Vmach87 wrote:1 Substrate:
All desert play sand
GB: Is it moistened with dechlorinated marine saltwater or dechlorinated freshwater to be sandcastle consistency? Is it at least 6 inches or 3 times the height of your largest crab? Whichever is deeper is what it needs to be
Vmach: with dechoirnated fresh water is that okay? And is deep enough for both crabs
2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and human midity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes, located about an inch or two above substrate on the cooler side of the tank
Fluctuates sometimes but usually
75 temp 75/80 humidity
GB: Okay, I recommend getting your temp up to 80. 80/80 is recommended. Humidity can go higher, temperature, I keep between 80-85.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes a under the tank heating pad that I placed on the outside wall not underneath
GB: UTH should go on the back of the tank, above the substrate. To get the heat up you can insulate the back or the sides of the aquarium. Do not insulate the heater. Use aluminum foil (shiny side facing into the tank), then cardboard or styrofoam.
Vmach: I have suran wrap on the cool side half of the tank for humidity
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)?
Fresh and salt I honestly don't measure I refil a little spray bottle and drop a little bit imusing API water turtle conditioner
GB: Dechlorinator should remove chlorine, and chloramine as well as neutralize ammonia and heavy metals. A lot of us use a product called Prime. As far as salt, you need marine salt, to mimic the ocean. A lot of us use a product called Instant Ocean which is what aquarium hobbyists use to make saltwater aquariums. It has the essential trace elements that hermit crabs need.
You have to use the dechlorinator for both freshwater and marine saltwater. Both pools should be deep enough for them to fully submerge in and safe enough for them to get out of. Are you misting your tank with saltwater? You definitely don't want to do that. Salt doesn't evaporate.
Vmach: I mist with dechrinated fresh water
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I've replaced food everyday never seen them eat
Alllibing things variety diet
Crab island fruit flower
GB: Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid
Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
Safe food list:
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list:
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92556
Food pyramid:
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554
Vmach thank you!
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Don't know species had for a week
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Not since I had him
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
10 gallon tank with mesh lid with one other larger crab
GB: Try putting press n seal or saran wrap on the lid to keep humidity in.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
One larger crab about a size bigger than him we just got 2nd crab few days ago
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
4 right now
GB: The HCA recommends 3-5 shells per hermit crab. I personally recommend more. It never hurts to have more
There are incorrect shells to buy. Here is the shell guide:
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Just cleaned it a few days ago to add all sand substrate
GB: It is only necessary to clean out crab poo, spilled food and to change their dirty water
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
I had them in the water dish and cleaned it in the microwave and just took it out of the dish last night
GB: Sponges are not necessary. You can toss them. It is just a marketing ploy.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Just a new crab and new shells
15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?
I might have put him I the baths few times since I had him
GB: Please do not bathe your crab. That is an old practice that is not done anymore. It is very stressful for the crabs. It is only recommended if your crab has harmful mites. Now a days it is recommended to provide them with pools for them to bathe themselves when they want. They need to be able to get out of them safely.
Vmach: I won't bathe them anymore thank u
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
GB: It is very possible your hermit is suffering from PPS. Unfortunately there is nothing that you can do at this time other than leave him/her alone. Provide him/her with organic raw honey, calcium (eggshell, cuttlebone, coral, oyster shell), and protein (krill, plankton, crickets, mealworms, chicken), and hope for the best. If your other one is down destressing, then there is no need to isolate him/her. Please do not dig your other crab up. Good luck!
Thank u!!!
Emergency is listed up top
I'm supposed to be dropping them off soon because we're going on vacation and I don't know why to do! Temp and humidity seem to be fine! How do I tell if he's dead? Or molting above sand? I don't want to assume the worst if he's just molting he's a little crab!
