HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I just set up and moved my crabs to their new tank and found ants crawling in the food dish. I'm not sure if they live in the tank or not. They are very very tiny ants and I saw them crawling out of the tank earlier today but they weren't doing that right now. any advice on how to solve this? Are they endangering my crabs?, I don't wanna have to move them now that they're all settled .

Hi! This thread discusses the ant issue. viewtopic.php?t=104178

Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

I've tried the Vaseline, sticky tape, and vinegar around the outside. I've also cleaned all decor and dishe and only leave food in at night, and by morning the food dishes. are covered with about 20 ants. I don't think they live inside the tank though because there isn't hundreds and I only see them on the glass or in the dish..I have a new crab underground distressing or molting don't wanna disturb. I gave my other two baths yesterday and they both had no ants luckily

You've tried a thick band of vaseline around the outside rim? All the way around, no breaks? What about wires and tubes leading into the tank? Also, if any part of the tank above the vaseline line is close enough to a wall or table they can build a bridge (of ants) to get in. If none of that's a problem, then I'd say they've taken up residence in your tank. If so, and with molters, try Mom23's idea of baiting them with a small dish of honey and removing them as you see them. You could also take the opportunity to follow their trail back to where exactly they may be in your tank. Good luck!

I moved the tank farther out from the wall, and the ants have stopped bothering them now I just need to find where they came from.

Once you've prevented them from getting into the crab tank, you can put out ant baits. I find the Terro ones work well, but this may depend on what kind of ants you're dealing with.