Now, this morning, our newest crab Peppa was in a similar looking position. After more googling, I decided to attempt to ISO her with a large water bottle (a gallon sized, so very large) since I don't have anywhere else to put her. She was RIGHT up against the glass, so I gently moved her ever so slightly away from the glass so I had room to get the bottle around her. But as I moved her, two of her legs fell off!? I am worried she may not really be molting and is sick/dying!? Is there anything I can or should do for her?
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? 5" of approx 60/30 sand/Eco earth, with about 1/2" plain Eco earth on top (having trouble keeping humidity up)
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? Upper back lefthand corner , 80°F and 60-70 humidity, except right after misting, when it goes up a bit.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? I bought a uth but wasn't keeping it warm enough so have been using a heating pad on the back side of the tank
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)?
One salt, one fresh. I have been using a "hermit crab" salt, I forget the brand, but I've read here that instant ocean is better, so will be buying that!
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Originally pellets and ground "hermit crab food" but have recently been doing fresh food. Raw almonds, strawberries, and quinoa.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? We've had Sparkle about a month, a small pp, and Peppa, a large pp for 5 days.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? Sparkle JUST molted 5 days ago, a surface molt. I am unsure if Peppa is molting or sick. The other three have not molted yet.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? 10gal (soon to be 20long) with a vented lid, which I keep a thick towel over to trap humidity
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? 2 small, claw approx 1/4", 2 med, claw approx 1/2", and 1 claw approx 3/4".
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? 9, 3 of each size
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how? Clean food and water daily, haven't cleaned sub at all yet.
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? No
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? Eco earth and a crab
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. Described above.
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HCADirectors
Posts: 53
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2008 5:37 pm
Location: The HCA
so when it read 80 it was really 100...I would start there w your gauge then u can add bubblers to your water but u may not have enough room in the 10g...I have a 20L and I have enough room...you can try a moss pit (I had it on the sub in my 10g), those things have helped me but I still spray 1x a day...I have also done away with the wood items cause they did mold. All my stuff is ceramic and plastic. 
