Sitting on top of things

[astrater]

New hermit crab owner here! I’ve got them all set up with substrate/ sand. Daily feeding and multiple water refills a day.

The crabs were burrowing and burying themselves. Now they seem to be mostly sitting on top of the sponges or other props. Should I be worried something is wrong with substrate causing them to be on top of things? Or could it just be that they’re being territorial over their favorite sponge?

Help is appreciated!

[curlysister]

Welcome to crabbing!
If the sponges are in the water dishes, they just harbor bacteria - so it's best to remove them. Use something made from plastic like a ladder or craft mesh if you dishes are deeper than your crabs, so that they have a way to climb out.
Crabs will sometimes be active and sometimes be inactive, it doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong. What are you temp and humidity readings?

[wodesorel]

Purple pinchers are known as tree crabs in their native ranges, so any vertical climbing space you can give them will be used!