HCA: Hermit Crab Association

From my understanding you need a 5:1 ratio I did a 50lbs bag of play sand that would mean 10lbs of coco fiber. However, I was told I had to much coco fiber. What should I do? Shoukd I just toss what I have and start new will this mix ratio be okay? I used a 50lbs bag of sand and 7bricks of coco fiber. After I had already done it and someone said it was incorrect. A websit said it’s a 50lbs bag of sand and half of an 8oz brick however this does not equal 5:1 I’m confused and worried that I might have to much coco fiber.

I'm pretty sure the 5:1 ratio is typically measured by volume, not weight. So since sand is denser than cocofiber, your current ratio is not actually 5:1. But it's totally fine. The ratio you have now will work just as well (crabs don't care) as long as it is at least 6 in deep and moistened to sandcastle consistency.

There are some groups that are very strict about a certain ratio of play sand to coco fiber, but honestly it is a made-up ratio that has no basis at all. Someone made it up. Seriously. Here at HCA we recongize that there are different ways to successfully care for crabs. So you can use whatever ratio you have!
You can use all play sand, all coco fiber, or a mix of the two in any ratio! You can stir them together, or layer them, or put them side by side! As long as it is moistened to sand castle consistency so it holds it's shape for tunnels and caves, you are good to go! HCA recommends 2 to 3 times the depth of your largest crab.