Recovery from excessive cold, way shallow substrate?

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LadyJinglyJones
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Recovery from excessive cold, way shallow substrate?

Post by LadyJinglyJones » Mon Aug 29, 2016 1:08 am

Two crabbies, little (I haven't measured them yet, don't wanna handle 'em too much) have been living in sub-optimal temp (65-70 degrees :cry: ) and about two cm sand for 3 weeks.

They aren't moving, burrowing, eating, or bathing - Is there anything I can do for them right now? I just changed them from an open cage to a proper tank w/heater, et cetera.

Template:
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
6" Beach sand mixed w/cocofiber & some crushed oyster shell. Recently shifted from 2cm 'Hemit Crab Sand' w/coco fiber.

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
One Temp gauge, one temp/hygro... left back tank & right back tank; currently 80 degrees & 85% humidity... was previously 90% humidity & 65 degrees - for maybe as long as 3 weeks?

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
UTH, back wall above substrate,as of yesterday (Aug. 27th).

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Fresh using Prime, Salt using same & Instant Ocean Reef Mix. As directed on labels.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?

Gawd... was prev. just ALT Crab Mix (mostly dried bugs, a few preservatives), now is thawed shrimp bits, thawed muscle bits, dried coconut, coconutwater, homemade dried mango, organic PC blueberry babyfood, and an extensive list of nuts and seeds + storebought ALT Mix. Cleaned when ever I can get to the middle of no-where, where my partner lives with his fam, or every other night, when I harass the dear chap into doing it. I did find mould under food cup at one point. I'm pretty sure they haven't eaten in three days - I took macro pictures of the food dish to compare.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
3 weeks, maybe PPs? They're not mine, per se.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Nope.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
Just moved to 10g aquarium from ALT Hermit Crab Cage ( :oops: )

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Two (probable PPs) - pretty small ... only just bought callipers to measure, but don't want to touch them if they're stressed.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
8, though several likely inappropriate.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Doubt it. (?) They are in the kitchen.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Food/mould removal. Spray.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes - brief rinse every few days (when I go over) with appropriate water.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Totally new crabitat. So... crabs were added?

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?
No playtime, no bathing. They're probably too messed up from being cold for so long, and wouldn't take well to harassment, I assume.

What can I do for them?? They wont do anything but flex their claws intermittently... it's been two days. Can I help them adjust to higher temp in any way? More moisture perhaps? Eeeeeeee!

-LJJ
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
"Gaze upon the rolling deep..."
Quince the fat tailed gecko; Amazonian minnows; and now Harry & Luis, Bede & Aster, Chandra & Jace, Pax, & Piccolo, my adopted PPs.
RIP Vegita :(

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aussieJJDude
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Re: Recovery from excessive cold, way shallow substrate?

Post by aussieJJDude » Mon Aug 29, 2016 2:07 am

Well the best bet is to get them in optimum conditions, which you seem to have. :) Try feeding them foods with a lot of fat & protein (which you also seem to be doing), to replenish. If necessary, you could hand feed them to ensure that they are accually getting food and place the water bowls close by so they can drink. :)
Sending good vides!
:wav:
~~~~~~~
Best bet would be to throw out the sponges, they nothing but a bacteria multiplier.
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Re: Recovery from excessive cold, way shallow substrate?

Post by LadyJinglyJones » Mon Aug 29, 2016 9:20 pm

They were much more active & climb-ey today! One even ate some avocado! :crabbigsmile:

LJJ
"Gaze upon the rolling deep..."
Quince the fat tailed gecko; Amazonian minnows; and now Harry & Luis, Bede & Aster, Chandra & Jace, Pax, & Piccolo, my adopted PPs.
RIP Vegita :(

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Re: Recovery from excessive cold, way shallow substrate?

Post by aussieJJDude » Tue Aug 30, 2016 2:38 am

Its good to hear the update! Especially since its a good one! :) Hopefully they will do well for you!
|| Avid Aquarist Addict (2007) || Crazy Crabbing Connoisseur (2012) || Amateur Aroid Admirer (2014) ||

I strive to make HCA a welcoming space for all
Infrequently on due to studies, on a little more on in FB group

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