HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I heard that you did not have to change this type of bedding as it is like earth. I didn't know if you were supposed to do a clean once a month or if ever?? I have 5 small crabs in a 10 gallon tank. If my littlest one does die, I think I should clean the tank. Suggestions?

Regardless of what kind of substrate you have you need to clean every 2-4 months or so.

Think if it like a fishtank. The water needs to be changed out because waste that builds up and would normally be removed or transformed by lots of other types of animals isn't.

I change mine every four months or so. I know this seems like I should be changing the FB more often, but as long as I am careful to clean up food bits and mist it down regularly, I've had no problems. Many times my smaller crabs will dig down to molt, so I feel I disturb them less often.

Laurie

It depends, if you have a drainage layer etc, more of a terrarium/vivarium setup, and you clean out the poop every now and then, yo wont need to change the coconut fiber for 6 months to a year.

if you have it just sitting in there, i would reccomend a change every 2 - 4 months.

so i stir up the substrate every week or two, but i haven't fully changed the substrate since last december. I've taken it out and deep cleaned and stuff, but i just tossed the old CF back in. Like laurie, i just make sure i get out the food particles and all's well.