Organic Potting Soil

[hermiwormi]

My best friend, who we will simply refer to as J, has picked up four hermit crabs from PetCo today. J called and explained to be that she got EcoEarth, which wasn't enough to fill her 20 gallon with 6" of substrate and asked me what to do. I am unsure of what exactly to do as I'm new to keeping them as well, so I stick to advice from reliable crab keepers, and care guides. I was wondering if organic, untreated potting soil mixed with EcoEarth would okay to use. I didn't tell J to use this yet, because I don't know myself.

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[piratetoothgir]

My best friend, who we will simply refer to as J, has picked up four hermit crabs from PetCo today. J called and explained to be that she got EcoEarth, which wasn't enough to fill her 20 gallon with 6" of substrate and asked me what to do. I am unsure of what exactly to do as I'm new to keeping them as well, so I stick to advice from reliable crab keepers, and care guides. I was wondering if organic, untreated potting soil mixed with EcoEarth would okay to use. I didn't tell J to use this yet, because I don't know myself.

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I do not really know, nor do I necessarily recommend it. I know there’s a few crabbers who use beach sand, or river sand, but I haven’t put that into consideration.

I personally would play it safe, and stick to things that I know are safe.

[hermiwormi]

My best friend, who we will simply refer to as J, has picked up four hermit crabs from PetCo today. J called and explained to be that she got EcoEarth, which wasn't enough to fill her 20 gallon with 6" of substrate and asked me what to do. I am unsure of what exactly to do as I'm new to keeping them as well, so I stick to advice from reliable crab keepers, and care guides. I was wondering if organic, untreated potting soil mixed with EcoEarth would okay to use. I didn't tell J to use this yet, because I don't know myself.

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I do not really know, nor do I necessarily recommend it. I know there’s a few crabbers who use beach sand, or river sand, but I haven’t put that into consideration.

I personally would play it safe, and stick to things that I know are safe.

I don't know what to tell her about filling the crabitat. The stores nearby close at 9 and it's now after 9, so no way she'll be able to get to any stores tonight. Any suggestions?

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[wodesorel]

It can wait a day or two!

I would not recommend potting soil, I have tried it a few times with various animals and it always ends badly, usually in a mess of stinky mushrooms. Organic also does not mean crab safe as most organic potting soils have some sort of natural fertilizer, which is not good for inverts.

A 50lb bag of sand to finish the tank would be under $5, and would be available at any hardware store. There is absolutely no harm in using only EE, but I have always been partial to sand as I find it easier.

Edit: For a 20 it would be two bags of sand for half-full!

[GotButterflies]

I definitely do not recommend it! I use organic potting soil all of the time. Last year I made the mistake of repotting some of my household plants in it. Next thing you know I had fruit flies in my house. Also, like Wodesorel said, there can be natural fertilizers in it.