HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I keep finding a few of my big guys in the pool at bedtime swimming then when I go to spy on them later they look dead. Just now I pulled one out because he had been in 4 hours and even his feelers were. He went into his shell and peeked out at me in such a way that I think he was angry. Is this normal? Two nights in a row this has happened.

I swear i have seen pics of your crabitat, but is there an easy way for the crabs to get in and out? Is it possible if you could post a pic of the pool?

I heard that hermies can survive quite a while underwater, as long as they have an easy way to get out I wouldn't worry.

aussieJJDude wrote: hermies can survive quite a while underwater, as long as they have an easy way to get out I wouldn't worry.

This. As long as there's easy ways in and out, and the crab isn't showing any signs of illness, I wouldn't worry.

It is so hard not to worry. Brats. Lol I will edit with a pic as soon as I get downstairs for the day. Waiting on my last (of 3) kiddo to wake up.



Pics from the last 2 nights

Looks awesome!
The only thing I worry about is the substrate in the pools, or there looks to be a lack of. Hermit crabs will not get a very good traction on glass and it advisable to used something - that hermie safe - in the pools so they can actually walk around without stumbling.

I am about to put smooth stones in the bottom. I pinched a nerve in my shoulder and basically can't use my right arm. As soon as I can get it moving Again I have to scrub the stones and get them in.

I love your shell shop and pool placement! What are you using as ramps? Is that egg crate?


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Thanks! Glad to see you active again!!!! Yes it is egg crate zip tied at the top. When I get around to it I am going to work on wrapping the egg crate on the outside in needlepoint sheets and decorate it with tiny smooth stones for traction. The inside is just getting the needlepoint sheet material.

Yaa just easing back into my flow!
I never knew egg crate was so thin. What did you use to cut yours?
Sounds like a great plan! Looking forward to seeing more of your work!


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I used my husband's side cuts.

I must say, I can't even tell you how many crabs I have taken out of my saltwater tank in the past but they have always been fine. It sure is nerve-racking sometimes waiting for them to come out!

I took another one out of tank lol

KellyCrabbieLove wrote:I keep finding a few of my big guys in the pool at bedtime swimming then when I go to spy on them later they look dead. Just now I pulled one out because he had been in 4 hours and even his feelers were. He went into his shell and peeked out at me in such a way that I think he was angry. Is this normal? Two nights in a row this has happened.

Hi Kelly

I'm so happy to hear your crabs are enjoying their salt water pool.
Please don't be concerned if you find your crabs are spending hours in their salt water pool.
Crabs are like humans some like spending time in the water while others don't. A couple of mind prefer early morning swims while others night.
My crabs use their saltwater pool everyday and will spend many hours underwater. Most will be out within 12 hours.

As long as you provide the right environment your crabs will be find eg
1) good access in/out of the pool.
2) water temp between 24-26 deg c
3) good quality salt water which is monitored, tested and you do regular water changes
4) good substrate like coral sand or aragonite which is small enough that it doesn't get caught in their shells and the crabs enjoy walking/digging in it. (Aragonite also assist in maintaining a good ph level in your saltwater and is a lot cheaper than coral sand)
5) ensure everything going into your saltwater pool is marine grade not tropical.

6) ensure the oxygen levels in your saltwater pool meets your requirements eg plenty of micro bubbles produced by a protein skimmer, air stones or a pump

I use a AquaOne Nanoskim 90 Litre Protein Skimmer which hangs on the side of my saltwater pool. Its fantastic at keeping the water clean and creating high level of micro bubbles

7) record down everything in a book regarding your saltwater pool as it will be very valuable if a problem arises eg size of tank, how many litres in tank, results of water tests, water temps, water changes etc

I also record down each crab eg moult periods, pool usage and times, foods each crab likes, crab buddies, preferred shells each crab likes etc
I believe the more info you have the better the chance at understanding and solving a problem.

Best wishes
Sweetp

I love love love that they like their pool! If only they would stop sprawling out and sitting completely still I would be thrilled. Lol

Sweetp wrote: Hi Kelly

I'm so happy to hear your crabs are enjoying their salt water pool.
Please don't be concerned if you find your crabs are spending hours in their salt water pool.
Crabs are like humans some like spending time in the water while others don't. A couple of mind prefer early morning swims while others night.
My crabs use their saltwater pool everyday and will spend many hours underwater. Most will be out within 12 hours.

As long as you provide the right environment your crabs will be find eg
1) good access in/out of the pool.
2) water temp between 24-26 deg c
3) good quality salt water which is monitored, tested and you do regular water changes
4) good substrate like coral sand or aragonite which is small enough that it doesn't get caught in their shells and the crabs enjoy walking/digging in it. (Aragonite also assist in maintaining a good ph level in your saltwater and is a lot cheaper than coral sand)
5) ensure everything going into your saltwater pool is marine grade not tropical.

6) ensure the oxygen levels in your saltwater pool meets your requirements eg plenty of micro bubbles produced by a protein skimmer, air stones or a pump

I use a AquaOne Nanoskim 90 Litre Protein Skimmer which hangs on the side of my saltwater pool. Its fantastic at keeping the water clean and creating high level of micro bubbles

7) record down everything in a book regarding your saltwater pool as it will be very valuable if a problem arises eg size of tank, how many litres in tank, results of water tests, water temps, water changes etc

I also record down each crab eg moult periods, pool usage and times, foods each crab likes, crab buddies, preferred shells each crab likes etc
I believe the more info you have the better the chance at understanding and solving a problem.

Best wishes
Sweetp

Thank you so much for the info!

I use an airstone and they can get in and out easily. I need to get a different substrate in there. I put in smooth stones so I will look for the new stuff. I have a trip to 2 different pet stores today so I will look. I need to start testing the water. How often do I do that and what do I use to do that? What results am I looking to find when testing? I have been doing 3/4 water changes with salt water mixed up with instant ocean and stress coat. I am going to be adding plant vines to offer more ways to get in and out. I measure in F instead of C, what would the temp be that way? Best way to monitor it and warm it up if necessary?

Lots if questions. I want it to be perfect.