I used the wrong sand but my crabs buried themselves before we could change it

[Jerrbear9888]

I just recently adopted 3 hermit crabs semi impulsively. At first I did some light research but made the horrible mistake of trusting a pet smart care guide. Im 95% sure they’re all purple pinchers. The humidity has not gotten below 70% but is most around 78-80 most of the day and jumps to 92ish when I mist and I’m attempting to create the gradient heat effect with just a below the tank heater mounted on the side above the substrate.I know the warm side stays about 82 and have ordered a ceramic heater bulb as a second option. The substrate is sloped and at its highest point it’s about 8 inches deep and at it’s lowest it’s about 3-4 inches. For right now I’m using the declorinator and the salt water kit that came with the tank. They also have a hiding log a drift wood piece I got from pet co and a coconut hair climbing wall thing? And they currently have 7 shells varying in size. My large issue I’m having right now is the tank came with calcium sand and coconut substrate. I did about a half and half mixture. After a bit more research over the past 2 days I’ve realize that is not a great idea. So I would like to change it as soon as possible to a safer option. But they have all buried them selves and I haven’t been able to catch them out at night. So I say all that to ask two questions. Is there a way to safely change the sand or are they okay until they become more comfortable and hopefully surface. And is there anything I can do to make them more comfortable and happy in their new home? Thank you all so much in advance.

[JoeHermits]

What brand kit provides enough sand for four to eight inches of substrate? All the ones I’ve seen only give enough for a couple of inches.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jerrbear9888]

It was zoo Med or something like that I’m pretty sure it was supposed to be not all used at once but I was reading about how they need room to burrow so I just went for it.

[JoeHermits]

For now I would leave them be. Calcium sand can harden but if it’s holding tunnels when mixed in it should hold so long as it remains damp.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jerrbear9888]

Okay thank you will do!