HCA: Hermit Crab Association

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? coconut fiber and sand 5inces on 1/2 tank Curly - Did you use play sand? Or a 'hermit crab' sand? 2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity ...

I<3mycrabbies wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:52 am

When we found him again he had passed he wasnt going into another shell and we left him over night but the tank smelt awful this morning

and I use a UTH for my tank I haven't been able to go out and get another one yet.

Do you have your tank insulated? What do you use for a lid?

Your tank is too cold. It should be around 80F, to allow for dips in temp during the day or night. What do you use for a heat source?

You need to get the crab out of the water, and follow the instructions on the care sheet that JoeHermits posted asap.

They can stay under for weeks or even months. They know what they are doing, resist the urge to dig them up.

Popcorn is a favorite in my tank too! LOL!

Your tank looks great! There is no such thing as 'too humid' - things may be more apt to mold, but you can just remove the fuzzy mold, it isn't harmful to crabs. Be sure that you are feeding a varied diet, that includes protein and calcium daily. If you have crabs underground, just let them be. They...

Oh right on! I love updates like this!

What type of heat mat is it? Like what is it's intended use?

Sorry I'm not sure I understand....does a 'hood light' mean that there is a plastic hood, with the lights built in....kind of like the top of a fish tank?

I have personally not done that, but from my understanding other people have with no problems - the heat gets thru the cork tile!

Good that you already uncovered him. I suggested the margarine container because I didn't know if you would have the ability to keep two tanks at proper heat and humidity. Also good that you covered the tank with a blanket, as they do need dark for molting. Leave him in isolation until he has eaten ...

They should be all right for a while. Be sure to check out the guide as far as how many crabs of what size, can be safely kept in what size of tank.

When crabs are underground molting, they make a little cave so they are safe and can breathe. If you re-bury a crab, they have no cave and can suffocate. You need to very gently dig him up again, and very carefully put him and his exo into a small container like an empty margarine container to isola...

He was probably only partially decayed, so some of his body stayed in the shell. I am sorry he passed away.
Have you managed to get a UTH yet? Are your temps and humidity consistently in a good range?

As long as your substrate is proper consistency, they will be able to both dig down and dig back up. Is he your only crab? Is the substrate at least 2-3 times as deep as your largest crab? If there is more than one crab, be sure that your substrate is deep enough asap. You can add more substrate, ju...