HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Take a small tupperware, pack with sand and then turn it over. Does the sand keep the shape?

Sandcastle will keep the shape

yes...tested and proven

The ukranians have an art form where the put a small hole in an egg, empty out the insides and then use colored wax to put artistic designs on it. My mom has had a couple in her china case for 30+ years...the shells are calcium based and I'm sure eventually turn to dust but go bad....no.

I second what Breezy and Meg said...take care of you before worrying about US!

We will be there when you are ready

P.S. I think your knowledge and experience are invaluable to many a new crab owner, myself included, so you are saving little crabby lives every day.

you can insulate ultratherms safely. I use a insulation board. Bought at Lowes or Home Depot... I didn't need anything else. I use duck tape around the edges to secure both the ultratherm and the board. http://www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Materials-Insulation-Rigid-Insulation/N-5yc1vZbaxx see fourth...

So I have noticed a almost slimmy feel to my bubbler hoses and stones. What do you use and how do you clean yours????

If you are worried about any heat source being a fire hazard, I will second what was said earlier and recommend a Ultratherm UTH - the largest size that will fit above the sub. It's also kid safe - won't burn them.

The substrate looks a little shallow, should be at least 6 inches deep.

If you fill out this templet, maybe we can spot something for you.

Pictures of your crabitat would help as well.

http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 27&t=46102

http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 27&t=46102

Welcome to our addition / insanity

Do you have a Lowes or Home Depot close by?

They will have play sand in with the construction (lumber and masonry) this time of year.

Mold isn't harmful to crabs. It's just that we might be allergic to it. Rest easy.

It looks great and don't worry, they will find a place to dig down.

the tat looks GREAT!

You should start a thread in Emergency and fill out this template...

http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 27&t=46102

For heat the most popular option seems to be an ULTRATHERM UTH. We recommend the largest that will fit on the back of your tank above the substrate or no more than 1" below the sub line.
Link to REPTILE BASICS (cheaper shipping) below.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads