HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Okay so to cut to the chase
I recently ran out of salt water and I’m panicking about it cause I recently ordered some more and it won’t come until next week and I’m not sure how long purple pinchers can go without saltwater I has fresh water in the meantime but I’m not sure if that’ll do for now

Hi!

I believe Wodes on here went a very long time without having salt water available (please correct me if I'm wrong Wodes!). So a week shouldn't hurt.

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Yeah, I think it was Wode! I have also 'forgotten' to fill up the salt water bowl for a few weeks at a time, LOL. Your crabs will be just fine!

It's been a few years since I've bothered with saltwater for mine, honestly. It can be very beneficial in some cases but it's not a necessity for all species. Purple pinchers have been documented living for 25 years without, so for them at least its not a worry. (Although new crabs who are adapting to captivity seem to do much better when supplied with it!) Other species like straws seem to die quickly without access.

My crab went several (I'm guessing around 5) years without salt water. It was only after the other others died, and I found this forum and became aware of all the things that they need to thrive, that I started making big improvements in her care. When I first introduced a dish of salt water, she sat on the edge and drank from it for a very long time (an hour or two, if memory serves). So, I think they can definitely do without, for somewhat long periods, but eventually they may develop a desperate craving for it.

This is very helpful, thank you!

Recently, I discovered a piece of rotting moss in one of my water dishes. It was so stinky, I put the dish outside to de-odorize, so mine have had only fresh for about a week.