1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
mix of coco fiber and playsand. 7.5-8 inches deep.
2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes. Gauge is in front left corner - typically 79%-83% humidity and 82 degrees. I also have a thermometer/thermostat hanging in the front right corner - it reads slightly higher around 85 degrees.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes, heating pads along the back wall (outside of tank). They’re at substrate ground level and higher. If the gauge/thermometer are at the front and reading low to mid 80’s, I’m sure it’s much hotter towards the back with the pads. Could it be too hot?
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)?
Both fresh and salt. Tupperware containers deep enough for them submerge with craft mesh ramps to get out. Also have air bubblers in each. I use prime dechlorinator and instant ocean for salt water.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Typically replace every other day Unless there’s fresh food in there, and that i try to change daily. I bought a bunch of food from hermit crab Etsy sellers (a couple from this forum), cuttlebone, egg shells, lobster shells, tuna mixes, honey, lettuce, fruit, etc.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
A little under 2 months. Got them from a pet store where conditions weren’t ideal. I think they’re all purple pinchers but many have been hiding And i haven’t gotten a good look at all of them.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Not sure if it has molted. When we first brought them home, they were in a 10 gallon tank and they all buried. I quickly got a 29g tank and this particular crab was the last one to surface in the old tank so last one to join the new tank. It’s been in the new tank for 1.5-2 weeks now.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
29g glass tank with a wire top that’s covered in plastic wrap to help with humidity.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
4 crabs. All small/medium.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
15-20 extra shells. Not all are the correct size for them currently (Some are too big) but it’s been hard to find the right sizes. This crab is still in the painted pet store shell
two out of four crabs have moved to new shells but this is one that hasn’t yet. 11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
The 29g is still new as of a few weeks ago. Haven’t cleaned the substrate but do wipe the sides with a paper towel if substrate has been kicked up. Have only done that once.
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No sponges used
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
It’s a new-ish tank. I have two huts on the ground level, a shower caddy on the second level with moss, a hanging “hut” on the second level, a hamster wheel, cholla, fake hanging green plants for climbing, bridge, etc
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.)?
No
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
A couple days ago i noticed this particular crab flipped on its side (shell opening Faced out) and tucked into the shell. I thought it was odd but left it until the next day but when it hadn’t moved, i picked it up to check and it did move a little in the shell. I put it back down and it started moving a bit... i saw it eating and at the water pool. I noticed yesterday it was hanging out of its shell more than i had seen and wasn’t really responding to my sudden movements like it had in the past. Tonight i found it practically hanging out of its shell, looking very limp. The skin/exoskeleton looks gray and ashy. It’s in a room that gets dark early and i was shining my phone flash light near it so i could see and it didn’t react at all. I Then replaced food dishes that were inches away from it and it didn’t react. His antennae seem to be drooping down too. There’s no smell yet so I’m hoping it’s not dead but i don’t know what to do. I didn’t touch it because if it is stressed, or possibly surface molting, i don’t want to stress it out anymore. I’m going to try to add a picture.
Also, since I’m already on the emergency forum.... one of my other crabs has been completely flipped upside down for about 3 days now. Upside down, meaning the shell opening is facing up. It’s right next to the back wall where there is egg crate so i feel like it could flip itself over, but should i do it for him?
Thank you in advance for any advice!!
.
He ended up passing away. We got the isolation tank all set up and we went to pick him up to move him and he fell completely out of his shell and smelled terrible. I couldn't help myself but I started sobbing. I didn't realize I had gotten so attached to these little guys. 