HCA: Hermit Crab Association

foxwolf151 wrote: ↑

Sat May 01, 2021 6:33 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? It is coconut fiber and about 2.5 inchs

HCA Recommends 3x the height of your largest crab


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? I do have both temp and humidity gauges it isn't digital. It is locate in the back right hand corner of my tank it hasn't changed from 40% humidity and 70 degrees

Sometimes the humidity and heat gauges are inaccurate. I would try to get a digital gauge.


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? Yes I have a heating pad on the side of the tank to heat the air. I read somewhere that heating pads under the tank can burn the crab when they are multing.


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 have both salt and fresh water both treated with the Zoo Med brand. I follow the directions on the bottle

I've personally never used Zoo Med. I use Prime for my water conditioner and Instant ocean for my salt water.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? I have fed it a few pieces of carrots and baby bell peppers and some food from Zoo Med

I don't feed processed foods. It has harmful preservatives. But carrots and bell peppers are perfect, just wash them good first. I found that my hermits really love apple.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I have had the hermit for a day, I just got it yesterday.


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? I have no clue


8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? a 10 gallon tank with a mesh lid

Try putting plastic wrap over the lid, it will help keep the humidity in.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? I have one and I would have to say it is a normal sized one

You can find out how large your crab is by measuring its shell opening, only if its not burrowed because remember, never unbury your crab!

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? There are none we haven't been able to find any

Naples has good and reasonably priced natural shells

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? no there hasnt


12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I did a spot cleaning this morning but I haven't cleaned it since I just set it up yesterday


13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? Yes I have a sponge in the fresh water dish

Sponges arent necessary as long as there is ways for the crab to get in and out.


14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? I just added a fogger to the tank earlier to try and raise the humidity and nothing happened


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.)? there isn't anything else I can think of I am just worried the the crab isn't gonna be ok.


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. since I got the crab yesterday I haven't been able to raise the humidity up from 40% which I know isn't good for the crab. I feel like I have tried everything, sometimes the gages go up slightly but nothing seems to last and it is just staying at 40%. I wasn't sure what else to do so I came here to ask for help.

Just put plastic wrap over the lid and your humidity should raise