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?

Coconut fiber and sand, 4-5 inches thick


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, temperature is usually around 70, humidity stable 70-80%

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Large UTH cover back of 10 gallon tank, and another smaller one under the tank (Most likely removing soon due to fire hazard).

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)?

Freshwater and saltwater available


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

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

Unsure recently bought

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

10 gallon glass terrarium, mesh top, blanket on and night. Non heat lamp on during the day.

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

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
3



16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

Have been trying everything to heat tank, but to no avail. Most likely going to purchase a non mesh top ASAP, and considering a heat lamp.

Do you know what brand the heatmat you currently have is?
Most of us use Ultratherms, which usually heat much better than stick-ons. Plus, they can be insulated over.
Yes, you will want to get a non-mesh top ASAP. For now, you can use plastic wrap to seal it up so all your heat and humidity don't escape.
You will want to be careful with heatlamps as they tend to 'zap' humidity, and they aren't designed to work with a glass top.

Since your tank is so new and you will have to lift it anyways to get the bottom heater off, maybe you could consider moving it to a warmer part of your house (if there is one)? Don't lift/move it if you have any crabs underground: you could collapse their tunnels. For now, it would be fine to just unplug the bottom heater and leave it where it is.

(This part is not related to your heating issues, but you should probably have a few more shells. Most of the ones at pet stores are no good: either painted, glazed, or the wrong type. Here's the shell care sheet: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=92552)

Try covering the lid in plastic wrap to hold in humidity, and then cover that in foil wrapped cardboard. It'll look sketchy, but it should help prevent heat from escaping through the top!