Please fill out MITE template!!
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starmaiden
- Posts: 419
- Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2006 3:41 pm
- Location: Washington State
Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
new crabs
What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
cocofiber and playsand
what kind of top do you have on your tank
glass aquarium hood
What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Fresh foods: a wide variety of fruits, eggs, silversides, spirulina, fresh coconut, peanut butter, dead crickets and mealworms, brine shrimp.
What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
tiny white mites, looked like little moving grains of sand. They were only on the crabs and nothing else.
What time of year did you get the infestation
summer (Aug)
what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Spare room used as office
is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Temp varies widely in the summer with the weather. It can be anywhere from 65-80F. In winter it's more consistant at about 65F.
is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Not really.
do you own other pets, if so what kind
2 cats one shorthair, one longhair. Large mixed breed dog w/medium long hair.
I brought 3 crabs home from Petsmart knowing they had mites. I gave all 3 a double strength salt water bath the day I brought them home and placed them in separate ISOs. 1 buried down 2 weeks later, but was still mite free at that time. Another has stayed completely mite free since his bath. A third was ill and continued to be ISO'd in my office next to my 15gal tank that had the breakout. He was reinfected with mites again the same time as the 15 gal tank and died.
As soon as I noticed the mites had reappeared, I removed all the substrate and the crabs and baked, boiled, scrubbed eveything I could and threw out everything that I couldn't, and replaced the crabs in the tank on paper towels with some moss to dig in. Three days later I saw one mite, so bathed everyone and washed out the tank again. This time in two baths of double strength salt water, then a bath of extra strength stress coat before replaceing them in the tank.
I'm hoping this solves the problem. If not I'm going to try the beneficial mites because I interrupted some molters who had gel limbs and such and I don't want to delay their molts for any longer. It's also really stressful for them I had two die so far. (Mighty and Peanut)
new crabs
What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
cocofiber and playsand
what kind of top do you have on your tank
glass aquarium hood
What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Fresh foods: a wide variety of fruits, eggs, silversides, spirulina, fresh coconut, peanut butter, dead crickets and mealworms, brine shrimp.
What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
tiny white mites, looked like little moving grains of sand. They were only on the crabs and nothing else.
What time of year did you get the infestation
summer (Aug)
what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Spare room used as office
is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Temp varies widely in the summer with the weather. It can be anywhere from 65-80F. In winter it's more consistant at about 65F.
is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Not really.
do you own other pets, if so what kind
2 cats one shorthair, one longhair. Large mixed breed dog w/medium long hair.
I brought 3 crabs home from Petsmart knowing they had mites. I gave all 3 a double strength salt water bath the day I brought them home and placed them in separate ISOs. 1 buried down 2 weeks later, but was still mite free at that time. Another has stayed completely mite free since his bath. A third was ill and continued to be ISO'd in my office next to my 15gal tank that had the breakout. He was reinfected with mites again the same time as the 15 gal tank and died.
As soon as I noticed the mites had reappeared, I removed all the substrate and the crabs and baked, boiled, scrubbed eveything I could and threw out everything that I couldn't, and replaced the crabs in the tank on paper towels with some moss to dig in. Three days later I saw one mite, so bathed everyone and washed out the tank again. This time in two baths of double strength salt water, then a bath of extra strength stress coat before replaceing them in the tank.
I'm hoping this solves the problem. If not I'm going to try the beneficial mites because I interrupted some molters who had gel limbs and such and I don't want to delay their molts for any longer. It's also really stressful for them I had two die so far. (Mighty and Peanut)
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Guest
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
Long term, haven't had new crabs for a long while
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
First time: Bed a Beast, wetted with salt water, drift wood and coco huts
Second time: Play sand, baked and wetted with salt water (thought if I changed substrate it would keep them away), all plastic deco (also thought this would help since the mites seemed to huddle together in the crevices of the wood deco)
I also use moss.
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Every day: Jurassi Diet, dried flies (Leopard Gecko Food) and/or dried krill (Turtle Treat). I always sprinkle powdered cuttle bone and spirulina over this.
Every few days: Something fresh, like fruit, vegetables, etc.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
Tiny, white, oval-shaped both times. Pretty sure they're the non-harmful kind; they just infest the food dish and multiply like crazy.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Summer, both times. First time in July, then just today I noticed more after I had done a deep clean - and even threw away all the wood - last month to get rid of them.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Hallway.
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Opposite. We keep it at 80 in the summer (live in Arizona). and 70 or so in the winter.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Yup, spiders, scorpions, crickets, pincher bugs.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
1 cat, 1 gecko, 1 baby leopard tortoise. The crabitat is the only one that gets infested, I'm guessing because of the humidity.
Edit: I'd also like to mention - which may be helpful - that I just recently moved. I never had mites at my last place, and it wasn't "buggy" at all. That may have something to do with it. The only bug problem I used to have in my crabitat were little black flies every 3 or 4 months. Since I've moved, I haven't seen flies, but now I'm getting mites (the first time the tank got infested was right after I'd moved - and I had done a deep clean and moved the hermits and tank over separately to make sure I wasn't bringing any flies with me). Maybe the type of bug problem I've had is somewhat related to location.
Long term, haven't had new crabs for a long while
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
First time: Bed a Beast, wetted with salt water, drift wood and coco huts
Second time: Play sand, baked and wetted with salt water (thought if I changed substrate it would keep them away), all plastic deco (also thought this would help since the mites seemed to huddle together in the crevices of the wood deco)
I also use moss.
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Every day: Jurassi Diet, dried flies (Leopard Gecko Food) and/or dried krill (Turtle Treat). I always sprinkle powdered cuttle bone and spirulina over this.
Every few days: Something fresh, like fruit, vegetables, etc.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
Tiny, white, oval-shaped both times. Pretty sure they're the non-harmful kind; they just infest the food dish and multiply like crazy.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Summer, both times. First time in July, then just today I noticed more after I had done a deep clean - and even threw away all the wood - last month to get rid of them.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Hallway.
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Opposite. We keep it at 80 in the summer (live in Arizona). and 70 or so in the winter.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Yup, spiders, scorpions, crickets, pincher bugs.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
1 cat, 1 gecko, 1 baby leopard tortoise. The crabitat is the only one that gets infested, I'm guessing because of the humidity.
Edit: I'd also like to mention - which may be helpful - that I just recently moved. I never had mites at my last place, and it wasn't "buggy" at all. That may have something to do with it. The only bug problem I used to have in my crabitat were little black flies every 3 or 4 months. Since I've moved, I haven't seen flies, but now I'm getting mites (the first time the tank got infested was right after I'd moved - and I had done a deep clean and moved the hermits and tank over separately to make sure I wasn't bringing any flies with me). Maybe the type of bug problem I've had is somewhat related to location.
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Guest
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
One I've had 10 months and the other I've had only 3
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
A mixture of playsand, Calci-sand, and "hermit crab sand"
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
I make it, but I can't find the link right now...
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and describe if you can
It was about as big as a small grain of sand...tan...
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Right now (Mid September)
**What room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Bedroom
**Is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Cool in summer, not as cool in winter
**Is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Ick. Yes.
**Do you live with other animals, if so what kind
Yes, 2 dogs (and I've lately been bringing one in my room a lot)
One I've had 10 months and the other I've had only 3
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
A mixture of playsand, Calci-sand, and "hermit crab sand"
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
I make it, but I can't find the link right now...
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and describe if you can
It was about as big as a small grain of sand...tan...
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Right now (Mid September)
**What room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Bedroom
**Is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Cool in summer, not as cool in winter
**Is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Ick. Yes.
**Do you live with other animals, if so what kind
Yes, 2 dogs (and I've lately been bringing one in my room a lot)
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Guest
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
I don't know which crab they came from. :S I've had the newest crabs for atleast a month now, and I got my first crab in early July.
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Sand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Dried kibble and fresh (mostly fruit and some veggies, also honey and nuts)
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
White, about the size of a grain of sand
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Not sure, but I saw one crawling on one of my crabs today
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Bedroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Hot in summer, cold in winter (we do use heaters in the wintertime - we usually put them at 60-70F)
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
No. Although this time of year all the spiders try to get in away from the cold, but I haven't seen any more for a while now.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
Cats.
I don't know which crab they came from. :S I've had the newest crabs for atleast a month now, and I got my first crab in early July.
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Sand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Dried kibble and fresh (mostly fruit and some veggies, also honey and nuts)
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
White, about the size of a grain of sand
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Not sure, but I saw one crawling on one of my crabs today
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Bedroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Hot in summer, cold in winter (we do use heaters in the wintertime - we usually put them at 60-70F)
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
No. Although this time of year all the spiders try to get in away from the cold, but I haven't seen any more for a while now.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
Cats.
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Guest
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
Long term
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Baked playsand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Screen 1/2 covered in plexi-glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Some commercial and alot of dried fruit to prevent molding
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
I would reach my hand in the tank and it would come out crawling with white bugs
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Fall/winterish
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Storage/guest room
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Always cool, but we use a space heater in the herm room each morning
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
An occasional silverfish, but the two kitties take care of those. Also an occasional ladybug.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
2 cats and a dog.
Long term
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Baked playsand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
Screen 1/2 covered in plexi-glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Some commercial and alot of dried fruit to prevent molding
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
I would reach my hand in the tank and it would come out crawling with white bugs
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Fall/winterish
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
Storage/guest room
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Always cool, but we use a space heater in the herm room each morning
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
An occasional silverfish, but the two kitties take care of those. Also an occasional ladybug.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
2 cats and a dog.
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Guest
Ok, here goes.
I got them from Petsmart when mine had mites but I gave them bath but anywayz.....
Substrate?please don't hate me but I can't name it but it was orange and looked kinda like sand/clay with sometimes little clumps. Plus not even an inch deep.
They had them when they were new (to me)
What kind of lid? Those plastic ones that are curvy on the hermit crabs tank with no holes at Petsmart.
What kind of food? Commercial crushed up tan ( I guessing ) pellets.
What season? Winter.
What kind of mite and describe if possible? It was white and was VERY tiny and moved fast.
What room? it was buy the fish tanks with tile floor under them.
What temp even through different weather? Probably between 60-80 degrees Farenhight. ( however you spell it!)
The other animals there were cats, dogs, fish, lizards, and frogs, but fish, lizards, and frogs were the only thing close to them. The cats and dogs were on the other side of the store.
I got them from Petsmart when mine had mites but I gave them bath but anywayz.....
Substrate?please don't hate me but I can't name it but it was orange and looked kinda like sand/clay with sometimes little clumps. Plus not even an inch deep.
They had them when they were new (to me)
What kind of lid? Those plastic ones that are curvy on the hermit crabs tank with no holes at Petsmart.
What kind of food? Commercial crushed up tan ( I guessing ) pellets.
What season? Winter.
What kind of mite and describe if possible? It was white and was VERY tiny and moved fast.
What room? it was buy the fish tanks with tile floor under them.
What temp even through different weather? Probably between 60-80 degrees Farenhight. ( however you spell it!)
The other animals there were cats, dogs, fish, lizards, and frogs, but fish, lizards, and frogs were the only thing close to them. The cats and dogs were on the other side of the store.
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Guest
Ok, here goes.
I got them from Petsmart when mine had mites but I gave them bath but anywayz.....
Substrate?please don't hate me but I can't name it but it was orange and looked kinda like sand/clay with sometimes little clumps. Plus not even an inch deep.
They had them when they were new (to me)
What kind of lid? Those plastic ones that are curvy on the hermit crabs tank with no holes at Petsmart.
What kind of food? Commercial crushed up tan ( I guessing ) pellets.
What season? Winter.
What kind of mite and describe if possible? It was white and was VERY tiny and moved fast.
What room? it was buy the fish tanks with tile floor under them.
What temp even through different weather? Probably between 60-80 degrees Farenhight. ( however you spell it!)
The other animals there were cats, dogs, fish, lizards, and frogs, but fish, lizards, and frogs were the only thing close to them. The cats and dogs were on the other side of the store.
Hope I didn't waste your time! (cause I may not be doing like you asked and stuff like that.)
I got them from Petsmart when mine had mites but I gave them bath but anywayz.....
Substrate?please don't hate me but I can't name it but it was orange and looked kinda like sand/clay with sometimes little clumps. Plus not even an inch deep.
They had them when they were new (to me)
What kind of lid? Those plastic ones that are curvy on the hermit crabs tank with no holes at Petsmart.
What kind of food? Commercial crushed up tan ( I guessing ) pellets.
What season? Winter.
What kind of mite and describe if possible? It was white and was VERY tiny and moved fast.
What room? it was buy the fish tanks with tile floor under them.
What temp even through different weather? Probably between 60-80 degrees Farenhight. ( however you spell it!)
The other animals there were cats, dogs, fish, lizards, and frogs, but fish, lizards, and frogs were the only thing close to them. The cats and dogs were on the other side of the store.
Hope I didn't waste your time! (cause I may not be doing like you asked and stuff like that.)
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Guest
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
-- I honestly don't know. I had mites in my old tank, but moved everyone over. I used all new substrate, baked all bake-able items, and gave every hermie three salt baths each. But I also bathe my new crabbies a few times with salt water. So I don't know where they're coming from!
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
--EE
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
--Glass hinged top
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
--A variety of Nar's kibbles
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
--White, small as a grain of sand, really fast
**What time of year did you get the infestation
-- Winter months (in U.S.)
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
--Spare bedroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
--I have central air and heating, so it's usually 72-74
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
--Nope, the boyfriend is an anal clean freak, so there is never a bug around
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
--Hamster, Bearded Dragon, fish, and an occasional visit from a guinea pig
-- I honestly don't know. I had mites in my old tank, but moved everyone over. I used all new substrate, baked all bake-able items, and gave every hermie three salt baths each. But I also bathe my new crabbies a few times with salt water. So I don't know where they're coming from!
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
--EE
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
--Glass hinged top
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
--A variety of Nar's kibbles
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
--White, small as a grain of sand, really fast
**What time of year did you get the infestation
-- Winter months (in U.S.)
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
--Spare bedroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
--I have central air and heating, so it's usually 72-74
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
--Nope, the boyfriend is an anal clean freak, so there is never a bug around
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
--Hamster, Bearded Dragon, fish, and an occasional visit from a guinea pig
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Guest
Mites in my tank. Help!
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs: I just put a new small ruggie, and small pp in the main tank about a month ago. Not sure if it's from them, they were clean when I got them.
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them: I am using jungle blend forest bedding
**what kind of top do you have on your tank: hood with long bulb
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc): I'll give them a big meal every couple days, and a snack every day. I have been trying lots of different foods to see what they like most. Within the past 3 weeks they have had: roasted chicken, olives, lettuce, rosemary crackers, plain crackers, pistachio nuts, cheerios, cuttle bone, turkey, orange, banana, apple, carrots, grapes, mashed potato, and honey. They stay in the food dish for up to 15 minutes when I give them mashed potatoes, roast chicken, crackers, and various fruits, and lettuce.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and describe if u can: they are white. I can't think of anything to compare them to, but I would say they are about 1/4-1/2 of a millimeter. I have counted seeing about 6 different mites, since Wednesday, which was when I noticed them.
**What time of year did you get the infestation: I found the first mite around 7 or 8pm on Wednesday, the 28Th of January.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc): The tank is next to my bed
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing): In the winter the house temperature is usually at 65-73 on the thermostat. In the summer it is usually very hot to save expense of air conditioning. Probably the same as outside, maybe a few degrees cooler, so between 70-95 Fahrenheit.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs): no it is not
**do you own other pets, if so what kind:no i do not
Here's the scenario. On Wednesday afternoon, I decided to do a deep clean of my tank. Also, I thought it would be a good idea since I have not yet seen 6 of my 10 crabs for about a month/month and a half. I switched from Calcisand to jungle blend forest bedding, and about a week later two of my crabs went down, Spiderman, and Bert, which I was happy for, as they looked like they needed a molt, and have never before showed any interest of digging. I'm not sure how long ago that was, but soon after I was out getting things for the crabitat, and I saw 3 medium PP's which were very active, two were drinking and playing in the water dish, and one was climbing over the hideout log. And I also saw two small PP's who were basically identical and had the same shells, so I had to get those also. They were all healthy and clean, not missing any limbs or anything. Within 9 minutes of placing them in the tank, they all buried, which I was disappointed as I wanted to see how they all got along, ect. But it was fine, and I figured they were destressing (conditions in the Petco tank were about 60temp, and 45 humidity. After a couple weeks and still no sign of anyone except for Mexico who has showed signs of digging, but never buried or molted or any of that, and Webster. I got a deal on a new 29gallon tank with a hood w/lamp, so decided to upgrade from the 10gallon, and got lots of new things for it. A couple days after it stabilized, I switched everything to the 29 gallon, and very carefully found the buried crabs. None were molting which was good, and I placed them in the new tank in the same locations, and carefully buried them again. As I was burying them, the biggest one, about the size of my palm, moved to the middle of the tank and stayed there, and Bert and Spiderman were walking around so I took them out until I was done putting all the substrate in. After all that was done, I put all of the hideouts, dishes, and climbing things in, then all of the crabs that were awake. Bert and Spiderman buried themselves again, and the others explored their new home, then ate dinner. Everything has been fine since then. The tank remains at 78-82 degrees in the day and about 75 at night, and the humidity stays between 80-87. So on Wednesday, it had been about a month and a half since I have seen the buried crabs, so I decided to do a deep clean which was needed anyway. I found that Bert had molted and was a peach color, his exo nowhere in site, he was really energetic and was exploring everything (I laid everything on a towel on my bedroom floor.) Crime (medium not sure what species,) was an off white, and I could see a tiny bit of his exp, so I put him and his exo with some substrate under the coconut hut in a Tupperware. The smallest crab I have also molted, and I couldn't see his exo anywhere, but he was very shy. I left him under the coconut hut with Crime. Spiderman was very energetic but didn't even attempt molting which he needs to I think. My biggest one did not start molting. The other identical small crab did not molt, and was energetic. Not sure what that leaves the count at, but anyway I had all of the small crabs in a Tupperware container with a little bit of saltwater, except for Bert who I let explore my room, and the small guy who molted, which was with Crime. I put all the mediums in a separate container with a little bit more saltwater than the other container. Everyone was awake and doing fine. So after cleaning everything, I put everyone back in. Digdug, my biggest, who was placed right next to the food dish, buried himself to the bottom right where he was sitting. Bert walked around to find a good spot to bury, and the two small identical guys buried next to each other within a couple of where I placed them. Crime buried himself again. Spiderman buried himself next to a big piece of Malaysian driftwood I have in the corner. My ruggie buried himself, which he hadn't done yet. My aggressive one went straight for the dinner, and stayed there for a long time. After everyone buried, it left Mexico, the unnamed aggressive one, and an unnamed medium on the surface. About an hour later I was looking through the glass and all of a sudden I saw a tiny white little bug which I assumed was a mite, walking up the side of the glass near the substrate. I immediately was worried, and went on this forum, and read the mite guide. I'm not sure what type it is, but as it was not on a crab, I assumed it was one of the safe cleaning ones. Well since then Bert has come up twice to eat, my ruggie surfaced, and Crime surfaced. Last night I was giving them a bath, and as I picked up Mexico, I was pretty sure I saw a mite walk off the edge of her shell. So I decided to put the crabs in saltwater that covered their shells, because I have heard that got rid of the mites. But none of the crabs had any on them or in their shells. And I also only bathed the ones that are not buried. Just before I posted this I saw another mite crawling on the piece of driftwood. I am worried, and not sure what to do. I have only seen about 6 mites since Wednesday, they are not on any of the surfaced crabs, and are not in the same place each time I see them. I was hoping someone would be able to give me some advice as to what to do. I wanted to take everything out and boil/clean it, but I didn't want to dig up the crabs again, and stress them out even more, so I came here looking for help.
Sorry for being so lengthy, just trying to be as detailed as possible, so I can get much help.
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them: I am using jungle blend forest bedding
**what kind of top do you have on your tank: hood with long bulb
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc): I'll give them a big meal every couple days, and a snack every day. I have been trying lots of different foods to see what they like most. Within the past 3 weeks they have had: roasted chicken, olives, lettuce, rosemary crackers, plain crackers, pistachio nuts, cheerios, cuttle bone, turkey, orange, banana, apple, carrots, grapes, mashed potato, and honey. They stay in the food dish for up to 15 minutes when I give them mashed potatoes, roast chicken, crackers, and various fruits, and lettuce.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and describe if u can: they are white. I can't think of anything to compare them to, but I would say they are about 1/4-1/2 of a millimeter. I have counted seeing about 6 different mites, since Wednesday, which was when I noticed them.
**What time of year did you get the infestation: I found the first mite around 7 or 8pm on Wednesday, the 28Th of January.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc): The tank is next to my bed
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing): In the winter the house temperature is usually at 65-73 on the thermostat. In the summer it is usually very hot to save expense of air conditioning. Probably the same as outside, maybe a few degrees cooler, so between 70-95 Fahrenheit.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs): no it is not
**do you own other pets, if so what kind:no i do not
Here's the scenario. On Wednesday afternoon, I decided to do a deep clean of my tank. Also, I thought it would be a good idea since I have not yet seen 6 of my 10 crabs for about a month/month and a half. I switched from Calcisand to jungle blend forest bedding, and about a week later two of my crabs went down, Spiderman, and Bert, which I was happy for, as they looked like they needed a molt, and have never before showed any interest of digging. I'm not sure how long ago that was, but soon after I was out getting things for the crabitat, and I saw 3 medium PP's which were very active, two were drinking and playing in the water dish, and one was climbing over the hideout log. And I also saw two small PP's who were basically identical and had the same shells, so I had to get those also. They were all healthy and clean, not missing any limbs or anything. Within 9 minutes of placing them in the tank, they all buried, which I was disappointed as I wanted to see how they all got along, ect. But it was fine, and I figured they were destressing (conditions in the Petco tank were about 60temp, and 45 humidity. After a couple weeks and still no sign of anyone except for Mexico who has showed signs of digging, but never buried or molted or any of that, and Webster. I got a deal on a new 29gallon tank with a hood w/lamp, so decided to upgrade from the 10gallon, and got lots of new things for it. A couple days after it stabilized, I switched everything to the 29 gallon, and very carefully found the buried crabs. None were molting which was good, and I placed them in the new tank in the same locations, and carefully buried them again. As I was burying them, the biggest one, about the size of my palm, moved to the middle of the tank and stayed there, and Bert and Spiderman were walking around so I took them out until I was done putting all the substrate in. After all that was done, I put all of the hideouts, dishes, and climbing things in, then all of the crabs that were awake. Bert and Spiderman buried themselves again, and the others explored their new home, then ate dinner. Everything has been fine since then. The tank remains at 78-82 degrees in the day and about 75 at night, and the humidity stays between 80-87. So on Wednesday, it had been about a month and a half since I have seen the buried crabs, so I decided to do a deep clean which was needed anyway. I found that Bert had molted and was a peach color, his exo nowhere in site, he was really energetic and was exploring everything (I laid everything on a towel on my bedroom floor.) Crime (medium not sure what species,) was an off white, and I could see a tiny bit of his exp, so I put him and his exo with some substrate under the coconut hut in a Tupperware. The smallest crab I have also molted, and I couldn't see his exo anywhere, but he was very shy. I left him under the coconut hut with Crime. Spiderman was very energetic but didn't even attempt molting which he needs to I think. My biggest one did not start molting. The other identical small crab did not molt, and was energetic. Not sure what that leaves the count at, but anyway I had all of the small crabs in a Tupperware container with a little bit of saltwater, except for Bert who I let explore my room, and the small guy who molted, which was with Crime. I put all the mediums in a separate container with a little bit more saltwater than the other container. Everyone was awake and doing fine. So after cleaning everything, I put everyone back in. Digdug, my biggest, who was placed right next to the food dish, buried himself to the bottom right where he was sitting. Bert walked around to find a good spot to bury, and the two small identical guys buried next to each other within a couple of where I placed them. Crime buried himself again. Spiderman buried himself next to a big piece of Malaysian driftwood I have in the corner. My ruggie buried himself, which he hadn't done yet. My aggressive one went straight for the dinner, and stayed there for a long time. After everyone buried, it left Mexico, the unnamed aggressive one, and an unnamed medium on the surface. About an hour later I was looking through the glass and all of a sudden I saw a tiny white little bug which I assumed was a mite, walking up the side of the glass near the substrate. I immediately was worried, and went on this forum, and read the mite guide. I'm not sure what type it is, but as it was not on a crab, I assumed it was one of the safe cleaning ones. Well since then Bert has come up twice to eat, my ruggie surfaced, and Crime surfaced. Last night I was giving them a bath, and as I picked up Mexico, I was pretty sure I saw a mite walk off the edge of her shell. So I decided to put the crabs in saltwater that covered their shells, because I have heard that got rid of the mites. But none of the crabs had any on them or in their shells. And I also only bathed the ones that are not buried. Just before I posted this I saw another mite crawling on the piece of driftwood. I am worried, and not sure what to do. I have only seen about 6 mites since Wednesday, they are not on any of the surfaced crabs, and are not in the same place each time I see them. I was hoping someone would be able to give me some advice as to what to do. I wanted to take everything out and boil/clean it, but I didn't want to dig up the crabs again, and stress them out even more, so I came here looking for help.
Sorry for being so lengthy, just trying to be as detailed as possible, so I can get much help.
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Guest
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
From Henry,my crab I had for about 2 months
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Jungle Bedding and Hermit Crab Sand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
At the time of the mite infestation,I had on an ill-fitting screen lid. Now I use saran wrap.
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
I feel fresh food,Usually a "salad" of fruits,veggies and egg shells.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
White. It literally looked like a moving grain of salt. It was ugly too
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Summer time,Mid July.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
The room is right by the front door to the house.The bottom story on the house has no "rooms" except for a bedroom and a bathroom. The rest isn't seperated at all,there are no walls or doors. Its in the hallway
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Cool in the summer,warm in the winter.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
We have a family of ants that live in our sink. We've tried numerous times to get rid of them,but they don't die. So we've come to accept them (lol,gross I know)
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
I have two chihuahuas, One Westhighland Terrier, One Carin Terrier,One black lab, a tabby cat and two fancy mice.
From Henry,my crab I had for about 2 months
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Jungle Bedding and Hermit Crab Sand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
At the time of the mite infestation,I had on an ill-fitting screen lid. Now I use saran wrap.
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
I feel fresh food,Usually a "salad" of fruits,veggies and egg shells.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
White. It literally looked like a moving grain of salt. It was ugly too
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Summer time,Mid July.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
The room is right by the front door to the house.The bottom story on the house has no "rooms" except for a bedroom and a bathroom. The rest isn't seperated at all,there are no walls or doors. Its in the hallway
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Cool in the summer,warm in the winter.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
We have a family of ants that live in our sink. We've tried numerous times to get rid of them,but they don't die. So we've come to accept them (lol,gross I know)
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
I have two chihuahuas, One Westhighland Terrier, One Carin Terrier,One black lab, a tabby cat and two fancy mice.
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Guest
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
I had just bought some crabs from PetsMart, and a few days later, I noticed the mites all over the tank.
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Fine green sand and Eco-Earth.
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
At the time, I had no top on my tank because it had gone missing. I didn't think it was a huge deal.
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
I stopped feeding my hermits commercial food a few years ago; since then, I've only given them fruits (citrus and non), vegetables (especially green, leafy veg), and the occasional bit of cooked chicken or shrimp.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
The last time I had mites, they were off-white.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
This occurred during the early summer months (Mid-June is when it started)
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
It was in my bedroom at the time. Still is, actually.
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
We have central air conditioning, so it constantly stayed around 68 degrees in my house.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Mostly spiders, but we do get flies in winter. Ladybugs have also managed to creep into our house during the summer months.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
I own five cats, but only one goes near the tank. She likes to sniff at it, rub her face on the glass, and hop down again.
I had just bought some crabs from PetsMart, and a few days later, I noticed the mites all over the tank.
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Fine green sand and Eco-Earth.
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
At the time, I had no top on my tank because it had gone missing. I didn't think it was a huge deal.
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
I stopped feeding my hermits commercial food a few years ago; since then, I've only given them fruits (citrus and non), vegetables (especially green, leafy veg), and the occasional bit of cooked chicken or shrimp.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
The last time I had mites, they were off-white.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
This occurred during the early summer months (Mid-June is when it started)
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
It was in my bedroom at the time. Still is, actually.
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
We have central air conditioning, so it constantly stayed around 68 degrees in my house.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
Mostly spiders, but we do get flies in winter. Ladybugs have also managed to creep into our house during the summer months.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
I own five cats, but only one goes near the tank. She likes to sniff at it, rub her face on the glass, and hop down again.
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Guest
Re: Please fill out MITE template!!
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
A new large Strawberry from PETCO
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Saltwater dampened papertowels for 3 weeks during crabcare FAQ treatment for mites, then moved to Forestbedding.
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Dry kibble for 3 weeks and then both fresh and dry.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
Large white mites, the size of seasame seeds(very easy to see) 6 legs and 2 antennea. They look like white ticks with antennea that they wave around like crazy. I only see them in the crabs shells, on their inner leg joints and on the walls of the glass tank, never in the food or anywhere else.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
winter.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
familyroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Central heat and air 72-73F year round.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
spiders and crickets sometimes, but usually no.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
1 medium sized Pug/Mutt, 1 Toy Poodle, 1 Hamster, 2 Goldfish.
I was successful at ridding the mites from ISO, however my ISO was sitting under my main 55 gallon tat, and they migrated. I just had a successful molt from a micro PP who has these mites. I'm sure they aren't harmful. None of the hermits seem to be stressed about them at all.
A new large Strawberry from PETCO
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Saltwater dampened papertowels for 3 weeks during crabcare FAQ treatment for mites, then moved to Forestbedding.
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
glass
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Dry kibble for 3 weeks and then both fresh and dry.
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
Large white mites, the size of seasame seeds(very easy to see) 6 legs and 2 antennea. They look like white ticks with antennea that they wave around like crazy. I only see them in the crabs shells, on their inner leg joints and on the walls of the glass tank, never in the food or anywhere else.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
winter.
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
familyroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
Central heat and air 72-73F year round.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
spiders and crickets sometimes, but usually no.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
1 medium sized Pug/Mutt, 1 Toy Poodle, 1 Hamster, 2 Goldfish.
I was successful at ridding the mites from ISO, however my ISO was sitting under my main 55 gallon tat, and they migrated. I just had a successful molt from a micro PP who has these mites. I'm sure they aren't harmful. None of the hermits seem to be stressed about them at all.
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
Long term
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Sand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
A towel
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Commerical
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
The kind that fly
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Summer
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
My bedroom-ICK.
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite Cool in the summer/cold in the winter.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs
Somewhat.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
A turtle and two cats.
Long term
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
Sand
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
A towel
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc)
Commerical
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
The kind that fly
**What time of year did you get the infestation
Summer
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
My bedroom-ICK.
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite Cool in the summer/cold in the winter.
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs
Somewhat.
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
A turtle and two cats.
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Guest
mites! help please!
**Were your mites from long term owned crabs or new crabs
long term -- over a year
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
1/2 n 1/2 mix of sand & ecosoil
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
screen mesh top (with half of it covered by an old cookie sheet -- i have a VERY curious straw!)
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc) almost all fresh -- whatever we're having for dinner that night, or the night before
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
the mites are about the size of the head of a pin, white to cream and only on the outside of the crabitat that i've seen so far.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
just noticed them, like, 5 minutes ago
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
bedroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
warm in winter, cool in summer. we have central heat/air
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
new house for us -- this will be our first summer heree so i don't know
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
4 dogs, 1 cat and fish, all indoors
long term -- over a year
**What kind of substrate were you using when you got them
1/2 n 1/2 mix of sand & ecosoil
**what kind of top do you have on your tank
screen mesh top (with half of it covered by an old cookie sheet -- i have a VERY curious straw!)
**What is the main type of food you feed - fresh or commercial-describe if fresh the most type you feed (fruit/veggies/meat etc) almost all fresh -- whatever we're having for dinner that night, or the night before
**What type of mite did you see (white/tan/black/red) and descrip if u can
the mites are about the size of the head of a pin, white to cream and only on the outside of the crabitat that i've seen so far.
**What time of year did you get the infestation
just noticed them, like, 5 minutes ago
**what room is the tank in (bed/dining etc)
bedroom
**is your home normally cool in summer/warm in winter or the opposite (like not all of us have central air that kind of thing)
warm in winter, cool in summer. we have central heat/air
**is your home normally "buggy" meaning you have lots of other bugs (spiders/centipedes/daddy long legs)
new house for us -- this will be our first summer heree so i don't know
**do you own other pets, if so what kind
4 dogs, 1 cat and fish, all indoors