HCA: Hermit Crab Association

My tiniest crab, who is about the size of a quarter (including shell) has just dug down to molt in substrate /I/ think is too wet. There's a thin layer of water on the bottom of the tank that I'm not sure is normal, but it's not enough to drown in or even drink out of. (My friend says that's not normal, but my friend also keeps her humidity fairly low, so I'm not sure I trust her advice...)

Can I dig a small hole to the bottom of the tank, stick some paper towels in, and soak up some of the water, or is there something in paper towels that could harm them? I'll make sure they don't eat it.

Hallo!

Unless the area where water is pooled is quite small, like isolated, paper towel probably won't cut it. Even if standing water doesn't span the tank, it seems likely to me that other areas along the lower portion are excessively damp - the only exception miiiight be if it's just under the water pools.

And apart from drowning, standing water tends to harbour unhelpful bacteria. Cut off from airflow & light, overly wet sub can result in pockets of dangerous gass from these bacteria.

On the upside, if she's only just begun tunneling, there's a fair chance the actual molt hasn't begun.

In my opinion you likely want to veeeeeerry carefully dig through the sub to find your crab, and replace the sub that is wet. You only want the sub moist enough to hold its shape if squeezed... not actually wet. Really wet sub doesn't hold tunnels the best.

Finally, do you mist a lot to maintain humidity? This is often the cause of standing water. If so, we can help you come up with alternative humidity boosting methods.

P.S. if your pal doesn't keep humidity at 80%, remind them that that's the recommended minimum across the majority of crabbing groups, not just this one.

Thanks for replying -- it was actually a false alarm, and he came back up today. I guess he was just tunneling for a bit, but I know he's gonna molt soon so I'll get the substrate replaced in an hour or so.

Sorry if I'm wrong, but I thought any mold/bacteria in the tank didn't harm the crabs? Or is it different with substrate bacteria? I use coco fiber if that makes a difference.

Yeahhh, misting is the only way I can keep humidity in the tank. I've heard about moss being used, but I'm paranoid I'll end up buying "bad" moss and hurting my crabbies. I saw on another forum somebody was putting tupperware filled with water in the tank and securing a damp cloth over it so the crabs could climb on it while having a humidity source... not sure if that'll keep it high enough, but it's always worth a shot.

I will remind her next time I talk to her.

MY #1 GO TO FOR MY PLANTS AND NOW CRABS.

Carniverous plants are sensitive too.
Its by mosser lee i find mine in Home Depot.
Its organic natural "long fibered sphagnum" product of usa. wisconsin???? Without it i am nothing.

Glad you don't haft worry about your moulter - that'd be stessfull!

But yeah, the bacteria the causes problems is what is called anaerobic bacteria - meaning it lives where there isnt oxygen exchange... Normal aerobic bacteria is not a problem, but anaerobic bacteria can create pockets of gas in your sub that, when released, are deadly. These bacteria like wet, dark, and airless - so water build up at the bottom is perfect for them.

Misting is probs what lead to your mini-flood. Other ways to maintain humidity are using bubblers in deep pools, putring those pools near heat sources, sealing off the lid completely, adding a damp moss pit (mentioned above), and using a UTH instead of a heat lamp.

Here's a link to how to make zee bubbler pools:

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=Deep+dish+bubbler+yo

Questions:
What are you currently using for heat?
What is your lid made of?
What kind of hygrometer do you have & have you ever calibrate it?

Anyone use moisture probes to check substrate? Like the ones for potted plants? I feel like I want to add one to my Arsenal.

LadyJinglyJones wrote:Glad you don't haft worry about your moulter - that'd be stessfull!

But yeah, the bacteria the causes problems is what is called anaerobic bacteria - meaning it lives where there isnt oxygen exchange... Normal aerobic bacteria is not a problem, but anaerobic bacteria can create pockets of gas in your sub that, when released, are deadly. These bacteria like wet, dark, and airless - so water build up at the bottom is perfect for them.

Misting is probs what lead to your mini-flood. Other ways to maintain humidity are using bubblers in deep pools, putring those pools near heat sources, sealing off the lid completely, adding a damp moss pit (mentioned above), and using a UTH instead of a heat lamp.

Here's a link to how to make zee bubbler pools:

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=Deep+dish+bubbler+yo

Questions:
What are you currently using for heat?
What is your lid made of?
What kind of hygrometer do you have & have you ever calibrate it?

I'm also having a problem keeping heat/humidity up. I just upgraded to 40gal and was able to put in 2 pools. One has bubbler. I now have some moss in a soap dish but how do you keep it from dripping on the substrate when misted?? The screen lid for now is covered in saran wrap. I have a uth on back left side and light top of right side. I will be getting another uth. And just to add...last night, the first night of new tank, Shelder went to the edge of the salt water pool and I assume took a drink. Very exciting.

Cherylco55 wrote:

LadyJinglyJones wrote:Glad you don't haft worry about your moulter - that'd be stessfull!

But yeah, the bacteria the causes problems is what is called anaerobic bacteria - meaning it lives where there isnt oxygen exchange... Normal aerobic bacteria is not a problem, but anaerobic bacteria can create pockets of gas in your sub that, when released, are deadly. These bacteria like wet, dark, and airless - so water build up at the bottom is perfect for them.

Misting is probs what lead to your mini-flood. Other ways to maintain humidity are using bubblers in deep pools, putring those pools near heat sources, sealing off the lid completely, adding a damp moss pit (mentioned above), and using a UTH instead of a heat lamp.

Here's a link to how to make zee bubbler pools:

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=Deep+dish+bubbler+yo

Questions:
What are you currently using for heat?
What is your lid made of?
What kind of hygrometer do you have & have you ever calibrate it?

I'm also having a problem keeping heat/humidity up. I just upgraded to 40gal and was able to put in 2 pools. One has bubbler. I now have some moss in a soap dish but how do you keep it from dripping on the substrate when misted?? The screen lid for now is covered in saran wrap. I have a uth on back left side and light top of right side. I will be getting another uth. And just to add...last night, the first night of new tank, Shelder went to the edge of the salt water pool and I assume took a drink. Very exciting.

I forgot to add a pic.

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