HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I got my first E. But, I haven't been able to buy 'real' sea salt (the expensive stuff, from a pert store) but I have 'all natural organic' sea salt my mom uses to cook with. I looked on the back to read the ingredients and it says, "Atlantic ocean sea salt." So, I mixed a little in with the water and tasted it to make sure it wasn't too salty. Is this okay for my E? At least for a little wile until I am able to buy the good stuff?

Nope You need the kind from the pet store. Oceanic and Instant Ocean are my favourite brands, all species of hermit crabs need salt water. Ask one of your parents to get you some if you can't afford it. with the new Es.

I got a 15 lbs bag of instant ocean for $24.99, and that was Canada. If you live in the States, it will probably be less. I could be wrong, though.

Good luck!

seasalt is very cheap in the US.. You can buy like the quart carton of API/DocWellfish seasalt for like, less then $5 I believe it is. And it lasts awhile.

mogymog wrote:seasalt is very cheap in the US.. You can buy like the quart carton of API/DocWellfish seasalt for like, less then $5 I believe it is. And it lasts awhile.

API salt is for killing parasites & healing cuts on fresh water fish. It isn't ocean salt, it's fresh water salt. You need to use Oceanic or Instant Ocean salt which is designed for salt water fish.

Uh no its not. Its made for saltwater, for crabs to drink. It's even endorsed and most of the older people here recommend it

Are you sure? I have only seen it for fresh water aquariums

Hermitcrazy wrote:Are you sure? I have only seen it for fresh water aquariums

I use it with no affects.

I've always heard it doesn't hold salinity well. I'll look into it when I get some cash for some API salt.

The only thing about API salt is that you need to mix it really strong, NOT according to the package directions. Use 1 or 1 1/2 tablespoons per 16 ounces of water (8-12 tablespoons per gallon). I use it sometimes. It's fine for hermies, though some people believe it doesn't have all the right minerals for long-term use. I know some experienced crabkeepers who have been using it for years. In any case, it's certainly safe for short-term use.

I have been getting mine from Petco here lately. It is real ocean water pre-made and my Straws absolutely love it. It runs about 10 or eleven dollars for 5 gallons though, but still worth it for me not to have to mix it.

Willow wrote:The only thing about API salt is that you need to mix it really strong, NOT according to the package directions. Use 1 or 1 1/2 tablespoons per 16 ounces of water (8-12 tablespoons per gallon). I use it sometimes. It's fine for hermies, though some people believe it doesn't have all the right minerals for long-term use. I know some experienced crabkeepers who have been using it for years. In any case, it's certainly safe for short-term use.

Ditto! I use 14 teaspoons per gallon.

spidtat wrote:I have been getting mine from Petco here lately. It is real ocean water pre-made and my Straws absolutely love it. It runs about 10 or eleven dollars for 5 gallons though, but still worth it for me not to have to mix it.

I use that kind too....I find my straws in it more than when i used to mix it.

the guys are right

I used salt water glub wich is 24 oz for 8 bucks.
and for half that i bought a 1.4 lb bag of Oceanic saltwater that makes 5 gallons of water.

Its been working really well for me, and ive heard many other crabbers like to use it as well, its the least expensive brand i can find.

and i change my water every day because my crabs like to load up the water bowl with sand

so it works out nicely for me

and make sure you are using purified water, not tap when you do mix the salt

hope this helped.

Today I purchased Instant Ocean Salt.

The directions state to dilute 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water.

Is this the same recommended dilution for crabbies?

(Just checking)