HCA: Hermit Crab Association

We have been using the Zoo Meds Terrarium Moss for around two years in our moss pits. All our crabs in 4 tanks would always hide in it.

We heard about how Sphagnum Moss holds moisture better and crabs really love it. We figured we would try it. It deffinately holds moisture better.

Since switching our moss pits over about two weeks ago there has been zero activity in any of the moss pits. I have see crabs at the edge of the pit but won't go in. Almost like standing by a freezing pool sticking your foot in debating on jumping in. We figured it may take a little for them to decide to try it since I'm sure it smells different. We are talking about 25+ crabs refusing to try it. I find it extremely puzzling that not one crab tries it.

The only thing I can really think is possibly doing a 50/50 mix and see if we get any interest.

Did anyone else experience something similar switching moss?

No, quite the opposite. My crabs will sit in the sphagnum moss for hours

Mine love sphagnum moss! I've never used terrarium moss.

Edit: Are you making it too wet?

I was thinking it may have been a little too wet. This stuff is like a sponge! I did squeeze it pretty good to get most of the water out but maybe not enough.

Last night I fluffed it up a bit in two of the tanks. This morning Abby and Mephy we're in it. I saw a purple hunkered down in the other moss pit.

Yes! It is Because the humidity in my tanks is fine (99%), I actually put sphagnum in my crabitats dry a lot of times - they go to town on it!!