Boil or bake Cholla wood

[CrabbyGann]

New crab owner here My daughter got a hermit crab from her teacher a few months ago. I’ve been learning all sorts of things about hermit crabs. I bought some cholla wood and cannot find good information on how to sterilize it before adding to our hermit crabs tank. Do I boil or bake? If either, how do I do it? Thank you!

[Motörcrab]

Hello and welcome!

I'm my experience with cholla bought in stores I had the best luck boiling it in dechlorinated saltwater then allowing it to dry out. That will help reduce mold grows due to high humidity.

We started purchasing all of our cholla from BioActiveFX1 on Etsy. Our crabs really seem to prefer their cholla over the store bought type. They also have a great selection of foods too!

[CrabbyGann]

Thank you! I bought ours on Amazon by Substrate Source. I will try your method and next time look at BioActive FX1.

I have the Zoo Med salt water conditioner. Is that ok to use to boil with? Or should I make my own salt water with Himalayan salt (that’s what I have currently).

[Motörcrab]

If it is the salt water conditioners specifically for hermit crabs it isn't good for hermit crabs. Reading on here you will find that a majority of things marketed and sold for hermit crabs in pet stores aren't safe. Hermit crab food pellets, calcium sand, painted shells, sponges for water are all no good. Himalayan salt unfortunately isn't safe either.

You best and safest bet is to purchase a box of Instant Ocean at a pet store or online. A small box will make 10 gallons and is $10 or less. Seachems Prime is another must have to treat tap water to remove chlorine. A small bottle will last months, maybe years.

I highly suggest reading though our care sheets. They are the easiest way to learn about these pinchy dudes. Here is a link to our water care guide. It goes into way more detail than I did.
viewtopic.php?f=127&t=92553

[wodesorel]

I've had cholla turn into a giant slime ball by boiling! It depends on how fresh it is, I think.