HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi, newbie here.
I have a question about what to do with the substrate. Recently I've been concerned because ever since I changed it about 3 months ago, I haven't seen my guy digging any. His tank before had a mix of mostly coco fiber with a very small amount of calcium sand mixed in, and now he has a mix of mostly play sand and eco earth (5:2 I think). My question is should I go back to using mostly dirt? He seemed to really like it, and I have some eco earth left over. I was thinking of mixing it into the play sand that's already in there, maybe trying out a 50/50 mix. Or should I wait a while longer to see how he does? Honestly, I don't mind if he likes mostly eco earth, and does anyone else have allergies with the play sand? Is that normal?

I don't think you need to change your substrate in the tank. My crab doesn't dig that much, but he seems fine. He might just be getting used to it? Make sure not to put the calcium sand back in it. I'm not sure about allergies. Maybe it could be something else in the tank?

After 3 months he should have settled into whatever his normal routine is. Not all crabs are big diggers, but if you've noticed a major difference in his behavior then he may prefer a different mix. When was the last time he molted?

As far as allergies, playsand should be allergen free as it's literally just crushed sandstone, plain quartz. In clean dry sand there should be nothing organic for there to be proteins to react to. The dust when dry can definitely exacerbate sinus and asthma issues via physical means - and if it's been stored moist/wet then it can grow mold, bacteria or algae which can cause allergic reactions.

wodesorel wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 19, 2024 6:31 pm

After 3 months he should have settled into whatever his normal routine is. Not all crabs are big diggers, but if you've noticed a major difference in his behavior then he may prefer a different mix. When was the last time he molted?

As far as allergies, playsand should be allergen free as it's literally just crushed sandstone, plain quartz. In clean dry sand there should be nothing organic for there to be proteins to react to. The dust when dry can definitely exacerbate sinus and asthma issues via physical means - and if it's been stored moist/wet then it can grow mold, bacteria or algae which can cause allergic reactions.

That's what I considered too, maybe he just prefers hanging around. I'm unsure on if he has molted, but I wanna be sure he has what he needs when he has to. I did notice his claws are have more color! And yes, I do feel it's the dust. It did give me a bad cold. I think I may just give him more things to mess with and give him more time in case there's something else going on. I think it would be super cool if when I get him a bigger tank to do like a beach side, forest side so he has options of both substrates!

HermitGuy3 wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 19, 2024 3:56 pm

I don't think you need to change your substrate in the tank. My crab doesn't dig that much, but he seems fine. He might just be getting used to it? Make sure not to put the calcium sand back in it. I'm not sure about allergies. Maybe it could be something else in the tank?

I will not be going back to calcium sand, that stuff is weird! Maybe my crab is the same way? Or now that he has hides he doesn't feel the need to burrow and such. I think I'm going to give him some more time, keep an eye on him, and the substrate. And deal with the sneezing!

HermitGuy3 wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 19, 2024 3:56 pm

I don't think you need to change your substrate in the tank. My crab doesn't dig that much, but he seems fine. He might just be getting used to it? Make sure not to put the calcium sand back in it. I'm not sure about allergies. Maybe it could be something else in the tank?

There are some long term crabbers who use mostly coco fiber with a small amount of calcium sand mixed in. Altho it has gone out of mainstream use, there are still a number of people who use the mix with good results.