HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Pumpkincrab wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 09, 2023 10:24 pm

1. I already mentioned to you about the sand, let somebody else chime in on their opinion of it.
2. Use Acurite. It's very accurate and you NEED to know your humidity and heat as close to exact as possible. A few degrees/percentages can make a big difference.
3. Get an Acurite and see what it says about the heat. I've seen your pics of it on Etsy and it looks a tad small. However, I could be wrong.
4. I think well water is safe, not 100% sure. I know there are a few crabbers here who use well water. Let them give you some tips. I can send you a message regarding how to make pools.
10. Etsy- RichardsSeashells, theshellstore, other websites: https://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/p ... 2&t=119315 check the "Shell Store" links on this page.
12. You do not need to clean the items in your tank weekly. That can stress your crabs and can collapse molting tunnels. Do not bathe your hermit crabs. It's stressful for them.
13. Get rid of the sponge. A wet sponge can harbor harmful bacteria.

Hopefully others chime in, too!

curlysister wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 10, 2023 11:22 am

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? I have all natural aquarium sand, it has no dyes, paints, or coatings, so I believe it is safe, I do not remember the brand. I believe I have about 6 inches of substrate in my tank at the moment. I put 30lbs of sand in my standard 10g tank, and it seems to be enough sub for them.
Curly - I'm going to say that 30 pounds of sand probably won't be 6 inches in a ten gallon. Sub should be at least 2 to 3 times as deep as your largest crab. Is it moistened so it holds it's shape?
It is 5 inches, I measured from the front where it is kinda sloped against the glass! It is moistened so it holds it's shape, yes.

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?
I currently only have a temperature gauge, I need recommendations on a combo one, preferably off of Amazon! It is located by the heating pad, but I have moved it many times, and my tank is 80°F all around! I also mist the tank regularly to keep humidity up! They have a wire topper, so it's wrapped in saran wrap to try to keep the humidity in!
Curly - As already stated, you will need a hygrometer to measure humidity.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? I use a heating pad, and it seems to do the job!
Curly - Where is your heat pad located?
The back on the left side.

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)? I only have fresh water available atm, I live in a house with a treated well, and the water is free of any pesticides, is my water still safe? I plan on getting some instant ocean soon, I just need to find good water dishes I am happy with so they can soak, and shop/product recommendations?
Curly - PPs don't neccesarily need to be able to fully submerge, I have only ever had wading pools for mine. But for deeper pools, many people use Rubbermaid type food containers, with plastic canvas 'ladders' so the crabs can climb in and out.
Thank you!

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? I sadly feed them pellets with a mix of treats and veggies atm, I ordered stuff to make them their own special food today, it should be here in a few days. I used the diet sheet, and I am confident that they will get the nutrients they need.
Curly - You don't have to spend a bunch of money on 'special' food if you dont' want to. Crabs can eat much of the same foods that we do. It is important that they get a variety of foods, including animal protein, calcium, greens, etc.
I felt that it was best to do it this way because I could maintain their diet more easily, I got things that won't go bad, so I should be good for 6 months, maybe a year with some of the items!

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I have two crabs, both PPs, and I have had them for about a month and a half, almost two months.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? I believe they are both molting right now.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? A glass tank, standard 10 gallon, gate lid wrapped in saran wrap.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? Two, and unknown, they were definitely not the smallest crabs I have seen, but nowhere near the biggest.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? 5-6, painted shells, I know they were bad, it's just all I have on hand right now, until I find them new, unpainted shells. Any shell shop recommendations? Any stores or listings you guys recommend?
Curly - Naples sea shells, Richards sea shells.
Thank you for your recommendation!

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

12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I clean the
tank once a week, I take everything out, rince it off, dry it's and straighten up the sand and put everything back in, I usually do some moving around. I also bathe my hermies in a bit of water while I clean their tank, they get a good swim and clean, and are out of the way and safe!
Curly - As already stated, crabs will carry a mix of salt and fresh water in their shells, and us bathing them will throw that balance off. It also stresses them. And as also stated, cleaning doesn't need to be done very often at all. I literally never take things out to rinse them off, and have never replaced all my substrate, I have just added to it as I have upgraded tanks and my crabs have grown.
I don't replace my sub, just shift it back in place, and sand gets stuck to everything, it bothers me so I wash it off. I think I'm going to start cleaning every other week. My crabs don't have saltwater yet, but I am going to stop bathing them all together, thank you!

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? I have a sponge, I wet it once a day since they drink out of it sometimes, it is not kept in the water dish. I rinse them out everytime I clean the tank, I need to start boiling it every week or every other week.
Curly - Sponges harbor bacteria in the water. You can put them in dry for crabs to munch on.
I am going to do just that, I will boil it first and let it dry before putting it back in for munching tho!

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? I just added climbing flowers and a play cube I got on Esty, I have more toys coming for them soon, I cleaned their cage before I added these in, and my babies ran and started digging, so molt time, not play time ig!