To clean or not to clean?

Superman&Roger · Post by **Superman&Roger** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 1:50 pm

Soo..it looks like the boys are getting ready to molt again--lots of excavating going on, eating a bit more, checking out shells--plus they haven't gone down under for a few months. However, I am just about ready to change the substrate as I noticed a 'critter'(a teensy weensy beetle type critter) which I think came in on some lilac branches that I put in for fun. While the branches weren't in for long, it was a few weeks ago. I washed them well in de-chlorinated water first, but apparently not well enough. Live and learn. I'm going under the assumption where there's one critter, there are more. Also, it is just time for a clean. Is it okay to clean just before they molt or will I disrupt their plans?The crabs are a good size--about the size of ping pong ball. How deep should the substrate be? I have it high on one side--about 5-1/2" deep (which is about 3/4 of the tank) and low on the other, about 1" to house their pools and waterfall. Is that deep enough for them?My two foster crabs, Jolly Roger and Superman, are a purple pincher and one that is more red. (Helpful, I know.) They are housed in a 20 gallon reptile cage. The screen top is about 3/4 covered with the lid/light from their previous 10 gal. tank. They have a salt water pool, a de-chlorinated pool, and a waterfall. I mist every day. I am not sure of the humidity level--no hygrometer at the moment (very long, but not interesting, story). If it ever looks dry in the tank I give it an extra mist. They seem happy enough. The temperature ranges from low 70's (on an extremely cool day), to the low 80's on an extremely warm day. They eat a fresh fruit or veggie everyday plus a protein (egg, meat, fish...)with hermit crab variety bites sprinkled on sometimes. (I know corn pops for crabs but what are you gonna do--they like it). They also regularly get oak leaves and sometimes get popcorn popped in coconut oil--no salt. I don't handle the crabs--which they seem to appreciate, as do I--but we do talk quite a bit. Oh...and they really like Taylor Swift for some reason. Put that on the iPod and they are at the side of the tank checking things out. No accounting for taste. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Geranium · Post by **Geranium** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 2:45 pm

I've never tried music with them...going to have to pay attention now! They calm down when I talk to them, most of the time. They know me and can tell me apart from the other people in the house. As long as no one is buried, I'd go ahead and clean. I've not noticed a problem, mine seem to like to go molt just after I've done a deep clean. Maybe it's like the cats using the litter box within seconds of it being changed.It has been recommended to have more or less uniform depth for the sub, gives more options for where to bury. The sub should be a minimum of twice as deep as your tallest crab is tall, with a minimum starting depth recommended at 6 inches.

jgfceit · Post by **jgfceit** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 2:51 pm

Definitely clean. The crabs will enjoy the change of scenery.

Superman&Roger · Post by **Superman&Roger** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 3:00 pm

Thanks for the speedy replies. Alas, I can't make the crabitat all one depth as the waterfall is too tall to stand on 5-1/2" of substrate. Plus...They seem to want to bury themselves beneath it which is not safe--as digging the substrate away will make it topple--killing poor crabbie. Anyway, thanks for the tips.As far as the music goes, 'Why You Gotta Be So Mean,' seems to be a particular favorite of theirs.

finalfantasyxii · Post by **finalfantasyxii** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 5:21 pm

I have heard that for crabs of that size you need more substrate than 5.5". Check out the list of crab sizes with minimum sub depth on this (very trusted) site: http://www.hermitcrabpatch.com...-Substrate-a/133.htm It says you should have 6-8" of substrate minimum for golf ball sized crabs.I would probably forego the waterfall over having adequate sustrate depth. You can always use a smaller water dish but they can't necessarily safely molt if the sub isn't deep enough.Anyhoo, that's just my humble opinion!

Superman&Roger · Post by **Superman&Roger** » Sat Jul 27, 2013 4:18 am

Thanks, FFXXII. I think I will make the depth of the substrate higher everywhere but underneath their pools/waterfall. I like the waterfall for humidity. Even with the 'water park' area, they still have substantially more surface area to molt under than they did in the 10 gal. For two little crabs I think they have plenty of space. Plus, I think they like their little mountain to climb!