Long time reader, first time poster, LOL. I have been referencing this wonderful forum for weeks now for help and advice on setting up my new crabitat and thought it was about time I joined in the fun!
A fortnight ago I set up a 20 Gal tank with 4-5 inches of substrate (half sand, half coconut fibre) and a well stocked shell station (though I am still shopping for more spare shells - it's quite addictive!) The substrate is moistened and misted with dechlorinated water, they have access to drinking water (also dechlorinated) and salt water for bathing. I use Glad Wrap to cover the top and keep the humidity in. They have things to climb on and hermit crab flakes with shrimp, fruits etc. I like to vary their food each night and offer fresh treats for them to discover.
I am the proud mummy of four hermit crabs - two are about 1.5 inches (Penny and Zippy), one 1 inch (Salty) and the other absolutely tiny (Gremlin - whom I nickname Gremmy). As a sidenote: I am purely guessing when it comes to their genders. I try to look whenever they are climbing but my eyesight unfortunately isn't that good, XD.
Already I am in love with these little creatures and positively fascinated by them. If I have the room, I am keen to add more. However at the same time, in my quest to be a good carer, I am already stressing out over some of their behaviours and would greatly appreciate any advice. Sorry that this post is long, I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read it and offer input. <3
Question 1: Is there such a thing as too hot?
I live in Brisbane Australia. We are currently going through a heat wave. The positive is - our humidity is always through the roof so I don't have to watch the humidity gauge. But - their thermometer has been sitting around 30 degrees Celsius and yesterday climbed to 34. According to what I've read - this is too hot for them. However, these temps are purely environmental and not caused by any heating devices etc. How do I regulate it? Will the heat hurt them? I check regularly to make sure there is plenty of moisture and that they have water available.
Question 2: What the heck happened in this situation?
I believe Penny is the dominant crab. She exhibits the alpha behaviours, chatters if I move her, exerts her authority over the littler ones (tumbles, shoves, sitting on) and Zippy avoids her. Except about six days ago, when she seemed to be on a rampage. She tumbled Gremmy repeatedly, she shoved Salty roughly out of the way with her shell (both tiny crabs were visible at the time) and then made a beeline for the hole/tunnel Zippy had dug. She went underground and sand literally flew - up in the air, out of the hole like something from a cartoon. The top of the sand was heaving with whatever was going on beneath. Then she emerged with her shell shattered, barely clinging onto her and then the pieces which were remaining fell off. She promptly chose a new shell and seemed otherwise unfazed but I am left very unnerved by what I witnessed. Was that a battle royale? If so, what over and who was the instigator? Does it have something to do with Question 3?
Question 3: Molting or hiding? & Does molting encourage more molting?
Over my first week of caring for them, I observed that Zippy has a very active, calm and agreeable nature. He is kind to the smaller crabs, adores food and likes to dig. 9 times out of 10 when I looked in, I would see Zippy looking back at me with Salty and Gremmy walking around him. Penny would be off climbing or doing her own thing. Then Zippy disappeared for 24 hrs. I waited and he re-emerged for food but was a little more sluggish than usual. Then he went back underground - I haven't seen him since (this was a week ago). Six days ago the Penny incident in Question 2 occurred. I have been in a state of perpetual panic since that something may have happened to Zippy. I have not seen him above ground or properly since the Penny incident. The next day I took great effort (because it's heavy) to shift the tank slightly and peer through the bottom glass. I could see his little claws moving (he dug all the way to the bottom) but any other view was obscured by sand (all other crabs were above ground at the time so I knew it was him). I was relieved and decided not to disturb him because I'm drawing the conclusion that he's molting. So if he is - do they get defensive about their cave? Did he defend himself from Penny?
And then (sorry, I really do have a lot of questions, LOL) Salty started to dig. Always right at the same spot of Zippy's last known location. Now Salty has disappeared underground. I haven't seen Salty for three, nearly four days. They don't come out at night, because I keep odd hours and am frequently up until 3am. Then other household members begin their day at 5am or earlier, so there is nearly always someone keeping an eye on the crabs. Is Salty molting too? So quickly after I got them? Or should I be concerned? It's like I got them and then they stared disappearing! XD The tank is largely empty because Penny digs on the surface during the day, so it's just little 'less than an inch in size' Gremmy wandering around by himself looking very lonely.
Anyone have any theories about what is going on? There is no 'smell'. I've been vigilantly checking for that harbinger of doom.
And if they are molting, are little crabs quicker than big crabs? Can I expect a reappearance anytime soon?
Anyway, thank you for reading all this. Clearly I've had a lot on my mind. Way to introduce myself to everyone looking like an overthinking panic-merchant, but I so want my little darlings to be healthy and content.
Happy Holidays!
