HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hermitkrab78 wrote:[/url]Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!

I responded to you under each of your answers. I hope this helps!

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Coconut fiber and it is three inches deep

CL77-Your substrate should be at least 6" deep or 3x the height of your biggest crab, whatever is deeper. Most of us use a 5:1 ratio of play sand and coco fiber, moistened to sand castle consistancy with dechlorinated water. Using coco fiber alone can lead to flooding when you are misting as often as you are.

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?
It is in the middle of the tank on the wall not to close to the heat sources. Temp usually 72 humidity 68

CL77- 72 is ok, but 75-80 would make the crabs more active. Humidity below 70% is too dry for them. If you can boost it to 80%, that would be ideal.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I have a 5 gallon and 10 gallon heating pad that are on the side of the tank and a heating lamp. When I originally got my hermits it’s was mid summer so I didn’t need to much heat in there but now that it is almost winter in Ohio I will plug in what i need to keep it at the correct temp.

CL77- Heat lamps can zap humidity. You might be better off getting another uth (under tank heater), or one with more power. Are the heaters mounted above the substrate line?

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)?
I use bottled water for fresh water or I will treat it with de chlorine treatment that I use for my fish and I use bottle saltwater from pet stores

CL77-A lot of us use Prime to treat tap water. Instant Ocean is a great marine salt to add to tap water to make your own salt water. It's a lot cheaper that way.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I give them FMA hermit crab food pellets and replace it every three days. I will also put a piece of Romaine lettuce twice a week and I’ll leave the piece in there for a day before taking it out. Every once in a while I’ll put some FMA hermit crab treat in there.

CL77- A lot of commercial foods aren't safe for hermits (because of preservatives). Make sure to check the ingredients list on anything store bought. Hermits need a constant source of calcium and protein to stay healthy. Cuttlebone or calcium powder in a dish should be offered to your crabs at all times. Check out the HCA safe food list to help create a more varied diet for your crabs. I order food from The Hermit Crab Patch and my crabbies love it.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
It’s been around 5 months and I believe they might be purple pincher because they have purple pinchers

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
I do not believe they have molted yet they will go under for about three day spands and come back up for awhile. I have two and one has been buried for about 5 days now so he might be molting.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
They are in a ten gallon tank with a screen lid that I laid to pieces of plexiglass with part of it uncovered. Half of the uncovered lid has towel on it to help keep humidity and also keep air flow

CL77- It's ok to completely cover the lid with plexiglass. The crabs will get enough oxygen exchange when you change out their food/water every day or two. The towel will absorb the moisture rather than keeping it contained.


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Two in the tank smaller on is about one and half inch s and the other is about 2

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
I keep for extra in the tank

CL77- There should be 3-5 extra shells provided per crab.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No there as not

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Every three days I clean water bowls and food and every week I sift for poop

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No sponges

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
No, no new crabs

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 like to let them out and crawl around on a sheet that I put on the ground so they have a wider area to play on. I must the tank about three to two times a day to keep the humidity in there. This is my first health problem that I have every had with them. One I had won a state fair and the other one a bought at a pet store. I was gone over the weekend and did a cleaning off the food bowl and water bowel before I left. I had gotten back yesterday Sunday and only misted the tank and today I only misted the tank because I have been very busy. I only noticed the problem when I went to clean there tank. My parents who were taking care of them said they didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
I found this weird white substance in my crabs food bowl and I do not know what it is or from. Does anyone now what wrong and can help me I have posted a pic of it.

CL77- It looks like moldy food that might possibly have gotten wet. The high humidity and heat make it easy for mold to grow on uneaten food.

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