HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I added some more freshwater to the substrate in my tank this morning while I fluffed it up. Clumsy me, I dropped the bottle that I was using to pour the freshwater out of. There wasn't much left in it, so I thought the substrate would be fine and still at the "sandcastle consistency".

Now I usually add more freshwater to the substrate in my tank once every 3 to 4 days so that it gets absorbed properly. I may have added too much this time completely on accident though, because the substrate is looking soupy on top and is VERY mushy. My crabs seem to be fine, but they haven't been digging much. I think my tank may be flooded.

Is there a safe way to get rid of the extra water without having to put in completely new substrate?

It sounds like you def flooded the tank. I'd remove all your crabs first (be prepared to iso any molting crabs). Then you could try one of two things. What I'd try first is adding more dry sand in the tank and mixing it all up. Do this until all the excess water is absorbed. Or, you could take everything out and start new.
What kind of lid do you have on the tank? You shouldn't have to add water that frequently to the substrate if everything is sealed up pretty good. I use glass tank lids, and pretty much never have to add water to my sub. If you have a mesh top, be sure to cover it completely in saran wrap to hold in the moisture.
Hope this helps!

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Alright, I'll try adding more dry sand and probably some coco fiber too, once I'm back at home.

And I have a mesh lid but it's already mostly covered in saran wrap. Part of the lid isn't because I don't want the lamp that serves as the light for the tank to, I don't know, set the saran wrap on fire or something. I do have an extra towel on top of the saran wrap, though.

Adding dry sand worked well! Thanks for the advice!

That's awesome! Yw!

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