Phorid Flies with Molters

[Explorer2023]

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?

5:1 ratio play sand to eco earth, 6-7"


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, accucheck in cool side ( front of tank) and wall dial thermometer on wall. Temperature ranges 75-77 on cool side and 80-85 on warm side. Humidity ranges 80-90


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?

Bean farm heater along back of tank above substrate


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, treated with prime. Instant ocean for salt water


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?

Varied dry food off of etsy with fresh fruits and veggies a few times a week. I refresh all water and dry food every third day. Fruit and veggies usually removed after 24 hours

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?

4 purple pinchers, got July


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?

1 crab under Substrate since July (dottest), one I have seen once since July (greeny), Explorer molted- went down July 16 and came up about August 7th with bright coloring and hairy legs. Whitey went down July 12 and came up August 10. Whitey stopped moving for a few days and I put her in iso suspecting a surface molt. September 5th was last time I saw her move


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, plexy glass lid

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?

4, three are small and one is medium


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

12+/-

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?

No


12. How often do you clean the tank and how?

I have only had the tank set up for 3 months, so far only spot clean food and moss

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?

No sponges


14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?

Etsy food, oak leaves


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 think we have phorid flies. Definitely have book lice. I don't know what to do because 2 of the crabs are buried (and have been since July), one is surface molting (hopefully. It's been a month and no smell). Only one crab is relocatable. I have photos and videos of the flies but I'm 99% sure they're phorid flies. What do I do!?


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