HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I've noticed some of you put sea urchins and coral in your tats what are the guidelines for buying these?

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I've seen some sea urchins being sold on reputable websites, such as Hermie's Kitchen and the Hermit Crab Patch. The coral I have in my tank was collected by my sister in Fiji. I soaked it in salt water for a couple of hours, let it dry overnight, and then added it into the tank. I believe you can't use boiling water on them to disinfect because they are delicate. If you buy from Hermie's Kitchen or THCP, I would assume they are already clean

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All natural and not bleached or treated in any way. Free of dyes.

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would you guys happen to know if the ones (and starfish) you can find in craft stores are safe? i tried reading the back but it often only said things like what it was and rarely an ocean.

I know other crabbers have boughten starfish at stores like Michaels. I would just make sure it is natural and hasn't been dyed or coated with anything.

This topic talks a bit more about starfish: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 36&t=17977

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thanks! i only looked at plain colored ones but dont really know if they were natural or not. i guess thats what i was trying to figure out. would it say on the packaging?

I think if it were dyed in any way, it would say it on the packaging or it would be easy to tell (such as a hot pink starfish). But I am not sure!

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I buy mine from Richards, naples, and other sea shell stores, that way they are most likely untreated. They like to eat on them for calcium.

thanks so much! any idea about the kinds you can find in craft stores?

Just Jay wrote:thanks so much! any idea about the kinds you can find in craft stores?

I really don't...there would be no real way to be POSITIVE something hasn't been treated unless there is some sort of packaging where you can contact the company and ask. I would just inspect it to make sure it isn't like PERFECTLY white, because that would be rare to find in nature or an unnatural color. Boil it when you get home, and I imagine it would be okay.

Rawrgeous wrote:

Just Jay wrote:thanks so much! any idea about the kinds you can find in craft stores?

I really don't...there would be no real way to be POSITIVE something hasn't been treated unless there is some sort of packaging where you can contact the company and ask. I would just inspect it to make sure it isn't like PERFECTLY white, because that would be rare to find in nature or an unnatural color. Boil it when you get home, and I imagine it would be okay.

thanks for the advice!