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Newbie with questions!
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 9:49 am
by Crabbybois
Hi! I just purchased two hermit crabs about a week ago. one is small the other is small/medium sized. They’re in a 20 gallon long tank as of right now with a 5:1 ratio of quikrete play sand and eco earth. So I have a few questions, obviously I’m not watching the crabs constantly but it doesn’t seem like they’re touching their food. The only food they have eaten was baby food that I had on hand. I just cooked them some scrambled eggs and put the dish in the tank while they were awake and afterward they went and laid down and haven’t touched them. How long can the eggs stay in there before I should remove them? And how can i encourage them to eat? We also have two pools deep enough for them to submerge themselves in, salt and fresh water with prime. I haven’t seen them use it much. They’re very active and like to play on the climbing structures but they never seem to eat or drink. The humidity is 90 and the temp is 75.I know the humidity is a little high, how can I control this? As of right now I don’t have their heater on because it seems to rise the temp too much. Any tips are welcome! Thank you
Re: Newbie with questions!
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:44 pm
by curlysister
The eat very small amounts, especially when they are small. Just keep offering a variety of foods, including protein and calcium daily, and they will take what they need. Check out the food and nutrition care sheet if you haven't already done so.
Fresh food usually only lasts 24-48 hours. Dried foods can stay in for 3 to 5 days or more.
If they are PP's, the often just dip their feet in the water, not submerge fully.
Humidity can be as high as it wants to be, there is no 'too high'. If you want it lower to control mold, or increase airflow, just vent your tank a bit.
Re: Newbie with questions!
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 9:56 pm
by aussieJJDude
Food ~ they don't eat a whole lot, and its best to remove regularly especially if not dried to reduce mould growing within the tank. Most people change out the food daily, or every second day. Even if they don't seem to touch the food, continue to offer a good variety to ensure all nutritional requirements are met. Sometimes they like foods prepared a certain way, for example, like scrambled eggs opposed to hard boiled, or raw veggies instead of cooked (steamed/ roasted).
Water ~ species like PPs don't really actively bathe compared to other species. If they do want to go for a swim, they should have the opportunity to do so, but don't be surprised if they do actively go out to swim. Some keepers have reported mixed success in bubblers, filters and the like, so it may be a good alternative/upgrade down the track. But those ultimately more for us, rather than the crabs (minus the water movement increasing humidity by increasing surface area for evaporation).
Humidity ~ if concerned for mould, venting the tank will bring down humidity. Otherwise, 90% isn't a concern, except it can lead to excessive mould growth and IMO, usually coupled with poor ventilation so can increase chance of flooding.