HCA: Hermit Crab Association

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play sand, cocoa fiber mix, 8 inches
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?
yes, 2 brands, fluctuates between 70-80 in both temp and humidity most often stays on the higher end
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
2 uth on the back of 50 g tank a 12 x 8 and a smaller maybe 4x6 and a mini halogen night red 25w
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)?
freah and salt. city water with all living things de chlorinator and salt water conditioner
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
fmr treat, other store bought hermie food, crushed egg shells, worm casing soil mix from hcp came free with shell order
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
2-3 months from pet smart, pp
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
yes, about a month ago
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
50g aquarium, plexiglass with holes drilled in it
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
9, 2 small 5 medium 2 large
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
20+
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
no
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
havent yet just got this setup going about a month or 2 ago, just added 2 inches of depth to sub about a week ago
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
no sponges i heard they shouldnt be used b/c bacteria grows in them
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
no
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.)? I dont bathe them it seems to be a controversial topic and there water dishes are large enough for them to take a bath on there own if they so choose, until recentely i have been running a day blue bulb 24/7 maybe disrupting day/night cycles (i now run a night red 24/7 and open the blinds during the day so they now have a proper day night cycle. Will watching tv disrupt there day night cycle?

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
The last 3 days I have noticed Spike (medium) has been very in-active no antenna activity no movement when I picked him up. Then today when checking on him I noticed something behind him it was his large right leg layin in the dirt. Not sure what I can do for him I want to help him but feel heplless.

I'm so sorry to hear your crabbie isn't doing well. I noticed a few little things off with your answers that I'll go ahead and go over.

-your temp is dropping too low at times. For PPs, it shouldn't drop below 75F. I see you mentioned it's mostly up around 80 so I'm guessing the drop is at night? You may need to try a higher watt bulb or try insulating your heat mat (check your brand's instructions first though).

-The type of salt water you're using, while probably not harmful, is lacking in many elements that are found in sea water. That's why salt water mixes sold for marine aquariums is what's needed. Instant Ocean is a popular brand. Here's an article with more info: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92553.

-many commercial foods have harmful preservatives. Please check here to make sure yours are safe. http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92555

Also check out the Safe Food List and Kilimanjaro's Guide to Hermit Crab Nutrition. Even the safest commercial food will need to be supplemented with fresh foods.

I'm glad to hear you switched to a night bulb and that they now have a good day/night cycle. The TV shouldn't bother them.

For Spike, you'll want to isolate him if you haven't already. Place food and both water dishes in easy reach and carefully cover him with a hide. Don't disturb him beyond refreshing food and water. Limb loss can be a sign of stress. It could also be PPS if he's a new crab, though once they molt with you they are usually in the clear.

hes hanging further out of his shell now and I found another limb layin next to him. IM gonna do the 2 liter trick to iso him,

I know you said he molted a month ago but maybe he's pulling a surface molt for some reason? Is that a possibility? Although that's probably not the cases as it doesn't take to Long to pull of their exoskeleton

still in iso no movement at all he looks dead

It is recommended to wait until you are completely sure they've passed. There have been times that crabs looked very much dead but weren't, so we always suggest waiting for the "death smell" or decomposition just to be sure. I'm so, so sorry. :grouphug:

R.I.P. Spike

its official I definitely got the death smell almost threw up thats a nasty smell! Wish I knew why/how he died.

R.I.P Spike he is now in crab heaven.