HCA: Hermit Crab Association

lifesnotasong wrote:1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Combination of eco-earth and sand, about 5.5" deep
E: You need either 6 inches or three times the height of your biggest crab

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, on the top side of my tank. Both generally hover around 75*/75%, though I mist to get the humidity up to 80% when I check on them and see it's not there.
E: 80/ 80 is the minimum.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes. There's an UTH on the back side of the tank above the sub (and slightly below the top of the sub, because of its size), and a heat lamp on top of the tank lid.
E: This might be why your heat isn't high. Ultratherms are the only UTH brand that works, if you don't have an UltraTherm, that is most likely why your heat is low
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 and salt, treated with API Tapwater Conditioned. For the salt water, I add a pinch of Instant Ocean (not measured).
E: You need to have measurements.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
They usually have four options available at any given time. Right now they have freeze-dried bloodworms, freezedried strawberries, some fresh granny smith apple, and some fresh carrot. Food is replaced every 2-3 days. There's also a cuttlebone permanently in the tank.
E: Make sure to have a balanced diet. Here is the nutrition info: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Two months, and I believe it's a PP.
E: If you want, you can post a picture and we can identify it for you. But if it has a purple big pincher, it is a PP
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
10 gallon glass tank, with a glass lid and then a mesh lid on top of that (to keep the heating lamp a little farther from the glass lid). Will be upgrading to a 29 gal in the next week or two (planned before this emergency).
E: Ok, for four crabs you are WAY over crowded. Depending on the size, crabs need a certain amount of gallons per crab. The rule of thumb is 5 gallons per crab, but large crabs need 7 gallons and jumbo need 15 gallons here is the sizing chart: http://lennon.csufresno.edu/~esperance3 ... hartV2.doc
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Four, all small.
E: As I said, over crowding is a problem here. That can cause cannibalism.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
~20
E: Thats great! But in case GotButterflies answers, she will say more. There are never two many shells

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I spot clean whenever I change their food/water (so every 2-3 days), but that's all.
E: Yes, deep cleans are not necessary but food changes need to happen daily

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
New shells added on Thursday evening. New food + water added Thursday evening,

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.)?
Food gets moldy really easily in the tank. I try to get it out asap when that happens.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
Yesterday, Teddybear (named for the animal on his painted shell when we first got him-- he's since moved into a natural shell, but the name stuck) was standing by the salt water (not touching it) looking kind of alseep-- his eyes/antennae were out, but not moving at all, just standing almost in a trance. He stayed in that position all day, as far as I know. This morning, he was in the same place, but had pulled 95% out of his shell and was limp, with white fuzz on his abdomen. I made an iso tank (shallow layer of sub, dish of fresh water, some food that includes egg+egg shell for protein + calcium, with the whole thing covered with aluminum foil and a cloth to keep the humidity in + dark), and gently transferred him into it. When I set him down, one of his claws fell off. I know to assume he's alive, but... any other suggestions/thoughts?

LadyJinglyJones wrote:Likely a fungal infection. Many inverts are susceptible to them. He may even have had it internally when you got him & it spread slowly, tumour-like... the stress of capture and shipping + poor diet and conditions leaves crabs open to any manner of immune related issues, just as it would with fish, birds, or mamals.

Sorry for your loss.