tiny cockroaches in my tank!!!!

[juju1096]

i was recently given two hermit crabs in a ten gal tank. This was totally out of surprise and so i began to do some research on them. i got them the essentials but i couldn't get a good cover, for now im using plastic wrap and a book on top to prevent my cat from going inside. recently ive been seeing tiny cockroaches go inside the tank, i didnt think it was that big a deal since it was only one or two. i haven't been putting in water or food for like a week because they're both molting. but yesterday i opened it to clean and put some water and food in case they come up soon and as soon as i took some stuff out A BUNCH of cockroaches scurried out. My first thought was to replace all the substrate with something else but i wouldn't want to disturb my crabies since they're molting. what do i do??? I'm worried that they'll harm my hermit crabs while they're vulnerable.

[Crabber85]

Sounds like you have an infestation which is unfortunate but if it is cockroaches your seeing then I would highly doubt that they are after the crabs but rather the warmth and humidity of the tank and maybe any left over food that might have been stashed by the crabs.Because your not using a proper lid a lot of creepy crawlies will eventually find their way in the tank I know from personal experience I've had little harmless house spiders, flies, gnats and even mites at one point and the only thing to do is to get the pests out which may mean that you have to take everything out and replace the substrate and boil the empty shells and decor that can be boiled to sterilize it which is a must with disease carriers like cockroaches.Since both of your crabs are down presumably molting the only thing you can do is take everything out except the substrate just scrape the top half inch off and toss it, boil the empty shells and other decor that can be boiled in dechlorinated fresh water for fifteen minutes this should be enough to sterilize the tank for now.Where is your tank sitting on the floor, counter or stand?

[juju1096]

Thank you for answering, that sounds like a good idea, ill do that as soon as possible and the tank is on a counter top.

[Crabber85]

If you need anymore help please feel free to ask as that is what we are here for and it was an honor assisting you. The reason why I asked where the tank was located is because the floor is the absolute worst place due to the fact that it makes heating and keeping the tank warm nearly impossible but is a very common tank placement area for those just getting into the hobby so since one never knows its just safer to ask.