sierra wrote:1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
-eco earth 4-6 inches
T- a minimum of 6 inches of substrate should be used. Many of us have found success with a mixture of play sand and eco earth (ee) with a 5:1 ratio. Try not to buy the hermit crab sand, it's just overpriced play sand.
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?
-no
T- gauges should be used. You can find a digital thermometer and humidity gauge at Walmart for $10 or so. I use one by accurite. The minimum temp is 80F, with a minimum humidity level of 80%.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
-no
T- to achieve 80F, you might want to get an under tank heater(should be placed above the substrate along the entirety of the back of the tank). I use an ultratherm uth from reptilebasics.com.
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)?
-premixed hydrate saltwater solution for hermit crabs I'm wondering if it's safe
- all living things freshwater conditioner for hermit crabs 4 drops per 8 fl oz
T- hermit crabs need dechlorinated marine grade saltwater and dechlorinated freshwater. Unfortunately, many products labeled "hermit crab" are unsafe. Instead of using these products, use prime dechlorinator (I found mine on amazon) for freshwater and prime dechlorinator with instant ocean salt (can be found at most pet stores) for Marine salt water. The water bowls should be deep enough for the hermit crabs to submerge themselves completely. But, they also need to get out, so I put some plastic mesh on the side of my water bowls. I also use Tupperware containers because they are deep enough for my hermit crabs.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
- pellet food I got at the pet store which is all she eats when she does eat
- apples and kale she never touches
T- unfortunately, commercial food for hermit crabs is bad too. An all natural variety diet with plenty of animal protein should be fed. There is a food section on this forum, so when I find it I'll post a link on this topic.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
- August 16th 12 days ago
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
- Not yet
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 aquarium with no lid
T- lids are good to use to keep humidity in. I use a glass lid, but if you'd like to use a mesh lid, put saran wrap over the mesh to prevent moisture from escaping.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
- 1
T- despite their name, hermit crabs are social animals. When everything seems to be going well soon, you might want to get another one to keep him company.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
- 1
T- I've heard that a good rule of thumb to follow is 3-5 shells per crab. Make sure that you're getting the right shells, too. I buy mine from Naples seashell company sometimes, but their shipping is pretty expensive. So, you can go to craft stores and buy some shells (with circular openings). When you get them from pet stores, they are coated in toxic paint and are WAY overpriced.
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?
- haven't yet
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
- in the freshwater dish there is
T- sponges aren't necessary. The crabs don't use them to drink, and the sponges just grow mold. As previously mentioned, you'll just need something that they can use to climb out on.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
- No but I do have a coconut hut I'm putting in
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.
-
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They are $8, digital, run on batteries, and tell you temp and humidity currently as well as low and high for last 24 hours. You can find them in the home improvement section by the air filters.