Humidity

[JoeHermits]

I read at this article ( https://crabstreetjournal.org/blog/2012 ... t-do-i-do/ ) that a crab might leave its shell if it is to humid:
"A hermit crab will also leave their shell due to a too high of a humidity percentage. A high humidity level makes it difficult for the hermit crab to breath due to the ‘thicknesses’ of the humidity. If subjected to a too high humidity level, this can promote a gill infection that may cause irreversible damage. Maintaining humidity levels of 90% and higher is discouraged."

When it rains the relative humidity goes up to 100% RH. The air does become more saturated but that does not negatively impacts animals that breath with gills

I would also look into recalibrating your hygrometer since reading max levels for long periods of time can be a sign that they aren’t working


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[JoeHermits]

Should I have dry substrate? This article suggests it:
https://crabstreetjournal.org/blog/2017 ... ming-from/

It is possible to have too much moisture at the beginning, especially if the playsand was stored outside in the rain or coconut fiber bricks were rehydrated with too much water. The latter is an especially common way to oversaturate your substrate.

An easy way to test your level of substrate saturation is by sticking a chopstick (or similar item) down along the side of the tank. If you see water pool in the hole you made, the substrate is too wet


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[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

Moss pits are recommended because they can increase/ decrease humidity depending where it is. The crabs also like to hide in it and eat it.

How do I make one?

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

I would also look into recalibrating your hygrometer since reading max levels for long periods of time can be a sign that they aren’t working.

I have two tanks now, each 10 galloons, as a friend heard I was getting crabs and gave me a tank. I split the crabs, two in one tank and three in the other.
In the original tank (tank 1), the digital thermomerter/hydrometer reads 99% humidity. However, tank 2 (the new tank) does not have a thermometer (yet!), only a hydrometer stuck to the wall, so I take the thermometer/hydrometer from Tank 1 and put it into tank 2 to find the tempurature. The humidity will read about 50%, the same as the other hydrometer, so I know it's not broken. The humidity reading only goes back up when I put it into tank 1. But thank you for the suggestion!

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

It is possible to have too much moisture at the beginning, especially if the playsand was stored outside in the rain or coconut fiber bricks were rehydrated with too much water. The latter is an especially common way to oversaturate your substrate.

An easy way to test your level of substrate saturation is by sticking a chopstick (or similar item) down along the side of the tank. If you see water pool in the hole you made, the substrate is too wet

I was very careful to not add too much water to the coco coir. And I baked the sand to dry it, because it was too wet when I got it.
I tried the "chopstick test," the substrate's fine. Glad I don't have to worry about that!
Thank you!!!

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

When it rains the relative humidity goes up to 100% RH. The air does become more saturated but that does not negatively impacts animals that breath with gills.

That makes me feel a lot better! I was worried! Thanks!

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

Since you already have crabs, you should not do that I think. The humidity on the tank gets the sub to the right consistency after a few weeks. That is before you have your crabs. The moss pit, big water pools, and other things that help humidity. I would just let your substrate be for now. Probably if you upgrade!

Thank you!

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

By the way, sorry I've been asking so many questions lately! I want to make sure I take good care of my crabs, and know why I do the things I do for them (Example: not merely: "Keep the humidity at 70+ because so and so said so," but "keep the humidity at 70+ becuase their gills need to stay miost."

Thank you for answering my questions so quickly and throughly!

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

I have one of those coconut shells that have a "ladder" up to it, for the crabs to climb. I don't think my crabs will climb it, so I put it on the ground and tossed some dirt in it. The crabs really enjoy hiding in it! Should I hang it? Or is in fine on the ground?

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

I've read it's a good idea to have a lot of shells, and every month or so put new ones in the crabitat, so the crab has new choices. Is this a good idea?

[JoeHermits]

Hermit crabs will also carry a small amount of water in their shells that helps maintain proper humidity levels (and thus keeps their gills functioning, since they need some moisture to pull oxygen from the air). This is why wild purple pinchers have been found in upland, arid areas (~60% RH) although keeping humidity above 70% is a good measure

The coconut hide can go wherever you want, the hermit crabs will find a way in if they want it. Just note that the rope ladder can get moldy if it sits in damp substrate. Soaking it in a strong saltwater solution will help slow down growth

And yes, there are benefits to having many shell options, including shells that are replaced with new, clean ones. Your crabs will appreciate the expanded wardrobe


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[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

Thanks!

[HermitGuy3]

How do I make one?

Just get some sphagnum moss (make sure it is not dyed, it should be light brown/dead looking.), and a container to hold it, spray it with some water and BAM moss pit. ( or keep it dry if you want to lower humidity.)
Hope this helps