HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Answered GB for GotButterflies.

crabs_lex wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:47 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?
eco earth and like 10 inches

GB: If using just EE, I recommend mixing with dechlorinated marine saltwater to make it sandcastle consistency. Many people do use just EE. I personally recommend Playsand mixed with EE 5:1 ratio. You then moisten it with dechlorinated marine saltwater or dechlorinated freshwater to make it sandcastle consistency.

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?
the tat has been a little cool bc me heater broke and i’m getting a new one but temp 70 (normally 80)
humidity 80 s and 90s

GB: This is important. You need to know what the humidity and the temperature is for your crabs. IMO, minimum heat and humidity should be 80/80. Hermit crabs have modified gills and need the humidity to breathe.
You can buy an Acurite guage from Amazon, digital, runs on batteries, tells you temp and humidity currently as well as low and high for last 24 hours: https://smile.amazon.com/AcuRite-00325- ... 184&sr=8-2


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
not right now but getting a new one ultratherm

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)?
instant ocean and prime for salt and fresh

GB: Both pools should be deep enough for them to fully submerge in and safe enough for them to get out of.

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

fruits nuts seeds and protein

GB: Hermit crabs can eat a lot of the same things that we eat. Just check to make sure the item is on the safe list. Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
You also want to provide one or more calcium sources at all times. Examples would be Cuttlebone, Organic Eggshell, Oyster Shell, Lobster Exo, Shrimp Exo.
Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid
Safe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92556
Food pyramid: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554



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

couple months and pp

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

looks like he just did

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?

55 gal with mesh lid and paper towels for humidity reasons

GB: Please remove the paper towels so the crab doesn't eat them. With mesh lids you can always cover them with Press-N-Seal, or tape Ziploc bags on them to help keep the humidty in. I personally love glass tops. Please note that with glass tops you cannot set heat lamps on them – it will cause the glass to crack.


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

21 (multiple sizes but mostly small)

GB: Really? How large is your tank?

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

i don’t have exactly 3-5 shells per crab because no one has room for like almost 100 shells but i do have like 60-70 because most of my crabs are in similar size shells if that makes sense so they still have more than enough

GB: The HCA recommends 3-5 shells per hermit crab. I personally recommend more. It never hurts to have more There are incorrect shells to buy. Here is the shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552


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

no

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

almost a year because the tank was new

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?

just decor

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.

i know i should put this under bugs but i’m freaking out because my crab has bugs !!!! they are little white bugs but this crab was u death round since i got him and i didn’t see any when i got him but i barely saw them now so i could have missed it but i have a lot of crabs so give me the best advice for getting rid of them and are these ones harmful for you know
i figured i’d get a fast response in this forum sorry but please help!!!

GB: I already addressed this - I'm pretty sure it is just springtails - due to using moist EcoEarth. They are harmless.
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GotButterflies wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 06, 2020 5:01 pm

Answered GB for GotButterflies.

crabs_lex wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 06, 2020 9:04 pm

also i looked at the guideline and since i have a lot of room on a second level my tank is not very overcrowded