HCA: Hermit Crab Association

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!


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

I use part calcium sand part coconut fibers. Only abt 4 in deep. I know it’s bad, haven’t had the opportunity to change it because every one is molting since purchase.

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?

Temp and humidity usually at 80, gauge is at the bottom of tank next to substrate.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?

None

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)?

2 pools, fresh and salt, zoo med conditioners.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?

They really like zoo med pellets so those are always out, along with fruit that changes often, refreshed daily.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?

Had the crabs for about a month both PPs

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?

I believe both have just molted and just came up this week.

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 with mesh wire cover.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?

3 crabs total, one was underground during the supposed attack. All about the size of a quarter.

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

5 right now with more coming.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?

No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?

Weekly spot cleaning

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?

2 in one large freshwater dish cleaned every 3 days.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?

New shells added 2 weeks ago, nothing besides that.

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.)?

No

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

So one crab came up from molt about 4 days ago, one crab came up from molt Sunday afternoon. These two crabs have never gotten a chance to meet since the day I brought them home because when I brought them home they both buried themselves. I went to bed thinking nothing of them being together but the next morning I found what I think is a leg on the ground and one of the crabs had disappeared, probably buried. I am unsure which crab lost the leg or if it was just part of the exo. My crabs rarely come out of there shell when I am there so I can’t see if the one who is up is missing a leg. What should I do, thank you. If a picture of the leg segment is needed I can send one I just don’t know how to link of the image to this.

Hello, I will try to get your started in the right direction form what I can get out of your description. I won't bring up your calci sand since you already know that needs to be replaced with play sand. I guess I did bring up it up.

It is really hard to tell if this is a piece of exo that was shed. It could also be a limb dropped form being stressed. It can even be from an attack.

At this stage I think that 5 crabs is a bit over crowded in a 10 gallon tank depending on the size of your crabs and how your set up is with hides, climbing things and so forth. Not having deep enough substrate to "get away" from other crabs and to fully bury several inches down could also cause stress. Another possibility is not having enough above ground hides can lead to the crabs staying inside their shells all of the time. Sometimes I will see some of our guys hiding in a hide peeking out at the world. The biggest thing your have to remember is they are prey for a lot of birds and other animals so if they don't feel safe they will hide and be less active.

Here is the guide to reference the size of your crabs and how much room you need to keep them happy. Also keep in mind that they will also grow and another upgrade in size may be needed in another year or two.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92541

The Zoomed Hermit Crab pellets we consider unsafe at the HCA. They contain Copper Sulfate and other preservatives that are harmful for hermits. There are a lot of crab safe foods you can purchase online, and even in pet stores. be sure to read the link below to see what kind of things you need to avoid when looking for foods.
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92555

Sponges are no longer recommended for in water since they can carry bacteria.
viewtopic.php?f=127&t=92553

At this time I am assuming that the limb was lost due to stress. It could be from shallow substrate and too many crabs in your 10 gallon tank. A few pictures of your set up would also help pinpoint a more accurate answer. You can download the TapTalk app and post pictures directly from your phone.

Thank you for all the recommendations and I will look into them now, also the 5 was a typo, I only have 3. Still the space is small and I want to upgrade but my family is restricting me.

You're welcome. 3 crabs are probably ok in a 10 gallon. I wouldn't get any more until you are able to upgrade.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Just to add a couple of things to what Motor suggested.

Zoo med water conditioner and salt aren't good long term. Here's the care sheet that explains about water:
viewtopic.php?f=127&t=92553

Also wondering if you have calibrated your hygrometer? I see you live in Arizona, which from what I understand is dry. I am questioning whether 80% humidity is accurate, if you have a screen lid on the top of your tank.

Thanks for the recommendation, I do most the tank often and keep the room their in humid, but how would I go about calibrating it if it is inaccurate

Also, how would I go about preventing an attack in the future? I have schooling to go to for a few hours in the day so I have no way of stopping them.

Also, I have a fish tank at home and a large supply of one of the treatments on that list so declorinating won’t be a problem anymore.