HCA: Hermit Crab Association

From what I gathered freeze dried stuff is frozen then put through a vacuum to remove moisture. I would think that freezing it would neutralize any bacteria.

See that's the thing, wouldn't freeze drying zap the bacteria? The pellets wouldn't be culprit. I know how stuff like that is made.

I was just thinking of this too. Typically temperatures of 85 and a little bit of salt will kill off most bacteria and solve most problems. I know the other fish appear healthy, but just as a precaution maybe it wouldn't hurt it you raise the temp to 85 and add some salt if you don't have it already...

It's a bacteria which makes it potentially contagious, since you removed the fish close to passing, it lessens the risk of the others getting it. However the bacteria is still in the water since one fish got it. Hopefully the others are healthy enough to fight it off. Dropsy is a prettty common bett...

Just refreshed the page Crabber, I didn't see you new post until afer I posted.Anything that stressed them out can cause their immune system to temporarily weaken. Water changes, shipping, isolating, sickness, etc. This makes it easy for them to get sick even when tanks are kept pristine.

I know dropsy can be caught by the other fish. Unfortunately there is no way to cure dropsy. It's a bacteria that attacks and shuts down the kidneys. Which the. In turn causes fluid build up, swelling and raised scales. It's typically caused by feeding live food. I don't know anything about tumors o...

Also, your going to need four dishes. One for food, one for freshwater, one for saltwater and one for calcium. You need to have some type of calcium supplement for them. They use calcium in there exsoskeleton. It helps keep it hard. Since they molt, some of that is lost so they need a way to compens...

As long as someone is keeping a close eye on her and the crabs, I'm sure they will be fine.

If you want to intorduce yourself to the site with a quick story the. you can include it here. If not then post it under LHC.BTW, welcome to the site.

My aunts just quit. My grandparents had to get a new unit for the house. (She "rents") Glad you didn't have to get a new unit. I know they aren't cheap, didn't know how much they cost until the other day. I about crapped!! I'd take $75 over a new unit any day!lol

The only way you are going to get both is to get a full spectrum bulb. Those two lights are at opposite ends if the light spectrum. Why do they need UVA??? That's more for plants. I know it's beneficial to have both, but....?

If you really want to use it I recommend contacting the company, explain that you want to use it in the tank, but you would like to know the location of harvest and the methods that where used to clean it. As far as grit size, I think play sand is fine. I don't know if it is identified by number. I ...

Two other shells isn't enough. Usually at least four keeps them busy.Are you sure Alina isn't a boy? Since it is mating season, males will guard a female and fend off other males. What you are describing sounds like defensive behavior from a male looking for a viable mate. How big are they?

Wait till your last molter is up and do a head count. Maybe bring a camera with you so you can document who is who.

That's fine.