New crab owner with a few questions

[Darklingwater]

Hi! My daughter and I are new crab owners. She's super excited about her new pets. We've done a lot of research to make sure they are being well taken care of. Right now we have 3 PPs (not sure how to size them yet but two are fairly small and the third is about the size of a golfball). We just set up their crabitat completely last night. They seem to love it. Is a 10 gallon tank big enough for these three for now?

Just a couple questions. Is it normal for the larger one to kind of follow one of the smaller ones around? He doesn't seem to be acting aggressive just more like he's investigating. Also, other than lethargy and refusing food/drink what are other signs of imminent molting? I know the smaller ones molt more often.

We got to watch "cheetah" change shells last night as soon as we had her home from the pet store. She was so excited to have options! And the other small (not named yet) changed during the night.

[CallaLily]

Welcome to the HCA!

I think 3 in a 10g is a bit tight. You'll need to upgrade as they grow, which can be pretty quick with small crabs. Here's a good guideline: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 26&t=92541.

It's normal for crabs to take interest in other new crabs. You may even notice some dominance displays (shoving, flicking, antennae "fights", etc). It shouldn't be anything to worry about. Just keep an eye on the situation.

Pre-Molt Signs

When a hermit crab is about to molt, you may notice an increase in food and water consumption. Sometimes they'll drink an excessive amount of salt water, and seek out more high protein foods than usual. They may begin digging holes all over the tank and even stay in them periodically to test them out. If the crab is expecting a growth spurt it might change into a shell that seems too large right before it buries. Other crabs choose a shell that may be a bit tighter that what they usually have on. Sometimes the crab will start to slow down and may appear lethargic. Often when a crab is about to molt, its old exoskeleton will appear dull and ashy and its toenails and hair (called setae) will be worn down. If they have good care while in captivity there may be no warning signs at all.

http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 23&t=92527

[Darklingwater]

Thank you! I was hunting for a sizing chart. I didn't realize our bigger one is more than likely a jumbo!

My daughter is currently saving for a bigger tank since the 10 gallon was all she had money for at the moment. She's only 8 and is INSISTING on paying for all their supplies but is saving up quick. I tried to sneak and extra 20-30 in there so we could get the 30 gallon but it would have sparked a tantrum in the store LOL.

This morning Cheeta was out and about then honestly dissapeared within 10 minutes. But I couldn't find any evidence of a tunnel...

[CallaLily]

Thank you! I was hunting for a sizing chart. I didn't realize our bigger one is more than likely a jumbo!

Are you sure? You mentioned golf ball size and that's about a medium. Jumbos have over a three inch leg span...more like softball size. Just double checking since I noticed recently that the size chart is printing out small for some crabbers.
edit: If you do have a jumbo, then 10g is way too small. They shouldn't be kept in anything less than around 50g minimum and tanks they're in should be at least 18 inches wide (deep).

[Darklingwater]

Now that I think about it I might be off with the golf ball size thought. When he sits on my hand his legs stretch across my whole palm. Which according to the chart printout would be a large/jumbo. Not at home to measure now but I'll definitely check. Looking at the tank requirements you listed I'll be shopping for a much larger tank this weekend.

[CallaLily]

Good to hear!
Larges are around the size of a tennis ball (if that helps). True jumbos not only have the leg span but are quite beefy too. One showing slightly larger than a large on the chart but not quite beefy like a jumbo is usually referred to as extra large. But I'm just rambling now. Share pics if/when you can.

[Darklingwater]

Thanks so much! Pics attached.

[megmaholm]

Cute crabs!

Is that calci-sand on the right side of the tank? If so, I would really suggest replacing it with playsand The calci-sand isn't good for crabbies - when moistened to the proper consistency for them to dig in, it clumps up and if it gets in their shell can actually hurt them! Plus they can't tunnel in it well. I would grab a bag of playsand from your local home improvement store, mix it with eco earth/coconut fiber, and then wet it to sandcastle consistency.

Also, I would chuck that sponge that's in the water - they're not really necessary and can harbor bacteria, and are a pain to clean/sterilize. If you want to boost humidity you can add a moss pit.

[Darklingwater]

Sponge is chucked. I scooped out the calci-sand carefully but can't replace it with play sand at the moment. My two smalls went down yesterday and I'm scared to disturb them. Is the moist Eco earth ok to molt in without sand?

[CallaLily]

Some crabbers use straight cocofiber with no issues. Most crabbers prefer a mix (mostly play sand with some cocofiber) as it makes for better tunneling and is more natural but your two should be fine.