HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I just lost my biggest crabby this morning he was above ground molting in his hut and at first I left him alone, but got worried so I looked into it more and kept an eye on him, his exoskeleton came off but then when I checked him the other day he was on the back of his shell and hanging out of it a little. I could tell he was alive so I continued to leave him then when I went to do their daily morning routine this morning (checking temp/humidity and changing out their food and water bowls along with any little picking up) I could smell him and I knew he was gone. I took him out and buried him and have been extremely upset all day but I need to clean out and change the cage now except I'm not sure if my other crabs are molting or just hiding and I don't want to bother them if they are but I NEED to clean the tank. Today. Please help!

Awww I'm sorry for your loss
Why do u feel like it's absolutely necessary to clean the tank right now? If it's because of the crab that passed I don't think it necessary. I would just scoop out a lil of the sub around where he was and replace it with a lil fresh rather than possibly disturbing any possible molters. Better safe than sorry. You can always change out the sub if u feel u need to when everyone it top side again.

Welcome to the HCA!

I'm very sorry for your loss! I know how hard that is!

Crab tanks need very little maintenance. Just clean out poop, food, and change water. Substrate should be left alone.

GotButterflies wrote:Welcome to the HCA!

I'm very sorry for your loss! I know how hard that is!

Crab tanks need very little maintenance. Just clean out poop, food, and change water. Substrate should be left alone.

Just randomly saw your reply. How do I clean the poop? I never see any lol

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If u do see it just scoop it out with a plastic spoon or a scallop shell and toss it. If u don't see it then don't worry to much about it