Limp E!
Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2020 3:56 pm
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? EE and Quikrete Sand Mix/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?
Yes- Temp and Humidity average 75 (I'm trying to keep it up the best I can, and I know it should be preferably higher)
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? 2 Zoomed heaters, one on back and one on side
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)? Salt and regular-- both galloned water with IO salt
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Shrimp, popcorn, worm castings, calcium supplement, leaves/twigs (from Maddamay's store), and others (all dry, refreshed every 2/3 days along with water)
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I've have him since the beginning of January, so almost 5 months.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? Not yet, I'm hoping so though.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? He's in a 10g, and there's a screen lid
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? He's with three other crabs- two penny/dime size, maybe nickel, and another a little smaller than him (he's about the size of a golf ball, just a little smaller)
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? There is 4/5 for the his size, and 2 for the little guys.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? Not that I'm aware of.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I clean it every two months by taking out everything, adding fresh sub, and putting decor in hot tap water (I assumed it'd be okay to do so as long as I dried it off).
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? No
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 have been misting more and more regularly in hope that it can keep the humidity up, but it's becoming less and less effective.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
For the past month, my E has been becoming more and more inactive. I honestly didn't want to take him, but felt really bad because the conditions were even worse at the pet store. He is in a really small shell, so I guess it's normal that he hangs out a little bit, but when he comes out now, he just sits there motionless. And I'm beginning to freak because when he sits out now I can see his little back legs. Please help! Do you think it has something to do with the humidity? I know they're supposed to have it higher, and I'm going to ask if I can put saran wrap on the lid, which has a fluffy blanket on it right now. I'm trying my hardest to help him! (his antennae don't move as much either! Please help!
.
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? EE and Quikrete Sand Mix/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?
Yes- Temp and Humidity average 75 (I'm trying to keep it up the best I can, and I know it should be preferably higher)
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? 2 Zoomed heaters, one on back and one on side
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)? Salt and regular-- both galloned water with IO salt
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Shrimp, popcorn, worm castings, calcium supplement, leaves/twigs (from Maddamay's store), and others (all dry, refreshed every 2/3 days along with water)
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I've have him since the beginning of January, so almost 5 months.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? Not yet, I'm hoping so though.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? He's in a 10g, and there's a screen lid
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? He's with three other crabs- two penny/dime size, maybe nickel, and another a little smaller than him (he's about the size of a golf ball, just a little smaller)
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? There is 4/5 for the his size, and 2 for the little guys.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? Not that I'm aware of.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I clean it every two months by taking out everything, adding fresh sub, and putting decor in hot tap water (I assumed it'd be okay to do so as long as I dried it off).
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? No
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 have been misting more and more regularly in hope that it can keep the humidity up, but it's becoming less and less effective.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
For the past month, my E has been becoming more and more inactive. I honestly didn't want to take him, but felt really bad because the conditions were even worse at the pet store. He is in a really small shell, so I guess it's normal that he hangs out a little bit, but when he comes out now, he just sits there motionless. And I'm beginning to freak because when he sits out now I can see his little back legs. Please help! Do you think it has something to do with the humidity? I know they're supposed to have it higher, and I'm going to ask if I can put saran wrap on the lid, which has a fluffy blanket on it right now. I'm trying my hardest to help him! (his antennae don't move as much either! Please help!
.
My family honestly doesn't understand this crabbing thing though. They think that there is too much sand already (ugh!) and that putting saran wrap on the lid is absolutely absurd. I don't even know if they're going to let me get a bigger tank. I have a 5 gallon too, so I'm thinking I can do something with that, or set up another one just for the little ones. And I get the cleaning thing too, but it's another thing my family forces to do. It's really frustrating because they think all hermit crabs are the same thing, and that since they had crabs when they were younger (in those little "crates", they called it), they know all there is to know. I'm trying my best to help the guy out though. My PP's are moving around, and the E is still limp, but alive, next to the glass of one of the heaters. I put a shell next to him just in case he needs to change. Hoping I'm making him more comfortable. i really appreciate all the help guys! Thank you! <3 
If GW is starting to smell, he probably is gone.
I appreciate it!