Beginner issue...substrate flooded

[glitchgod]

i have 3 hemit crabs, 2 small and 1 tiny, they live in a 10 gallon tank with the Substrate being about 5 inches deep.
the Substrate is "Flukers Sand Substrate for Crabs" http://www.amazon.com/Flukers-Sand-Subs ... 889&sr=8-7

The issue comes that when the crabs dig they only go about an inch deep cause any deeper and they hit water.

How can i fix my mistake?

[jclee]

My guess is that it's the substrate itself causing the problems.

Take a look through this when you get the chance - viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92542

I haven't used the flukers brand, but a lot of the products sold for crabs really aren't the best options for the crabs. Once no one's molting, I would swap the substrate out for something more like what is detailed in the sticky thread linked above.

[wodesorel]

The Flukers is pretty much the same mix as the Hermit Crab Patch, so that shouldn't be causing the problem.

There are three ways to fix flooding:

1. Making a hole and putting something down in it to soak up the excess water - like a paper towel roll, or a chunk of unexpanded cocofiber brick. The substrate will have to be mixed well once there is no more standing water, and you may still be stuck using one of the below methods to get it dry enough.

2. Pull the substrate out, spread it thin, and allow it to dry somehow - either by letting it sit out in a dry area or by baking it in small batches at a low temp (250 or so) until the moisture is gone.

3. Add more dry substrate until the water is completely soaked up and you're back to the right consistency. You don't have to add more of the Flukers - you can go with playsand or cocofiber or a mix of both instead.


First though, you should dig down and check the very bottom for any smells. Standing water often leads to a harmful bacterial bloom - you'll know if you have it by the smell that is released. The bacteria create methane gas so it will smell like rotten eggs, garbage, or a swamp once you expose it to air. The top layer will be fine for reuse so long as it's mixed up well to expose it to oxygen, but anything that smells or anything that is discolored black or grey should be thrown out and replaced.

[glitchgod]

so i took your advice and dug a hole in the tank and soaked it up with some extra paper towels (alot)

There was a very light smell but no discoloration so i left it be and will wait for a deep clean to continue

Thank you for all the tips.

2 of the 3 have started digging holes and they are a lot deeper.

[jclee]

The Flukers is pretty much the same mix as the Hermit Crab Patch, so that shouldn't be causing the problem.

That's good to know. I guess I'm *too* leery of pet store items for crabs.

[glitchgod]

okay with a solution to the issue how do i prevent this from happening again?
I know i spray the moss that is in there daily but not enough to flood...or maybe it is.

[aussieJJDude]

Is the pools leaking? If you're constantly refilling the pools then they might be leaking, or if you have bubbles in the pools the water is splashing out.
But yes, the moss can cause the a flood.

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Try to cut back on the spraying and see if it makes a difference.