Bad luck or misunderstanding?

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Timir
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Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by Timir »

Well, I left my guys alone for a while but sadly I've discovered what looks like two deaths that are fairly sure, two alive, and one uncertain.

Two dropped lots of limbs, limbs don't look hollow and they're in their shell pretty tightly, both smell(I can't distinguish between molt and dead fish very well)

As I type this, the uncertain E that had locked himself in his shell enough that it was practically water-tight went "O_O OUT OF AQUARIUM! *Scurry~*" so that makes 3/5 :'( They were new so I wonder if it was stress or if they're actually secretly molting(I've kept them before that were locked in their shells for more than a week with no change, or movement.)

I can't help but feel bad like I didn't do something well enough for the two. I'm using safe moss and kept it fairly damp though the surface would dry out slightly but under that was 1"-2" that was damp.

Is moss a bad substrate?
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ladybug15057
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Re: Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by ladybug15057 »

I am sorry for your loss, but we need much more info to try to help you. Please answer the below questions and also include name brands of items...such as the moss.

What is the volume of your main tank?


How many hermit crabs do you currently have? How big are they?


How long have you had the hermit crab(s) that you are concerned about?


What substrate or combination of substrates are you using? How deep is it?


What do you feed your hermit crabs?


Do you use distilled, bottled or tap water? If you are using a dechlorinator, what brand is it? Does it state to remove all heavy metals, chlorine and chloramines?


What brand of sea salt are you using to supply your hermit crabs with salt water?


What heat source are you using and where is it positioned?


Have you calibrated your thermometer(s) and hygrometer?


What is the air temperature range and humidity inside the tank? If you are using an under tank heater, what is the temperature range of the substrate (it is likely to be different to the air temperature range)?


Do you have any photos of your tank or hermit crab(s) of concern? If yes, please attach them to your post.
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Timir
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Re: Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by Timir »

What is the volume of your main tank?
-10 gallons(Going to hopefully increase to 55g after a move)

How many hermit crabs do you currently have? How big are they?
-Down to 3(1E 2PP) about 1/4" opening on their shells. The poor guys that passed on were about 7/16" and 1/2" on their shell openings.

How long have you had the hermit crab(s) that you are concerned about?
-All five from about a month ago, the two that died were the two larger ones

What substrate or combination of substrates are you using? How deep is it?
-All Sphagnum moss that states it's safe for reptiles, tropical frogs, hermit crabs, etc. Zoomed brand I think.

What do you feed your hermit crabs?
-Freeze-dried shrimp and various fruits and vegetables.

Do you use distilled, bottled or tap water? If you are using a dechlorinator, what brand is it? Does it state to remove all heavy metals, chlorine and chloramines?
-I'm using tap water, but for now we have well water(until we move)

What brand of sea salt are you using to supply your hermit crabs with salt water?
-Instant Ocean

What heat source are you using and where is it positioned?
-I try to use a Nightglo bulb on an aquarium hood but recently it's gotten a little chillier so I added in an aquarium bulb for some heat temporarily.

Have you calibrated your thermometer(s) and hygrometer?
-Calibrated the, about a year ago when I got them new.

What is the air temperature range and humidity inside the tank? If you are using an under tank heater, what is the temperature range of the substrate (it is likely to be different to the air temperature range)?
-The air temp is about 80 degrees and I try to keep humidity at about 80%


Do you have any photos of your tank or hermit crab(s) of concern? If yes, please attach them to your post.
-Unfortunately no pictures right now, but layout is Water dish, Food dish, Salt Water dish, quite a few shells littered about and a plastic aquarium decorative "Branch" propped up for climbing.

Most of the time they're burrowed down in the moss though, and I can't imagine how humid it is under the moss, it just being lightly damp makes droplets of water form on the sides of the glass though the one that died crawled to a corner and went under and was found dead in that position in that spot
The other made a pocket in the moss and I almost didn't see him.(The three survivors were visible from the bottom glass and were going " 8| THE GROUND IS A LIE!"
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ladybug15057
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Re: Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by ladybug15057 »

Thank you for taking the time to answer all the questions and with such great detail!
How long have you had the hermit crab(s) that you are concerned about?
-All five from about a month ago, the two that died were the two larger ones
Being you have had him for such a short time he may have been suffering from PPS. (post purchase stress) There are times too that even with our best efforts to help them adjust that the damage done is irreversible.
What substrate or combination of substrates are you using? How deep is it?
-All Sphagnum moss that states it's safe for reptiles, tropical frogs, hermit crabs, etc. Zoomed brand I think.
Many manufactures of substrates will claim to be hermie safe but are not. They also claim to be natural, but are dyed even for the greener coloring. Example of this would be the Fluckers natural moss. Like this:

http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.ph ... cts_id=624

Moss is not such a pronounced color of green, but more dull and brownish. This has already turned a couple hermies green. And for Sphagnum moss, one needs to be very careful because the Sphagnum peat moss can acidify and take up cations like calcium.
Is there also a dry area in case they do not wish to be on the damp substrate?
Do you use distilled, bottled or tap water? If you are using a dechlorinator, what brand is it? Does it state to remove all heavy metals, chlorine and chloramines?
-I'm using tap water, but for now we have well water(until we move)
Even tap well water needs to have a dechlorinator used within it, at least one that neutralizes heavy metals. (it does lack chlorine and chloramine, but still has copper metal pipe and possible ground minerals.
Have you calibrated your thermometer(s) and hygrometer?
-Calibrated the, about a year ago when I got them new.
Do to how sensitive they are, one should calibrate/test them about once a month for accuracy.
What is the air temperature range and humidity inside the tank? If you are using an under tank heater, what is the temperature range of the substrate (it is likely to be different to the air temperature range)?
-The air temp is about 80 degrees and I try to keep humidity at about 80%
Do you have a meat thermometer that you can take the substrate temp? Usually there is a difference and sometimes it can be up to 20 or more degrees difference than what the air temp thermometer reads.

http://crabstreetjournal.com/xoops/modu ... storyid=69

Most of the time they're burrowed down in the moss though, and I can't imagine how humid it is under the moss, it just being lightly damp makes droplets of water form on the sides of the glass though the one that died crawled to a corner and went under and was found dead in that position in that spot
The other made a pocket in the moss and I almost didn't see him.(The three survivors were visible from the bottom glass and were going " 8| THE GROUND IS A LIE!"
Would you happen to have any hut type decorations where the hermies can seek shelter in instead of needing to burrow? Any vines or flowers as ground cover for them to be a little more secure instead of in the wide open?
It sounds like you are on the right track, but a little tweaking maybe in order.
Marie (aka ladybug15057)

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Timir
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Re: Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by Timir »

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=3748530
This is the exact stuff I have. The Petsmart worker tried to sell me on a small bag of mulch that they use and said "They wouldn't be using it if it wasn't safe" :S I hate to say it but ohwell, they seem to take MUCH better care for them now than they did when the store opened, to the point this is my only gripe, aside from the painted shell thing but they had some empty natural shells in there too.


Right now I only have the moss in there, but I was wondering if I should mix it with sand or something (?) I found out that the sand I had been using(Quikrete play sand) wasn't good for them so I switched to the moss.


I'm also sadly lacking on many decorations, but I'm also looking for a 55-gallon aquarium to get and prepare since I'll have room for it soon-ish.(Fortunately my girlfriend just goes "Awww #D They're so cute!" so I have the all-clear :P )
CrabbyJo
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Re: Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by CrabbyJo »

Terrarium moss is NOT a good substrate. If you cannot find Carib Sea Aragonite sand, I highly recommend coconut husk (coir) bedding, commonly known as Eco Earth in the US.
Your crabs need a substrate in which they can dig and feel secure. I'm afraid moss isn't quite good enough for that, but they will benefit very much from an area that is all moss, such as a corner shower caddy, or any container.
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hermie88
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Moss ???

Post by hermie88 »

I am interested in creating a moss pit for my hermies and i have read that zoo med terrarium moss or sphagnum moss is safe ??? am i right ???

If so i live in nsw , australia and am completely lost as to where i can purchase such items. I have tried ebay and numerous online stores :(


If anyone could help , maybe even Wai , as i know you live in melbourne you may have an idea of the stockists ???


thanks everyone :) keep me posted !!! :D
Emeraldroots
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Re: Moss ???

Post by Emeraldroots »

I think sphagnum is not. Seems like ...spell check....hiawatha was mentioned as well as one other I cant recall at the moment. I am at work so I cant double check that...

Crab care....
http://www.hermitcrabparadise.com/crabc ... enance.php
#4. =).

I swear there was another but I have to run....goodluck!
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ladybug15057
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Re: Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by ladybug15057 »

Please read CrabbyJo's reply above your post that was merged regarding moss.
If "Moss" is typed in the search bar in the upper right corner, many other postings will come up.
Here is a link to sphagnum moss:

http://crabbywiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Sphagnum+Moss
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Mim
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Re: Bad luck or misunderstanding?

Post by Mim »

@ Hermie88
When I found the pet shop that was actually caring for the crabs, unlike the one I bought them from...
It was suggested that I use 100% organic coconut fibre... The one that they (And I) use is Kritter's Crumble.. Let me know if you are having trouble finding it... It isn't the cheapest, but they seem very happy in it!!
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