How long can hermit crabs go without saltwater?

[Fangs19]

Okay so to cut to the chase
I recently ran out of salt water and I’m panicking about it cause I recently ordered some more and it won’t come until next week and I’m not sure how long purple pinchers can go without saltwater I has fresh water in the meantime but I’m not sure if that’ll do for now

[CrabbyLover77]

Hi!

I believe Wodes on here went a very long time without having salt water available (please correct me if I'm wrong Wodes!). So a week shouldn't hurt.

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[curlysister]

Yeah, I think it was Wode! I have also 'forgotten' to fill up the salt water bowl for a few weeks at a time, LOL. Your crabs will be just fine!

[wodesorel]

It's been a few years since I've bothered with saltwater for mine, honestly. It can be very beneficial in some cases but it's not a necessity for all species. Purple pinchers have been documented living for 25 years without, so for them at least its not a worry. (Although new crabs who are adapting to captivity seem to do much better when supplied with it!) Other species like straws seem to die quickly without access.

[crabocado]

My crab went several (I'm guessing around 5) years without salt water. It was only after the other others died, and I found this forum and became aware of all the things that they need to thrive, that I started making big improvements in her care. When I first introduced a dish of salt water, she sat on the edge and drank from it for a very long time (an hour or two, if memory serves). So, I think they can definitely do without, for somewhat long periods, but eventually they may develop a desperate craving for it.

[hermitsinnc]

This is very helpful, thank you!

Recently, I discovered a piece of rotting moss in one of my water dishes. It was so stinky, I put the dish outside to de-odorize, so mine have had only fresh for about a week.