Newbie tank

[howche]

Hi all,

So about a fortnight ago partner and I bought four hermit crabs (Small/medium size). They came in them standard starter kit sets with painted shells on them. After reading adn researching for a week or so, they now like in a 65L (17Gallon) with ample amount of substrate. UTH is on the sand (sandcastle consistency) side and the other being Kritter Crumble Fine. After the tank move, about a week now), three of the crab remained buried and one occasionally comes up for a stroll at night.

Temp wise everything seems okay (around 24.5 degrees Celsius). The problem though is the humidity as it remains around 60% based on my digital hygrometer. As you can see there is considerable amount of condensation around the inner walls of the tank. Sydney temp these days are around 16-24 degrees Celsius. Is this normal or should I invest a humidifier/ moss pit?

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[emmac350]

Is the room your tank is in significantly cooler than the air in the tank? If so, the condensation is like that on the outside of a glass of ice water. It's removing the humidity from the air.

To raise your humidity you might consider getting some more items in the tank. Cholla logs, cocohuts, plastic plant vines, etc. will all help to trap humidity in the tank and will create little 'microclimates' with higher humidity. When you put the items in, dampen them first so that, as they dry, they release the moisture into the air --> instant humidity boost. Well, not instant, but you get the drift. During this last winter (in the US) I had trouble with my humidity (despite 3 upper levels and 2 cholla logs) that I fixed by adding a third, branched cholla in front of the humidity gauge. The crabs loved it, and it was easy to pour water into/onto to release into the air. Never went below 70% once I put it in there.

[howche]

Thanks for the advice!!!

I do have more items wanting to put in and ready to go. The main piece however is a resin tree branch which carries quite a lot of weight. Considering 3 of my crabs have been buried underneath for a week now (no tracks/sign of popping up), is it still advisable to put something that heavy on 'top'. Maybe I should go with as many smaller objects I can find for now?

[aussieJJDude]

What is the sand? is it petstore sand, it looks very yellow!
One thing that aussies love doing is climbing, maybe look into getting some second levels and/or some sticks to make a climbing gym.
Also, look into adding some plastic plants like ones from fish tanks or safe dollar store fake plants - ones that don't have wax, glitter or other "additives" are fine and cheap!