. But I’m having some trouble with my colony and I’m really stumped and sad and thought I’d see if you guys had any ideas.About three months ago, a male ruggie I’ve had for 3 years, Sugarplum, became lethargic. He grew increasingly lethargic over the course of about a month before he finally passed. He did not lose limbs or go shell-less, he simply got slower and slower until he finally died. I was upset at his death, but wasn’t too concerned about the cause at that time.
This week I noticed another crab, a female ruggie I’ve had for 7 years, Merangue, was starting to become lethargic. I have gotten her in isolation, but it is just like with Sugarplum. No outward problems, but she is so lethargic she can barely move her limbs. I am slowly watching her die, and it is crushing me. She is a very sweet and special girl and has been with me so long, she is like my baby. I spend all day studying about how to diagnose and treat disease in animals, and yet I am clueless and helpless to help her.
Any thoughts or ideas you might have would be appreciated. A little more about my setup:
-I have 5 tanks: 3 main tanks and 2 isos (10Ls). Both affected crabs were in the same tank, a 20L that also has 5 more teenies (2 ruggies, 2 PPs, and a strawbaby). I also have a 40L with 4 violas and an indo and a 20L with an aussie. In one of my iso’s is a recent purchase (teenie PP), in the other is Merangue.
-In that tank, temperature ranges from 85 to 79 in different places in the tanks. Humidity is about 90%, which it has been for about the last 5 years, so that's nothing new.
-All the crabs receive the same food. I make mixes from fresh food (7 different mixes) and freeze them and thaw out a little each time I need it. i also add premade mixes from places like hermit crab addiction. none of the other tanks have had problems, and I make sure to cook any meat, fish, or other seafood. I change the food every two days, but occasionally mold will grow on the food before I remove it.
-All the crabs receive fresh (dechlorinated) water and salt (oceanic) water that are mixed up in the same tubs before they are poured into each tank. each tank has water deep enough to submerge in.
-There have not been any important chemicals that have been near the tanks. I use Swiffer sweeper stuff on the floor, but am careful not to open the tank then (and have been using it in the same way for years). There was recently a carbon monoxide leak in the house, but I am positive this would have not affected the crabs (researched this).
-I did recently purchase a new crab, but she has been in a different tank and nothing has crossed between those two tanks.
I’m just really at a loss and really upset. Merangue is still alive for the moment, but barely. I’m just trying to keep her comfortable in her final days. She has water and honey/powered food nearby.
Please, if you have any thoughts or ideas, let me know. If there’s anything I forgot to mention, just ask.
Caroline
to have those crabs for years, losing them so suddenly must be so terrible. I'm so sorry and hope you can find some closure regarding their manner of death. 
