HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello,
I am new to crabbing. I used a 5:1 mix of sand to coconut fiber and have 2 large pools in a 20 gallon long tank. The pools are each the size of a Cool-Whip container, 1 salt and 1 fresh. We currently have 1 crab; I know he needs a friend but want to ensure the tank is good before adding another. I have never seen this crab burrow, nor have I seen any signs of burrowing. He spends most of each day up in the top of a climbing branch or under some oak leave I put in the tank. I figure something isn't right? The temp and humidity stay around 75 degrees F and 80% humidity. I think the sand is not moist enough. Can I spray from the top down and achieve the correct moisture level if I do this gradually? I set up the tank based on a helpful You Tuber who had indicated that if you have 2 pools and use the 5:1 ratio of sand to fiber the sand wetness level will automatically be achieved...I thought I followed this but when I grab a clump of sand it doesn't hold shape. I am grateful for any help.

Hi!

When you're ready to wet your sub and your one crab is on the surface, just pop him into a temporary container. Then you can take all of your sub out of the tank and mix in your dechlor fresh or marine salt water. I use a 4 gal oblong bucket to mix my sub. I do small batches of the sub at a time to make sure I get the right consistency. Add enough water to each batch you mix so that it holds it's shape, but isn't dripping wet when you squeeze it. Then return the sub to the tank and your hermie.

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I need to fix my consistency too... Eugene never seemed happy with his digging and never stayed down but I have to wait for him to come out of his "makeshift cave" he is molting inside of the coco hut i put in there after he blocked the entrance.

Jlmills525 wrote:I need to fix my consistency too... Eugene never seemed happy with his digging and never stayed down but I have to wait for him to come out of his "makeshift cave" he is molting inside of the coco hut i put in there after he blocked the entrance.

If your sub isn't moist enough, you can always add a little bit of water down the edges of the tank. The moisture will eventually creep inwards. Or, if you have any extra EE, you could moisten that, and add a layer on top. Water will move to the sub below from that, and/or get churned up by the crabbies digging.

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Yep, you can spray the surface down well and wait for it to absorb. I usually give it a day and then check, since it's easy to add more in.