New crab owner, have questions

[Tiggee6645]

Hi, we are new crab owners - got 2 small crabs about a week ago. Kids have named them Hermie and Sparky. This is our second attempt at having crabs - the first 2 crabs came in the mail as a grandparent gift. Unfortunately we were unprepared and they did not survive. This time, we’ve read up on caring for them and are hoping that we are set up a little better.

Currently we have a 10 gallon tank with 4-5 inches of 5:1 substrate. Humidity has been above 80% and the substrate feels like sand castle building sand. We are having trouble keeping the temperature up. I have a Fluker 6x8 heater taped to the back of the tank and the temperature in front of the heater has ranged from 77-80, else where in the tank it’s more in the low to mid 70s. The house has been cold the last 2 days because of a cold spell. There is moss in a corner and salt and freshwater pools in opposite corners.

The first day we got them, they were super active in the crabitat, drinking water and climbing over things. At some point they buried into the substrate. We haven’t seen them at all pretty much since then during the day. I’ve seen one of them at night when I’ve woken up and checked on them. However, it seems that they have been less active over the last couple days with less sand disturbed each morning. This morning, it doesn’t look like anything has been touched. Is this behavior normal? Do we just need to wait them out? Trying to do our best to care for them and prevent more mortality.

[curlysister]

Sounds like you have a good set up! Yes, it is totally normal for them to become less active, and to bury themselves. If they are molting, they can stay buried for weeks to months.
As for heat, you can add some insulation to the tank. I *think* the Fluker's mats can be insulated over top. And you can insulate the sides that don't have the heat mat too. You can use just cardboard and tinfoil. And folding up a blanket and putting it on the top of the tank will increase the heat by a few degrees too!

[Tiggee6645]

Glad to know we are doing ok with set up. Do I keep leaving food out for them?

I’ll try insulating more with tin foil and cardboard. I already have a piece of fleece over the lid to keep humidity in since it is a screen. I’ll try something thicker. If the backs, sides, and top are all covered, is just having the front open to a room enough for ambient light? The crabitat is currently next to a window that only gets indirect sunlight - was trying to avoid the need for artificial lights.

Thanks so much for the support.

[curlysister]

If you cover the screen lid with something non-porous, that will help too! I just put plastic (ie- Saran) wrap over the top on the first two tanks I had. Then the blanket/ fleece over top of that.
Yes, just the front open will be enough light.

Edited to add - when both my crabs are down, I usually leave out a bit of dry food. You never know when they might pop up to the surface, and it's important there is something for them when they do.