New to crab keeping, question about sand

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:57 am

Just about a week or two ago I got my self 4 hermit crabs because while I was out of town I saw them at some kind of shop with the painted shells and I picked one up and it crawled hand to hand which I liked and decided that I wanted some once I got back so I got 4 of them. so my question is, does the sand have to be moist to where you can make a circle in the tank with out the sides caving in? Because I don't have it that way now and the lps didn't say anything about it either.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:39 am

Welcome!

I think the general rule of thumb is that the sand should have sand castle consistency. This means you would be able to make a standing structure with your sand.

Also, please check around for this site for tips and information on how to properly care for the HCs.

There are other important things to consider like humidity, temperature, dechlorinated fresh and salt water, etc.

HERMEZ · Post by **HERMEZ** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:15 am

they need both dry and wet so they can regualte how they want to be.........just like warmner and cooler areas. I dont think its healthy IMHO to have all wet substrate. I ususally make one end moist and one dry

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:24 am

They seem fine without it, are you sure they need it? If so do I just pour dechlornated water on one side of the tank?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:55 am

I spray the top of my sand to make it a little moist. My crabs seem to carry water and droole it into the places they want it. They also build where they like. If I wet sand for them, I'm not sure I'd know where to wet.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:02 am

Herm-EZ wrote:they need both dry and wet so they can regualte how they want to be.........just like warmner and cooler areas. I dont think its healthy IMHO to have all wet substrate. I ususally make one end moist and one dry

Oops. I finally thought I was getting a handle on these guys.

Thanks for the correction.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:27 pm

Ok, thanks for the help guys.