HCA: Hermit Crab Association

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play Sand and Eco Earth mix
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?
none for humidity and the temp thermometer is one of the stick on ones on the outside of the tank. it was there from when we had fish a few years back
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
not yet, im saving up for one but i keep a towel over top to keep heat a bit more constant
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, dechlorinated with Tetra brand BettaSafe dechlorinator (I have three bettas and thats what i had on hand when i got my crabs) and the aquarium salt is Jungle brand Aquarium Salt. I keep the salt water prepared in a gallon jug, its 1/4 teaspoon for a gallon of water i think
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I try to provide veggies when I can, as well as honey, oats, and fruits when we have them.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I got him November 30, 2016 and he is a pp
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
yes his first molt with me and my first time experiencing a molt. I accidentally unearthed him after he had been down for 3-4 weeks but hadnt appeared to have molted and after i placed him in the iso tank, he surface molted. His left hind leg never grew and one of his antennae are shorter than it should be. He hasnt been too active since he molted but after he seemed completely hardened and was no longer eating his exo scraps, I bathed him and put him back into the main tank. There havent been any fights that I know of.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
A 10 gallon glass tank with a screen lid. I have plastic wrap over the lid for humidity.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 crabs; one is small, the other is a little under medium and the one im worried about is a bigger medium.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
At the moment there are about 27-ish
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I havent cleaned it in a while beause I kept being told that it wasnt needed. but when i did, i just scooped out poop.
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?
A few times I added branches I found outside after I had baked them in the oven but they mold so I throw them out. I also recently got a huge heavy rock from outside, washed and baked it, and added it but took it out because I got paranoid that a crab would try to dig under it and the weight of it would cause it to fall and crush the crab. So I put the old aquarium cave ive been using for a few months back in. Shells were also recently purchased and added but I clean and boil them in salt water.
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.)?
I sometimes take them out to play with and so they can explore. Last night i had the one im worried about out and he was climbing on me and stuff, just things I usually let my crabs do.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
EArlier I checked on my crabs and saw him at the two largest shells I have, and it seemed like he was checking them out kind of lazily. then I went back a little later and he was hanging out of his shell a bit so I decided to leave him alone to see if he would change shells. After i came home, I went to see him and he was hanging out far enough that I can see his abdomen. I tried to "scare" him to see if he would go into his shell like he usually does but he didnt do anything so I lightly picked the shell up and he just slowly started to fall out. I placed him back down and hes still in the shell but just hanging out and not doing anything. Im really worried about him and I dont know what to do. I misted the tank to try to keep him from drying out and placed the lid and towel back on it. Please help I dont want him to die.

Emerald Fox wrote:1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play Sand and Eco Earth mix

H: Yu didn't clarify how deep it is- must be 3 times the height of the biggest crab and at least 6 inches.

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?
none for humidity and the temp thermometer is one of the stick on ones on the outside of the tank. it was there from when we had fish a few years back

H: You should get a digital thermometer/hydrometer. This is critical- humidity MUST be close to 80% and the tank should be 75-80 f.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
not yet, im saving up for one but i keep a towel over top to keep heat a bit more constant

H: You really need to have a UTH and also if you get a glass lid it will help to keep in humidity.

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, dechlorinated with Tetra brand BettaSafe dechlorinator (I have three bettas and thats what i had on hand when i got my crabs) and the aquarium salt is Jungle brand Aquarium Salt. I keep the salt water prepared in a gallon jug, its 1/4 teaspoon for a gallon of water i think

H: I don't know about Jungle brand but a lot of salt mixes are not strong enough but I would use instant ocean.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I try to provide veggies when I can, as well as honey, oats, and fruits when we have them.

H: Make sure you don't give commercial pellets, also try to provide more calcium and proteins such as crushed oyster shells, cuttlebone, some meats and fish and some dried insects.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I got him November 30, 2016 and he is a pp.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
yes his first molt with me and my first time experiencing a molt. I accidentally unearthed him after he had been down for 3-4 weeks but hadnt appeared to have molted and after i placed him in the iso tank, he surface molted. His left hind leg never grew and one of his antennae are shorter than it should be. He hasnt been too active since he molted but after he seemed completely hardened and was no longer eating his exo scraps, I bathed him and put him back into the main tank. There havent been any fights that I know of.

H: Surface molts are hard on crabs, he could of lost a lot of strength and nutrition. Also you should never disturb a molting crab.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
A 10 gallon glass tank with a screen lid. I have plastic wrap over the lid for humidity.

H: A 10 gallon sounds a little snug for your crab sizes, I also think crabs should just never be kept in a 10 gallon- not enough room to roam.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 crabs; one is small, the other is a little under medium and the one im worried about is a bigger medium.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
At the moment there are about 27-ish

H: That is a good number, but in a 10 gallon I can't imagine that not taking up a lot of available space.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I havent cleaned it in a while beause I kept being told that it wasnt needed. but when i did, i just scooped out poop.

H: just take out food bits and visible poop.

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?
A few times I added branches I found outside after I had baked them in the oven but they mold so I throw them out. I also recently got a huge heavy rock from outside, washed and baked it, and added it but took it out because I got paranoid that a crab would try to dig under it and the weight of it would cause it to fall and crush the crab. So I put the old aquarium cave ive been using for a few months back in. Shells were also recently purchased and added but I clean and boil them in salt water.

H: Never use pine is a crabitat, if that was what the dances were.

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.)?
I sometimes take them out to play with and so they can explore. Last night i had the one im worried about out and he was climbing on me and stuff, just things I usually let my crabs do.

H: Only take them out if they absolutely want too, never force a crab to play.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
EArlier I checked on my crabs and saw him at the two largest shells I have, and it seemed like he was checking them out kind of lazily. then I went back a little later and he was hanging out of his shell a bit so I decided to leave him alone to see if he would change shells. After i came home, I went to see him and he was hanging out far enough that I can see his abdomen. I tried to "scare" him to see if he would go into his shell like he usually does but he didnt do anything so I lightly picked the shell up and he just slowly started to fall out. I placed him back down and hes still in the shell but just hanging out and not doing anything. Im really worried about him and I dont know what to do. I misted the tank to try to keep him from drying out and placed the lid and towel back on it. Please help I dont want him to die.

ISO the crab. Give him raw organic honey, cuttlebone or oyster shells, and lots of protein. Give him salt and fresh water and some kind of cover like a coco hut. A reason your crab could be this way is the temp in the tank. It NEEDS to be at least 75f. Keep us updated.


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I responded on your template as well using H:


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Hermiearth wrote:I responded on your template as well using H:


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Thank you for your response. I just checked on him and im pretty sure he's dead. He isnt moving, and his eyes and antennae are kind of bent together but i assume because it hasnt been too long there hasnt been time for a "death scent" to make its way out. But thank you for all of your help. I know i still need a lot of things for them and I almost have enough to get the heater so hopefully it wont happen again.

Hermiearth wrote:I responded on your template as well using H:


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Should I just wait for the smell? I know hes not molting, his entire body is hanging out but I dont just want a dead crab in the tank all night

Emerald Fox wrote:

Hermiearth wrote:I responded on your template as well using H:


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Should I just wait for the smell? I know hes not molting, his entire body is hanging out but I dont just want a dead crab in the tank all night

Definitely want to wait for the smell.

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Hello. There were a few indiscrepancies, so I put GB for GotButterflies.

Hermiearth wrote:

Emerald Fox wrote:1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play Sand and Eco Earth mix

H: Yu didn't clarify how deep it is- must be 3 times the height of the biggest crab and at least 6 inches.

GB: Actually it is 3 times the height or 6 inches, whichever is deeper

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?
none for humidity and the temp thermometer is one of the stick on ones on the outside of the tank. it was there from when we had fish a few years back

H: You should get a digital thermometer/hydrometer. This is critical- humidity MUST be close to 80% and the tank should be 75-80 f.

GB: The HCA recommends a minimum of 80 humidity and 80 temperature. It is definitely critical for the health of your hermit to know exactly the temperature and humidity of your tank.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
not yet, im saving up for one but i keep a towel over top to keep heat a bit more constant

H: You really need to have a UTH and also if you get a glass lid it will help to keep in humidity.

GB: Heat is crucial for survival. In the meantime, you can warm the towels in the dryer without a dryer sheet. Warm a blanket in the dryer without a dryer sheet, but it is all a guessing game, you need a thermometer.

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, dechlorinated with Tetra brand BettaSafe dechlorinator (I have three bettas and thats what i had on hand when i got my crabs) and the aquarium salt is Jungle brand Aquarium Salt. I keep the salt water prepared in a gallon jug, its 1/4 teaspoon for a gallon of water i think

H: I don't know about Jungle brand but a lot of salt mixes are not strong enough but I would use instant ocean.

GB: Jungle brand aquarium salt is for freshwater fish. That improves freshwater fish health. You need marine salt water. Instant Ocean is what you need. You also need a dechlorinator like Prime for your water. I'm not familiar with BettaSafe. You need to remove Chlorine, Chloramine and heavy metals in the water.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I try to provide veggies when I can, as well as honey, oats, and fruits when we have them.

H: Make sure you don't give commercial pellets, also try to provide more calcium and proteins such as crushed oyster shells, cuttlebone, some meats and fish and some dried insects.

GB: Things need to be organic if possible - especially the honey. that needs to be raw and organic.
Safe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92556

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I got him November 30, 2016 and he is a pp.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
yes his first molt with me and my first time experiencing a molt. I accidentally unearthed him after he had been down for 3-4 weeks but hadnt appeared to have molted and after i placed him in the iso tank, he surface molted. His left hind leg never grew and one of his antennae are shorter than it should be. He hasnt been too active since he molted but after he seemed completely hardened and was no longer eating his exo scraps, I bathed him and put him back into the main tank. There havent been any fights that I know of.

H: Surface molts are hard on crabs, he could of lost a lot of strength and nutrition. Also you should never disturb a molting crab.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
A 10 gallon glass tank with a screen lid. I have plastic wrap over the lid for humidity.

H: A 10 gallon sounds a little snug for your crab sizes, I also think crabs should just never be kept in a 10 gallon- not enough room to roam.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 crabs; one is small, the other is a little under medium and the one im worried about is a bigger medium.

GB: We recommend 1 crab per 5 gallons. You are a little overcrowded.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
At the moment there are about 27-ish

H: That is a good number, but in a 10 gallon I can't imagine that not taking up a lot of available space.

GB: That's great - but they all need to be the correct kind of shells. Here is the shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I havent cleaned it in a while beause I kept being told that it wasnt needed. but when i did, i just scooped out poop.

H: just take out food bits and visible poop.

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?
A few times I added branches I found outside after I had baked them in the oven but they mold so I throw them out. I also recently got a huge heavy rock from outside, washed and baked it, and added it but took it out because I got paranoid that a crab would try to dig under it and the weight of it would cause it to fall and crush the crab. So I put the old aquarium cave ive been using for a few months back in. Shells were also recently purchased and added but I clean and boil them in salt water.

H: Never use pine is a crabitat, if that was what the dances were.

GB: You can soak the branches in salt water before you bake them to prevent mold growth

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.)?
I sometimes take them out to play with and so they can explore. Last night i had the one im worried about out and he was climbing on me and stuff, just things I usually let my crabs do.

H: Only take them out if they absolutely want too, never force a crab to play.

GB: To each's own. Playing with a crab can stress them out. They are prey animals. I would only do this if they are not stressed out. I never play with mine. I never touch mine. I am hands off with my crabbies.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
EArlier I checked on my crabs and saw him at the two largest shells I have, and it seemed like he was checking them out kind of lazily. then I went back a little later and he was hanging out of his shell a bit so I decided to leave him alone to see if he would change shells. After i came home, I went to see him and he was hanging out far enough that I can see his abdomen. I tried to "scare" him to see if he would go into his shell like he usually does but he didnt do anything so I lightly picked the shell up and he just slowly started to fall out. I placed him back down and hes still in the shell but just hanging out and not doing anything. Im really worried about him and I dont know what to do. I misted the tank to try to keep him from drying out and placed the lid and towel back on it. Please help I dont want him to die.

ISO the crab. Give him raw organic honey, cuttlebone or oyster shells, and lots of protein. Give him salt and fresh water and some kind of cover like a coco hut. A reason your crab could be this way is the temp in the tank. It NEEDS to be at least 75f. Keep us updated.

GB: Is it possible he injured himself trying one of the shells on? Is it possible it's too hot or too cold in your crabitat? It is possible it is PPS...that is always a possibility until a crab has molted a couple of times. You do have quite a few things you need to improve asap to help your other crabbies. Good luck!

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I added to what hermiearth said. Mine are marked with a D-.

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play Sand and Eco Earth mix

H: Yu didn't clarify how deep it is- must be 3 times the height of the biggest crab and at least 6 inches.

D- it needs to be a minimum of 6 inches or 3 times your largest crab. Whichever is greater.

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?
none for humidity and the temp thermometer is one of the stick on ones on the outside of the tank. it was there from when we had fish a few years back

H: You should get a digital thermometer/hydrometer. This is critical- humidity MUST be close to 80% and the tank should be 75-80 f.

D- a good digital brand is AcuRite found at Wal-Mart (or any hardware store) under $10. Temp min of 80 and humidity min of 80. 80/80 is striving not thriving. Higher leads to more active crabbies.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
not yet, im saving up for one but i keep a towel over top to keep heat a bit more constant

H: You really need to have a UTH and also if you get a glass lid it will help to keep in humidity.

D- ReptileBasics.com is good place for UTH. You'll want the biggest that will fit along the back and ABOVE the sub. Zoomed does little to nothing for heat.

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, dechlorinated with Tetra brand BettaSafe dechlorinator (I have three bettas and thats what i had on hand when i got my crabs) and the aquarium salt is Jungle brand Aquarium Salt. I keep the salt water prepared in a gallon jug, its 1/4 teaspoon for a gallon of water i think

H: I don't know about Jungle brand but a lot of salt mixes are not strong enough but I would use instant ocean.

D- from my understanding, Instant Ocean is a better brand (or anything marine grade). I don't know too much about jungle brand either.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I try to provide veggies when I can, as well as honey, oats, and fruits when we have them.

H: Make sure you don't give commercial pellets, also try to provide more calcium and proteins such as crushed oyster shells, cuttlebone, some meats and fish and some dried insects.

D- calcium: sea urchan, egg shell, cuttlebone-from bird section. Protein: crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, shrimp, krill.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I got him November 30, 2016 and he is a pp.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
yes his first molt with me and my first time experiencing a molt. I accidentally unearthed him after he had been down for 3-4 weeks but hadnt appeared to have molted and after i placed him in the iso tank, he surface molted. His left hind leg never grew and one of his antennae are shorter than it should be. He hasnt been too active since he molted but after he seemed completely hardened and was no longer eating his exo scraps, I bathed him and put him back into the main tank. There havent been any fights that I know of.

H: Surface molts are hard on crabs, he could of lost a lot of strength and nutrition. Also you should never disturb a molting crab.

D- NEVER dig for a crab! Some can bury 5+ months. You just have to wait it out.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
A 10 gallon glass tank with a screen lid. I have plastic wrap over the lid for humidity.

H: A 10 gallon sounds a little snug for your crab sizes, I also think crabs should just never be kept in a 10 gallon- not enough room to roam.

D- I agree that a 10 gal isn't enough. Try to aim for 5 gal/crab. Overcrowding can often lead to cannibalism.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 crabs; one is small, the other is a little under medium and the one im worried about is a bigger medium.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
At the moment there are about 27-ish

H: That is a good number, but in a 10 gallon I can't imagine that not taking up a lot of available space.

D- make sure it's their preferred shelled type. Here's the shell link: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=92552

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I havent cleaned it in a while beause I kept being told that it wasnt needed. but when i did, i just scooped out poop.

H: just take out food bits and visible poop.

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?
A few times I added branches I found outside after I had baked them in the oven but they mold so I throw them out. I also recently got a huge heavy rock from outside, washed and baked it, and added it but took it out because I got paranoid that a crab would try to dig under it and the weight of it would cause it to fall and crush the crab. So I put the old aquarium cave ive been using for a few months back in. Shells were also recently purchased and added but I clean and boil them in salt water.

H: Never use pine is a crabitat, if that was what the dances were.

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.)?
I sometimes take them out to play with and so they can explore. Last night i had the one im worried about out and he was climbing on me and stuff, just things I usually let my crabs do.

H: Only take them out if they absolutely want too, never force a crab to play.

D- hermits are predators. Being handled can often stress them out.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
EArlier I checked on my crabs and saw him at the two largest shells I have, and it seemed like he was checking them out kind of lazily. then I went back a little later and he was hanging out of his shell a bit so I decided to leave him alone to see if he would change shells. After i came home, I went to see him and he was hanging out far enough that I can see his abdomen. I tried to "scare" him to see if he would go into his shell like he usually does but he didnt do anything so I lightly picked the shell up and he just slowly started to fall out. I placed him back down and hes still in the shell but just hanging out and not doing anything. Im really worried about him and I dont know what to do. I misted the tank to try to keep him from drying out and placed the lid and towel back on it. Please help I dont want him to die.[/quote]

ISO the crab. Give him raw organic honey, cuttlebone or oyster shells, and lots of protein. Give him salt and fresh water and some kind of cover like a coco hut. A reason your crab could be this way is the temp in the tank. It NEEDS to be at least 75f. Keep us updated.

D- you can make an ISO out of a soda bottle. Cut bottom off and take cap off and place this around him with caps of FW, MSW, organic honey, & protein. Temp/humidity needs to min of 80.

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GotButterflies wrote:Hello. There were a few indiscrepancies, so I put GB for GotButterflies.

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You responded same time I did lol. I was also trying to clarify.

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daws409 wrote:

GotButterflies wrote:Hello. There were a few indiscrepancies, so I put GB for GotButterflies.

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You responded same time I did lol. I was also trying to clarify.

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Alas...I was 4 minutes earlier

Hermits are predators? totally teasing you!!

Edit: No worries! It is always good to have input!!

GotButterflies wrote:

daws409 wrote:

GotButterflies wrote:Hello. There were a few indiscrepancies, so I put GB for GotButterflies.

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You responded same time I did lol. I was also trying to clarify.

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Alas...I was 4 minutes earlier

Hermits are predators? totally teasing you!!

Lol. I'm sure y'all knew what I meant.

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Yes, but it made me chuckle!

Thank you guys for all your input, i put him in the iso tank with plenty of shells his size and up. I also added honey, eggshell, and water. I didn't know Jungle brand was for freshwater fish, ill be sure to get to the store asap and get the rest of what I need. When I moved him to ISO, he came completely out of the shell so I made sure to spray the tank and him with water. I will do the towel in the dryer thing. Hopefully he hasn't passed I feel really bad.

You didn't know. Don't beat yourself up. Just fix it now for your other hermits. Here is a care sheet: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 51&t=92457
They just haven't updated the 80/80 part

GotButterflies wrote:You didn't know. Don't beat yourself up. Just fix it now for your other hermits. Here is a care sheet: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 51&t=92457
They just haven't updated the 80/80 part

Sorry if I didn't get everything right- I tried my best.


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