Crab Seriously Smelly - But Still Alive

[Hermit-Yote]

Hi again!
I opened by tank the other night, and it WREAKS. I had to air it out, it's that bad. I thought one of my buddies had died, but everyone is there. I sterilized the bowls over night in bleach. But it still smells!
One of my Indonesians has been spending a lot of time in the fresh water soaking, and he smells, well, dead. He's still moving though!

I have three in an 85g custom glass tank. Coco sand fiber mix, 6 inches deep. 80% humidity, 78F temp. Eating fresh veggies and freezedried shrimp.

Any help appreciated.

[C_fiesta]

Are you sure it's your crab? When was the last time you changed your substrate?

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[soilentgringa]

Are you sure it's your crab? When was the last time you changed your substrate?

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If your tank is properly setup it is not necessary to change your substrate...

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[aussieJJDude]

Are you sure its not a food stash of decomposing shrimp? Have you given the tank a clean..?

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[C_fiesta]

Are you sure it's your crab? When was the last time you changed your substrate?

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If your tank is properly setup it is not necessary to change your substrate...

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I should have asked, is your substrate over saturated in any areas?

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[Hermit-Yote]

I did a quick churning of the top soil to no avail. Last time he soaked the water was rancid after.

[TheCrabLord]

You shouldn't use bleach on the bowls, that could kill them

[Hermit-Yote]

When used properly, bleach appears to be safe.
https://www.thespruce.com/is-bleach-saf ... se-1381085

[wodesorel]

Yep, bleach is fine as long as it's used the right way.

I have read of stinky crabs before, but no answer was ever found for otherwise healthy crabs who have molted in captivity. (In new crabs it can be a sign of post purchase syndrome, and is likely related to injuries sustained during collection and transport.) If it's really bad I'd suggest giving him a bath and seeing if something may be stuck down in his shell. Otherwise do what you can to encourage him to change shells, and wait for his next molts. It should correct itself.

[Hermit-Yote]

Thanks for the input. I've given him a bath before, but I'll give it another go and see if it helps.

[C_fiesta]

Thanks for the input. I've given him a bath before, but I'll give it another go and see if it helps.

If your substrate is soaked, the smell could be coming from it. Bacteria blooms can develop in oversaturated sub that has no access to sun or air.

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[Hermit-Yote]

The substrate isn't soaked, but I did churn it, It's just the one crab that smells.

[mjjluver]

Is it possible that he got rotten food stuck in his shell somehow?

[Hermit-Yote]

Have him another bath and some kind of bug larva fell out. just one though.

[C_fiesta]

Have him another bath and some kind of bug larva fell out. just one though.

Do you have a picture?

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