New Crab Lost Leg, Unresponsive

[Mitt2017]

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? Playground sand with a small amount of calcium sand mix on top, 3.5-4.5/5 inches deep. Read after getting calcium sand that it's actually dangerous for crabs but small amounts may not cause issues?


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? There's a hygrometer/thermometer combo in back of tank. Temp usually 75-77, humidity in 80s and sometimes 90s.


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? Have a heating pad but haven't used yet.


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)? Distilled water in one dish, salt water made from distilled water and Instant Ocean (mix ratio from water care sheet) in a second dish.


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Food is changed daily. Have offered eggs (all parts), nuts, seeds, oats, fruit, lettuce, chicken, coconut flakes, cheese, honey, pb.


6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? Not sure on species. Bought at the beach 12 days ago.


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? No.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? 10 gal glass tank with saran wrap on top to trap humidity


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? 1 crab, about 1.5 in I think


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? 4 shells


11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No


12. How often do you clean the tank and how? Food replaced everyday, water replaced every couple of days.


13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? Had sponges in both dishes but took out.


14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? No.


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. Crab has mostly been hiding. Checked on him yesterday, and noticed he had lost a leg. Put food bowl right by opening of cave. Checked on him this morning, and he seems non-responsive and is sliding forward from his shell.

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[Mitt2017]

I'm pretty sure he has a fishy smell now. I tried hard to create a good environment for him, and I feel terrible he didn't make it.

[KyMart]

He could have just died from PPS, his tank sounds a bit cold, but he wasn't with you for too long, so I don't think that should have caused him to die. My crabs spent a few weeks in a wire cage until I got them their current tank (10g glass), and they are very much alive.

[curlysister]

75-77 is a very safe temp. Unfortunately, our crabs go through so much before we get them, that even with us getting them into excellent conditions, they are sometimes unable to recover.
I'm sorry that your crab passed away.