New hermie owner

[Beckanai]

Good morning all!
My family and I are the proud owners of 6 hermit crabs! We bought one at the beach a month or so ago and I couldn't let em be all alone. I read that they like to live in groups, so here we are, 6 total. They are so much fun, I never even realized how awesome they were, they have their own little personality and quirks. I haven't checked them for the sex, but we have dubbed them, "The hermie bros" it's just cute.

So I do have one question, how do I know, if they need to have the substrate or is the calcium sand okay on it's own? Any constructive criticism is welcome as well.

This is our set up
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hr1kz86kHDkmMseL8

This is David chowing down some cashew apple
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LdESjAshCwoQp3FW7

Thanks!

[JoeHermits]

Calcium sand on its own is not a diggable substrate since it clumps and hardens when wet. A 5:1 mixture of playsand and coconut fiber (doesn’t have to be exact) would be more appropriate.

Our care sheet: viewtopic.php?t=119273


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[Beckanai]

Thank you

[GotButterflies]

Hello! Welcome to the HCA and the addicting world of crabbing!

IMO, for purple pinchers substrate, (playsand mixed with eco earth 5:1 ratio), should be 6 inches or 3 times the height of your largest crab (whichever is deeper). Substrate should be mixed with dechlorinated marine saltwater or dechlorinated freshwater to make the substrate sandcastle consistency. I personally mix mine with dechlorinated marine saltwater.

Products marketed for hermit crabs are not safe. (Bottled hermit crab saltwater and Zoomed hermit crab saltwater are not sufficient products for them). A lot of us use a product called Instant Ocean which is what aquarium hobbyists use to make saltwater aquariums. It has the essential trace elements that hermit crabs need. You need a dechlorinator that removes chlorine, and chloramine as well as neutralizes ammonia and heavy metals. A lot of us use a product called Prime. As far as salt, you need marine salt, to mimic the ocean. You have to use the dechlorinator for both freshwater and marine saltwater. Both pools should be deep enough for them to fully submerge in and safe enough for them to get out of.
Double dish water pools: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... le+dish+yo

[Beckanai]

We've just been using bottled water for now, I've been eyeing the pool system, now I can actually do it! Eee! I'm so excited, thank you!

[HermitofHermitCrabs]

I use straight playsand for PPs and have for years with fantastic success. I have had countless successful molts. It's easier and cheaper to maintain that using straight moss or a mixture.

[Beckanai]

Think we're finally about good! I bought the stuff to make double bubblers, but I didn't get around to it today. I got playsand and coconut fibers, got that all set up, got the levels where they need to be, got saltwater. Hopefully I dont have too many angry crabbies from changing things again.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/A1aApjMemFeF8V9k6

[asiankanye]

Already looking a lot better! Next step is to make the water dishes deep enough for them to submerge. You probably also want a digital thermometer+hygrometer which you can get from walmart. those tend to be more accurate. You may also want to provide them with more shells.
EDIT: I see you have sponges. Dry sponges are great for them to play with and munch on, but leaving them in water dishes isn't good. Contrary to popular belief, sponges don't help with humidity as much as they are believed to be. They are also a place where bacteria colonies can reproduce.
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[FJrocks003]

Make sure your sand is at least 6".