HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I just found this white looking 'fuzz' on the end of my log hut, into the sand a little. When I picked it up it almost felt like very fine hair and the sand clung to it? Anyone know what that is? Don't see it anywhere else in the tank...

Didn't get photo

here is the photo from this morning - there was more. I also see it on the corner crawling mat I have - all on the bottom.

What the heck???
https://flic.kr/p/2qhXXH9
Gross!!!

Hi there! It's mold. Sometimes I get that "hairy" mold too. It's not harmful to the crabs. It just means the food is bad and it's time to change it out. I keep it away from my face, and wash my hands well after handling it, but only because I'm allergic to mold.

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But it's on the bottom of the climbing mat in the corner too. I am thinking I didn't do the substrate correct. Is it safe to move them back to small tank so I can get that corrected? BUT - since I can't find the one, I am worried he's buried and don't want to bother him.
Lord these little guys are something else. lol

hlabone72 wrote:But it's on the bottom of the climbing mat in the corner too. I am thinking I didn't do the substrate correct. Is it safe to move them back to small tank so I can get that corrected? BUT - since I can't find the one, I am worried he's buried and don't want to bother him.
Lord these little guys are something else. lol

It's the high humidity causing the mold. Mold can grow on decor too. You can take the climbing mat out, soak it in salt water, and dry it thoroughly. This will help inhibit future mold growth.

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Ok awesome. Wasn’t sure what to soak it in. I’ve arranged their smaller tank for a temp holding area while I clean up this larger tank. I think I have too much eco vs sand. Is that too much stress on them to move them? The smaller is the correct ratio and only temp to correct this one and clean. Maybe a few hours?

But I have to wait to find the one. He’s the only one who seems to ‘hide’ and I noticed this morning he changed shells.

hlabone72 wrote:Ok awesome. Wasn’t sure what to soak it in. I’ve arranged their smaller tank for a temp holding area while I clean up this larger tank. I think I have too much eco vs sand. Is that too much stress on them to move them? The smaller is the correct ratio and only temp to correct this one and clean. Maybe a few hours?

There's really no correct ratio, the 5:1 is just a recommendation. Some people use all sand, some use all EE. I use a majority of sand with a little ee mixed in. When I add substrate on top after the stuff in the tank has settled for a while, I only add sand. So there's really no need to redo your sub. My food gets moldy all the time because my humidity is usually around 90-99% in both tanks.

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Ok then I think I will just add some sand. This makes me feel better.

Thanks again so much for all your help. New crab mom and want to do the best for them. I do love them, they are so fun, but boy are these two new ones messy lol

Yw. I'm glad I could help. Crabbies def are messy. It drives me crazy when mine dig under their food dishes, and then all the food disappears into a big hole lol.

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