HCA: Hermit Crab Association

As I've posted a few times through out here that I'm very new as being a crab mommy! I just want to make sure I'm doing all right with my little guys! Right now it's fairly warm and it's staying around 80 degree mark and if it drops, it doesn't go below the 75 degrees with out any help. But, I fear that soon enough Mr. Winter will be here and I'm fairly curious on what to do. What do you guys use to keep the tank temps where they need to be through out the days/nights? I've debated on getting lights, but then I worry that, that might drop the humidity levels within the tank. On the other hand I read an under the tank heat pad would do well just put it on the side to warm the temps up a little. I'd love some advise on this area, because I'm quite a bit fuzzy with this section! thank you for the advice!

I'm not sure if we got you a link to our careguides, just in case, though I think you mentioned you did research before, they are always a great reference. viewtopic.php?f=51&t=92457

I would recommend a uth mounted on the back of your tank that is the same width as the tank is, so the whole back is covered, and it sits right at or above the sub. line. It isn't exact though, and a bit of overlap is ok. Most people use the brand Ultratherm, I purchased mine from reptile basics.com. The bean farm also sells them, and though slightly more expensive, they offer more sizes. They tend to work a lot better, are cheaper than large pet store mats, are reusable, and are insulate-able. When compared to the pet store brands that have a sticky back and are only supposed to be mounted once, are more expensive for the larger mats, and cannot be safely insulated to provide more heat, I feel that the ultratherm is well worth their value.

Rawrgeous wrote:I'm not sure if we got you a link to our careguides, just in case, though I think you mentioned you did research before, they are always a great reference. viewtopic.php?f=51&t=92457

I would recommend a uth mounted on the back of your tank that is the same width as the tank is, so the whole back is covered, and it sits right at or above the sub. line. It isn't exact though, and a bit of overlap is ok. Most people use the brand Ultratherm, I purchased mine from reptile basics.com. The bean farm also sells them, and though slightly more expensive, they offer more sizes. They tend to work a lot better, are cheaper than large pet store mats, are reusable, and are insulate-able. When compared to the pet store brands that have a sticky back and are only supposed to be mounted once, are more expensive for the larger mats, and cannot be safely insulated to provide more heat, I feel that the ultratherm is well worth their value.

Thank you for getting back to me! I'll look into a UTH and I'll go look at that website! thanks a bunch!

I have a uth placed on my tanks back wall behind the SW pool [putting it behind the pool helps add humidity]. Also my tank used to stay at about 82 degrees so i added a bunch of netting thats helped raise my temp to about 86.

Just Jay wrote:I have a uth placed on my tanks back wall behind the SW pool [putting it behind the pool helps add humidity]. Also my tank used to stay at about 82 degrees so i added a bunch of netting thats helped raise my temp to about 86.

Oh very awesome! I'm honestly planning on picking up some netting. I have a few ideas I want to do for them with that! I'm glad that will help with it too. I like the idea of the uth behind the water to add humidity! Thank you! Great ideas! I'll definitely be grabbing a uth soon!


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Thats the best part of this site! Im not sure if this is all the winter prep ill need but im happier with my tank now than i was. [Think my hermies are too! Hermione and Uu have been sleeping in the netting and out more often than hidding. Tina even came up to check everything out] i got the reptile netting that has suction cups and just sprayed it with salt water to hopefully fight off mold growth.

Oh I totally do agree with this site! It helps so much and gives me so many ideas! I have been planning on getting netting for them! Hermie loves to climb so I feel he will love that so much. Oh I do hope it makes them be out a bit more. During the day usually Venasaur is the only one seen. LoL lately he even is hiding now lol I'm excited to get some nets. Does the salt Walter actually help with mold growth? I'd have never thought to spray it was salt water!


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After a mold/bug attack on my tank i now put all woods in the oven [on a lo temp with the door cracked] and i check it very frequently till the wood is hot or steamed. Then it gets sprayed thoroughly with salt water. The salt water bath/spray [depending on product] also goes for things i cant put in the oven. [Like the netting.] So far so good. I do plan to retreat about every two weeks. More if i see cause too.

Now when i say mine are out they are just sleeping high up in the netting [feels safe to them] so i can see them. Hasn't really made them more active during the day. I try and get up when they are awake at least for 30min to an hour so they are used to me. Thats been helping alot. Hermione and Uu dont even care if im close to the tank anymore only if i move too fast [and thats really more Uu] also when i do handle them i offer a special treat and if they come out while im doing things in their tank ill offer it. Hopefully they will associate me with good things.

After a mold/bug attack on my tank i now put all woods in the oven [on a lo temp with the door cracked] and i check it very frequently till the wood is hot or steamed. Then it gets sprayed thoroughly with salt water. The salt water bath/spray [depending on product] also goes for things i cant put in the oven. [Like the netting.] So far so good. I do plan to retreat about every two weeks. More if i see cause too.

Now when i say mine are out they are just sleeping high up in the netting [feels safe to them] so i can see them. Hasn't really made them more active during the day. I try and get up when they are awake at least for 30min to an hour so they are used to me. Thats been helping alot. Hermione and Uu dont even care if im close to the tank anymore only if i move too fast [and thats really more Uu] also when i do handle them i offer a special treat and if they come out while im doing things in their tank ill offer it. Hopefully they will associate me with good things.

Oh that's crazy! I'll have to do that too! I really don't want any mold or bugs! Blah! Oh I do get you! Venasaur he's real use to me now cause he does come out more often than not during the day. I do rise early and see them a little before they go off to hide! They usually are in their little hut more than not. LoL but just seeing them would be a big plus! Definitely will be getting some net to see if that will allow them to feel safe up top and I can see them a bit!

Very smart idea on giving a little treat while they are out! I may have to do that for Hermie and Dave. Those two are a little shy still.


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In addition to our ultratherm UTH, we use reflectix- bought at Home Depot or lowes - to help maintain heat. When our power went out with the recent hurricane, I covered our whole tank with reflectix and it really helped to keep the heat up.


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tiburonkid90 wrote:Oh that's crazy! I'll have to do that too! I really don't want any mold or bugs! Blah! Oh I do get you! Venasaur he's real use to me now cause he does come out more often than not during the day. I do rise early and see them a little before they go off to hide! They usually are in their little hut more than not. LoL but just seeing them would be a big plus! Definitely will be getting some net to see if that will allow them to feel safe up top and I can see them a bit!

Very smart idea on giving a little treat while they are out! I may have to do that for Hermie and Dave. Those two are a little shy still.


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Mold and insects go hand in hand with crabbing, and it is almost certain that you will experience both at some point.

Most insects in crabitats are harmless, and can be beneficial to the overall health of your tank.

Mold will never be 100% preventable.



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soilentgringa wrote:

tiburonkid90 wrote:Oh that's crazy! I'll have to do that too! I really don't want any mold or bugs! Blah! Oh I do get you! Venasaur he's real use to me now cause he does come out more often than not during the day. I do rise early and see them a little before they go off to hide! They usually are in their little hut more than not. LoL but just seeing them would be a big plus! Definitely will be getting some net to see if that will allow them to feel safe up top and I can see them a bit!

Very smart idea on giving a little treat while they are out! I may have to do that for Hermie and Dave. Those two are a little shy still.


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Mold and insects go hand in hand with crabbing, and it is almost certain that you will experience both at some point.

Most insects in crabitats are harmless, and can be beneficial to the overall health of your tank.

Mold will never be 100% preventable.



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I guess that does make sense! Trying to prevent is all you can do! Thank you every one though!


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Its a little annoying but i just try to stay hands on in my tank to hopefully help keep it clean [looking to get some pill bugs also] I had another member mention they put fly traps in their tank to help [water/soda bottle depending on your tanks size with some apple cider vinegar with some dish soap and honey to attract them. You leave the top off and the flys go in for the honey but get stuck to the mixture.]

I'm also looking into getting some isopods here eventually! But, that's fascinating. I'm gonna have to look into the fly traps. That's kind of different! Are you saying like the Venus fly trap plants? Would the hermits eat those, as well?


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