HCA: Hermit Crab Association

27wilsonam wrote:1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
It's just rocks and tiny shells that came with the crabs from the tourist shop. Very shallow.

CL77- Crabs cannot dig down and molt in gravel. You need to switch out their substrate asap to play sand and or eco earth. It needs to be moistened to sandcastle consistency with dechlorinated fresh or salt water and 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?
No

CL77- A hygrometer is essential. Temps should be 75-85°F. Crabs need moisture in the air to breath. Humidity shouldn't fall below 70% , but shoot for 80%+.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
No

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)?
Fresh (tap) water

CL77-Is your tap water dechlorinated? You'll also need a marine salt for a salt water pool. Instant Ocean is a popular marine salt.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I've tried various fruits, cashews, and crackers (salt scraped off).

CL77-Variety is key. Crabs can eat many of the things we eat. They need a constant source of calcium and protein. Check out the safe food list for ideas.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
They're both purple pinchers, and I've had them since April this year ('24).

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No, but they are trying to.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
Clear plastic tub that came with the crabs, about 12" (w) by 7" (h), lid is plastic with laced air hole texture

CL77-Those little wire travel containers that come with the crabs will not sustain them. They do not hold in moisture/humidity or sustain warm enough temps. You'll need to get an aquarium or Rubbermaid container to keep them in.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
two crabs; one is pretty small, 1 is small-medium.

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

CL77-HCA recommends 3-5 shells for each crab. Purple pinchers prefer shells with round openings like turbos.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
deodorant body spray sometimes
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
not yet

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
no sponges anymore

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
A cardboard piece for them to hide, but this problem has existed since much before it was added

CL77-Make sure you have plenty of hiding places for them. It will make them feel safer. Cardboard won't last in high humidity.

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.

My 2 crabs haven't been eating for a very long time, maybe a month. I'm sure they're alive, and now I know they're trying to molt (but can't because of not having substrate. They drink water as often as before, but will not eat and rarely move. They both tend to sit in their favorite spots and clear the little substrate that is there away.

I know I need to get them a proper tank with better+more substrate and temperature+humidity control, but I'm worried for their health for now before I can.

Is there any way to get them to eat in their temporary living situation?

CL77-You need to fix your substrate, your temps, and your humidity, asap. They are likely stressed from not having the proper environmental conditions. They won't make it in the conditions they are in now. Also make sure they are getting plenty of protein and calcium, and get a marine salt for a salt pool (and a dechlorinator if you don't have one). Be sure to get enough shells for each crab with the correct opening shape.

Thanks!

(Edit: accidentally submitted, finished writing)