HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I've read on some sites that soil can be used as substrate for crabitats as long as it's pesticide/fertilizer free, but this forum doesn't mention it and I was wondering if theres a reason? I've had my medium crab on soil mixed with sand for a while and he seems to like digging in it.

If its pesticide free and organic i dont see a prob, but soil's color probably makes it difficult to see bacterial issues or control mold or helping break down buried food.
Soil exists naturally in their wild habitat, but its a different environment. Once we trap their world inside a tank it is a completely different system that needs to be controlled. I'm not sure that soil has any bad effects, but i personally believe playsand is the ideal foundation. I feel like using soil would promote the presence of gnats and assorted critters that i'd rather be without. But this is just all my personal stance! I have read of crabbers mixing worm castings into the sub.


Crabbers unite!!!

I don't really see a problem with it either if, like YYWW, it's pesticide free/organic. For me personally, it's just easier to use a mix of playsand and cocofiber at the recommended consistency, but if your crabs enjoy it and they're able to dig/molt easily, then go for it!

The only problem I've found using substances more soil-like than cocofiber (in my case, peat moss) is that it will stain the shells and the crab's exo much quicker. Not a problem since that's why they molt, but it can make them look rough between molts which a lot of keepers like to avoid.

Edited to add: Most bagged soils have things added to them, like styrofoam and vermiculite. It helps with drainage and makes the bags lighter. These types of additives should be avoided since the crabs will most likely eat them.