New Crab Concern

[Mitt2017]

Greetings! My kids got a hermit crab last Friday, and we moved him into a 10 gallon tank on Saturday night. I've tried to research the best ways to help him feel comfortable and healthy. However, he does not seem to be moving much, if at all. He explored a bit on Sunday and dipped in the salt water, but he mostly stays hidden in the cave I made from a black food container (suggested by a relative familiar with reptiles and crabs). I'm not sure if he's just de-stressing or if there are issues with his environment.

Substrate is playground sand with some calcium sand. I have dishes with both fresh and salt water (distilled base, Zoo Med salt mix), as well as a shell with food that I change daily (mix of items from crab-safe lists). Humidity and temp are good as per the hygrometer. I've partially covered the top of the tank with saran wrap to keep moisture inside, and I mist daily. New shells are on the way. If I need to add more info, please let me know. Suggestions or comments on whether I should be worried are welcomed. Thanks in advance for your time!

[curlysister]

Welcome to crabbing!
Have you had a look at the 'basics' care sheet? Start with that one, then go from there.
You will also want to check out the 'water' care sheet for info about proper water. What you are using won't hurt them, but it doesn't provide all the minerals that are needed long term.
Be sure you are feeding protein and calcium daily, as well as a variety of other foods.
How deep is your substrate? How much calcium sand compared to how much play sand? Calcium sand is not suitable for crabs, because it turns hard like cement when it's wet - but there are crabbers who use small amounts without problems.

[Mitt2017]

Thank you for the reply! I refreshed my self on the basics sheet. There has been so much info to learn! Yesterday, I noticed he was in a different position, and there was sand in his food bowl, so I at least know he was out and about a bit.

I didn't realize distilled water wasn't the best, so I'll change that. The zoo med salt water was all they had at the pet store, but I did keep seeing that it wasnt optimal. I was able to get some Instant Ocean off Amazon and made him a fresh batch with it yesterday morning.

The substrate ranges from 3.5-4.5 inches, so I'm guessing I should add a bit more. I just mixed a little of the calcium sand on top layer, so the play sand is the vast majority. Would you recommend totally changing it out or just mixing it thoroughly when I add more play sand?

[curlysister]

If it's only a small amount, I'd just mix it in. If he has dug underground, then don't mix it, just put it on the surface without mixing or dropping it in.
Do you have a thermometer and hygrometer to measure temp and humidity?

[Mitt2017]

I do have a hygrometer/thermometer combo, and I calibrated it with the salt method. I've put out the new water and given him some new shell options. Don't think he's popped out to check them out though.

ETA: Looks like he lost a leg. Is that normal for a crab adjusting to a new home? I'm not quite sure what steps I should take to make things better for him.

[curlysister]

What are your temp and humidity readings?
Dropping limbs can be a sign of stress, they are trying to conserve energy. It is not a good sign, but crabs can recover from it. Crabs go through a lot before we get them, and even if our tank has good conditions, they are still trying to overcome everything they have been through.
Are you feeding protein daily? Can you offer him some high energy food like peanut butter and honey?
If you are comfortable sharing it with us, can you post a picture of your tank?

[Mitt2017]

I read about giving peanut butter and honey, so I put some in yesterday along with chicken, oats, cheese, and peanuts. I usually do some nuts, seeds, eggs, fruit of some sort.

Temp is usually 75-77, and humidity has been in the 80s but has soemtimes gotten to the 90s. Can humidity be too high? I've read conflicting info.

I'll try to post a picture of the setup if I can get it figured out. I checked on him this morning, and he seemed to be sliding forward out of his shell and seemed non-responsive I feel terrible about his condition.

[Mitt2017]

[Mitt2017]

I'm pretty sure he's passed. There's starting to be a fishy smell. I appreciate the energy to try to help. Really hate that this happened.

[curlysister]

Aw, I am so sorry to hear that. They do go through so much before we get them, that they are often not able to recover even if we offer them perfect conditions. It is referred to as 'post purchase syndrome', and crabs are susceptible until at least their first molt with us.
You set up looks really good, and there is not such thing as 'too high' humidity. If you do want to get another crab or two, consider adopting so that you know the conditions they are coming from. We have an 'adoptions' section on this forum, and sometimes people find crabs on markeplace or local swap and shop pages (that's where I got my two).