open for a while.

You can see their cookie cooling rack climb in this one, lol...with a cool Jaguar pic behind it.

One of their new pool/moss pits!

The wheel and balance bridge.

Their homemade bridge...and if you can see the green ball under the greenery, that is actually a feeder for reptiles that sticks to the side of the tank and I just rotated it around for a fun humid hide near their saltwater pool!

Always open to feedback and/or suggestions! My next goal is an exo terra tank topper!


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Pillow moss can remain indefinitely, but over time it’ll slowly break down into dirt, assuming the crabs don’t eat it all first :/


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JoeHermits wrote:Pillow moss can remain indefinitely, but over time it’ll slowly break down into dirt, assuming the crabs don’t eat it all first :/


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That’s great news! I’ve seen them munching on it already, haha. Thanks for the info!


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I leave the moss in for a long time, rewetting as needed. Although I have noticed my guys don't seem to be attracted to it as much after it's been in the tank for an extended period.

I'm curious to see what they do with the see saw! I would attach a cube on one side and let the crabby shenanigans begin!

Your tank looks like it would be a lot of fun!

Thank you! I worked hard on it. Don’t have anybody else to show it off to that would appreciate it...other than my HCA, lol. I saw Ruby (my small little lady) on the balance bridge one night in a video, but it didn’t show anything other than her just sitting in the middle of it, haha. At least she made it that far! She’s so little she could crawl through it if she wanted. I can’t wait to get the cubes so I can watch them play with them! Haven’t seen much movement on the wheel either, but I can be patient! I’ll put a cube on the swing and a cube in the wheel, lol!

Thanks for info on the moss...just so happy I don’t have to replace it every week, to save money!


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You’ve done an amazing job on your tank. They’ll find the wheel, figure it out and then they’ll be on it all the time, lot’s of fun stuff for them to do in there.

RiNiKy506 wrote:You’ve done an amazing job on your tank. They’ll find the wheel, figure it out and then they’ll be on it all the time, lot’s of fun stuff for them to do in there.

Thank you ...want them to be as happy as possible!


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That tank is amazing! Good work!


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jonathon1989 wrote:That tank is amazing! Good work!


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Thanks, Jonathon!


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Super cool! What size tank is it?

Is your sub a 5:1 ratio? I am just wondering as I was unable to calculate an exact 5:1 ratio for my 90 gallon and wanna know if that is what it looks like?

mool wrote:Super cool! What size tank is it?

Thank you, Mool! It’s a 40g breeder, I love it! Want to add a tank topper soon though...for more height and climbing!


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hermitsrus1966 wrote:Is your sub a 5:1 ratio? I am just wondering as I was unable to calculate an exact 5:1 ratio for my 90 gallon and wanna know if that is what it looks like?

The goal was 5:1 play sand:coco fiber, yes. It was so much sub that I didn’t bother with precise measurements though...instead, I “eyed” it. I would add a 50 lb bag of sand, level it out and then add about 1/5 of that amount of coco fiber. Then I’d add the dechlorinated water and mix with a big wooden spoon until I got the right sandcastle consistency. Then I did this same thing over and over until I reached 6” of sub. It just looks like dirty sand, lol. My crabs seem to approve of the mixture though bc they dig/bury/tunnel all the time!


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