HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I have a 55 gallon tank and while I set it up with 10 to 12 inches of substrate, it has settled since then to more like 8 inches and I would like to add some more. Can I mix it up out of the tank and add it to the top or am I likely to collapse tunnels? Would it be better to empty everything out and mix the substrate together, so I might disturb a molter? I’m not sure I have any molters, but there are at least 2 crabs I haven’t seen in a while and I suspect are molting. Thanks!

It is generally safe to add 1" everyday until you get to the desired height. Mix it up before adding to the tank. Just be careful not to just dump it in or to pack it down.

I also recommend not moving things when possible. Sometimes things can be sunken in that can collapse tunnels when pulled up or out.

So sprinkling 1/2 - 1" of substrate over the whole tank over molting hermies each day for 6 days would be ok?
I have been waiting for Bearnie to come up for 2 months and just as he comes up Baba and Bearnadette went under. Baba is a big girl and she's in a shell that is way too big for her (but she's happy) but it means that the substrate is less than half of what her shell needs.

Dukkie wrote:So sprinkling 1/2 - 1" of substrate over the whole tank over molting hermies each day for 6 days would be ok?
I have been waiting for Bearnie to come up for 2 months and just as he comes up Baba and Bearnadette went under. Baba is a big girl and she's in a shell that is way too big for her (but she's happy) but it means that the substrate is less than half of what her shell needs.

Yes, you can add an inch a day. As long as they aren't molting on the surface. That's a whole different situation. Just don't pat it down.

Thank you.
I've seen other posts saying substrate can be added. I'm just nervous about adding on top of a molting den because it might get too heavy and then den roof collapsing.
I won't move other things in the crabitat, just as others have warned.
feeling good about being able to make a better home for the hermies

Dukkie wrote:Thank you.
I've seen other posts saying substrate can be added. I'm just nervous about adding on top of a molting den because it might get too heavy and then den roof collapsing.
I won't move other things in the crabitat, just as others have warned.
feeling good about being able to make a better home for the hermies

Can you see where they're molting? Usually they do that pretty deep I think.

Baba dug down and because she is wearing a large shell the displaced substrate created a mountain over her. I only sprinkled a little over her. The rest of the tank I added about 3/4 inch ( 30 cups of sand + 8 cups expanded ecofiber). I think I know where Bearnadette has hidden herself as well but she's smaller so no/not as much displaced substrate.

I'll add another layer this weekend. I had no idea how laborious creating substrate would be. I'm also looking into getting bigger bathtubs for the tank. I think Baba might be too big to submerge herself in the ones I have right now.