HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello all,

I had a few questions about E's, and whether or not they can be housed with my PP's. I currently have 6, 3 small 3 large-medium, PP's in my 30 gallon breeder with EE and some playsand in about a quarter of the tank. The humidity usually stays at about 80%, and the temperature stays from about 72-82 going from highest to lowest points depending on how hot it is.

1. How to E's handle fluctuation in humidity compared to PP's? I have read that straws are sensitive; is this the case with E;s?
2. Can they co-exist with PP's? Any issues?
3. What are the adaptations I would have to make to suit the E's better while keeping it ideal for the PP's as well?
4. What humidity/temp should I keep it at if I have both species in one tank?
5. Any other experiences/tips/pros and cons of having E's/with PP's.

Thanks to everybody in advance! You are always so helpful.

I've had E's and PP's together since we started crabbing in April and haven't had any problems.

E's like it a little warmer than PP's do, but your temp sounds fine for both.

You'll also want to have deep substrate because E's like to dig, just for fun. They can make quite a mess of your tank!

In general, people say that E's like shells with D-shaped openings, and PP's prefer shells with round openings. I wouldn't know, because my E's haven't changed. You'll need to have shells of both types in your tank.

Good luck!

I have E's and pp together. No problems here. They all seem to get along. I just bought another e yesterday this gives me 9 pp and 3 e's in a 55g tank.

WireCrab wrote: 1. How to E's handle fluctuation in humidity compared to PP's? I have read that straws are sensitive; is this the case with E;s?
2. Can they co-exist with PP's? Any issues?
3. What are the adaptations I would have to make to suit the E's better while keeping it ideal for the PP's as well?
4. What humidity/temp should I keep it at if I have both species in one tank?
5. Any other experiences/tips/pros and cons of having E's/with PP's.
.

They are a little more sensitive than PPs but still fairly hardy. You want to try for 80/80 humidity/ temp but as long as part of your tank is hitting 80 degrees you should be fine.
I have PPs and Es with no problesm
As mentioned, deep substrate. at least triple your largest crab. and make sure you have plenty of calcium as they can have molting problems.
Es are very lively and trouble makers but they are awesome too

i would try to keep the temp from getting down to 72-i would say 75 as the low point. as others have mentioned, Es like different kinds of shells that PPs, so be sure to have some on hand before you purchase any Es. also, i would make sure you have a lot of climbing stuff for the tank, Es really love to climb.

i have had Es with PPs for several years with only a few problems (all revolving around one PP with a bad attitude, the exception to the rule). i think you're fine to put some in with your PPs.

annopia

My E and PP are best friends, as seen in this pic I just took today.

I don't have Es, but a female friend of mine has some, together with PPs and some other species. It's hard to get Es in Germany.^^ She says her Es like sand, sun and salt water. But her crabitat is bigger than yours...? Just try and keep a wary eye on them.