HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Today, I got a new 20 gallon tank at Petco, and went to go set up the tank. After about 1-2 hours, I realized there was this weird smell in my tank (it smelt like chemicals), then took my hermit crabs out, and set up a fan so that it would blow the smells away (pretty sure that was a dumb idea). Now it's almost 4 hours later, and the smell will leave, but then it'll comes back again. What do you think? I really hope I don't need to deep clean (although I probably will have to) because cleaning is always not fun, but whatever makes my hermit crabs happy! Will the smell go away on it's own, as long as I keep the lid off? How can I get rid of the smell (preferably w/o deep cleaning, but that is doubtful)?

I think the tat's environment will take over the smell. If it is actual chemicals, your crabs might be harmed by them.


Crabbers unite!!!

What are you using for substrate?

Regular play sand. I checked it before putting it in, and it was fine.

What did you use to clean the tank out before you set it up? Is there anything else that's new that you've added?

Just wanted to say that the smell is starting to disappear now (I kept the lid off for a while) and its starting to smell like a normal crabitat. I cleaned the tank with water, and wiped the glass and corners. I havent added any new toys yet, just the ones I had before.

Sorry for double posting, but a big concern of mine is that the smell will return. Any ideas as to how to prevent that would be helpful

Its hard to say, without knowing the cause.


Crabbers unite!!!

thank you for helping though. The smell is starting to go away, so I think it'll be okay. My Hermie's are still pretty happy in their temporary home.

I'm still wondering if what you're smelling is the wet sand. It often smells neutral in the bag, and then when it gets wet it doesn't smell earthy so much as lime-stoney which is chemically smelling. To me, freshly made sand smells a lot like 409 kitchen spray, kind of florally. Keeping the lid on would be concentrating it even further.

That might be right, but i think it's the thing that holds the tank together (the silicon glue thing?). When I first got my tank, the smell was the same as the smell that is in my tank after putting everything in. I put it outside for an hour or two, and the smell seemed gone, but apparently not.

Silicone smells like vinegar. Adhesives smell like new car smell. Could your tank have spots that used adhesives/glues instead of silicone?


Crabbers unite!!!