Trend of dead crabs - am I doing something wrong?

[kieagcarm]

Also, it's crazy how much food goes to waste. I'm still trying too get the amount of food I give them correct so I'm not wasting so much.

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[PickYerPoison]

Oh, I see. I'll keep putting food out for them, then. Thanks guys!

[PickYerPoison]

I noticed one nuzzled up against the (dark) side of the tank glass, a good couple inches below substrate level. If they're that low (and I know at least two others are and suspect another is) are they still likely to pop up for food, or is that more of an indicator that they're staying down there for a while? I'm still going to put new food and water out, I'm just curious.

[GotButterflies]

Mine dig all sorts of levels and come up at night. I do cover any parts that I can see them with cardboard just to be safe, (in case they are molting). Some do that, some don't. To each' down. Hermits need darkness to release the molting hormone


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[PickYerPoison]

Aaaaa great news! At some point during the night, Aiai (the first one to bury himself, ages ago) came up, ate some food, and changed shells! I quickly took the old painted shell out of the tank as soon as I saw it and confirmed it was empty. Do I need to do anything else? I'm going to change up the food tonight - now that I know there's a crab out of the substrate I can start putting in things that need to be replaced every day.

[GotButterflies]

That's great! Just keep doing things right


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[PickYerPoison]

A question about lights. Currently, I have a white/blue aquarium LED light that I use for viewing (obviously, I use the blue setting for night). However, my crabs don't seem to appreciate it - when I turn it on Aiai will generally retreat to a hiding spot out of the light. Is that normal for all viewing lights, or are there viewing lights I could use that the hermit crabs will totally ignore? Does anyone have any recommendations? I've read the post about lighting, but I'm curious if anyone can recommend me an exact brand or give me more details.

[Kermie16]

Interesting question! I just kinda assumed most hermies go to hide during any day time / light hours to feel safer since they are typically prey for other animals. I use LED's in my tank because it helps me with my poor eyesight. I believe many also use UV lights and have noticed increased activity with their crabs. UV lights is unfortunately not an option for me. Also UV light does not pass through glass so if u have a glass topper, it would not be effective.


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[GotButterflies]

I use UVB bulbs on my crabbies. At night I have a moon that is attached to the ceiling in the room my hermits are in. It gives me plenty of light to see them, and they don't seem to mind it. My lights are on timers.


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[PickYerPoison]

I use UVB bulbs on my crabbies. At night I have a moon that is attached to the ceiling in the room my hermits are in. It gives me plenty of light to see them, and they don't seem to mind it. My lights are on timers.


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That explains where the moon went! The sky's been pretty dark at night lately. Could you put it back when you're done with it?

Jokes aside, what brands/bulbs do you use? I want to be able to view my crabs without interrupting their activity if I can!

[GotButterflies]

Funny! The moon is bright here in Florida! Seriously, we have had some beautiful full moons lately.
Here is the moon I have for my crabbies:
https://smile.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Nigh ... on+reptile
Hope that link works! It is bright enough to dimly light the entire room imho. I cannot post links from my iphone or iPad, so I just jumped on my computer.
For the UVB, I use the reptisun 5.0

[ashleyandanimals]

Bless you for hanging in there! Most people get in not knowing what an ordeal it can be to get things set up. It can get so overwhelming! You are doing a fantastic job at learning and improving! Once you get over the initial hump of getting things at the right levels, it's a lot of fun to decorate and come up with new ideas to improve. I've had my customized tank up for a year now and I'm already wishing I could redesign. Keep it up! It's very rewarding to see them thrive after all the work you put in!


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[GotButterflies]

I just posted this on another thread, but for the past two days I have left my uvb bulb off, allowing only natural light in (tanks are by a large window). Some of my crabbies have been out and about during the day, which has been enjoyable


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[PickYerPoison]

The second crab just surfaced a few minutes ago! I was lucky enough to catch him getting out of the ground when I went to change the food dish. Thank you so much for all the help everyone. <3

[Kermie16]

Awww!! That's awesome! Congrats!!


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