moosebologna wrote:Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Coconut fiber, sand, 3 inches deep.
CL77- is it moistened to sand castle consistency using dechlor fresh or salt water? Also, the sub should be 3x the height of your largest crab.
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, in the middle of the tank, usually 76 temp and 75-80 humid.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I have a daytime lamp and a heating pad under the tank.
CL77-For hermits, you don't want to put the uth under the tank. With all the substrate to heat through, it can over heat the uth and be a fire risk. If it has adhesive on it, you also can't remove it and stick it elsewhere. It can cause the wires inside to break and also become a fire hazard. Your goal is to heat the air, so you want to place a uth on the back and/or sides above the substrate line. (If it goes below the sub line a bit it's ok, but the sub will dry out quicker).
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, a few drops of each.
CL77- what dechlorinator are you using? What salt are you using? For salt, you'll want to use a marine salt like Instant Ocean (mix it with dechlor water according to the directions). Prime is a good dechlorinator/heavy metal detoxifier. For more info, see the water care sheet.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I mix it up between a dry pellet food and a powder with shrimp.
CL77-Variety is key. Pellet food isn't great for hermits long term. Crabs can eat many of the things we eat. Be sure to offer them different types of proteins and a calcium source daily. Check out the safe food list on here for more ideas.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I don’t know the species (there’s 3) but I’ve had them for almost a year now
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
One is currently molting I think, it went under maybe a week ago?
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
20 gallon tank. A mesh top lid.
CL77- to help retain moisture, you can wrap the lid in saran wrap. If you're using a light directly on top, make sure to avoid that area with the wrap though.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 medium sized.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
There’s four extra shells.
CL77-HCA recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab, so ideally you should have at least 9-15 shells. They should also be the right type. Purple Pinchers like shells with round openings, like turbos. Check out the shell care sheet on here for more info.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Not often enough obviously
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes I just replace them after a month.
CL77- Sponges in the water dishes will harbor bacteria, so you'll want to take them out. It's ok to leave sponges in the tank dry for the crabs to munch on though.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Just an auto mister.
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.)?
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
I noticed the other day that there seems to be little tiny bugs in the tank, I noticed it while watching them and seeing one or two on the crab itself. They’re tiny and brown colored. I couldn’t inspect any closer as I am very terrified of tiny bugs and didn’t have gloves on hand to wear. One of the three crabs is molting I believe as I can’t find him in the tank and his shell is empty, I didn’t dig around just in case he was molting. I need to clean out the tank and replace everything and get rid of what I assume are mites, but I don’t know how to do that when one is under. I feel terrible that they even have the bugs to begin with and want to help them but am scared of hurting the buried one in some way. What do I do?? Please help!
CL77- Unless the mites are actually clinging to the crab (like on the mouthparts and/or joints), they are harmless. If you see them crawling all over the tank and around the food dishes, you don't have to worry. Critters like springtails and food mites actually help break down old food and poo. I'm not super great at identification, but I have little mites running around both my tanks. I just let them do their thing. The springtails and mites can be found in our homes, but are drawn to the warm and moist environment that the crabitat provides. Check out the What's That Bug care sheet for more info:
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