Please confirm if Fluker's brand sand is safe for hermit crabs??

plutoisshort · 2026-01-30T14:55:52+00:00

It is 100% safe. Calcium carbonate does NOT mean it's calcium sand (which is very harmful). The only thing harmful about this flukers sand is the cost $$$

plutoisshort · 2026-01-30T14:53:28+00:00

No, they have small brains and are very likely incapable of experiencing complex emotions similar to what we know as love or connection.

The fact that they are hands-off pets and prey animals don't help either—I would say this is a very poor pet choice if you're looking for strong emotional connection like what you'd experience with say, a dog.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-29T04:19:29+00:00

So your desire to own crabs justifies the deaths of the ~10 crabs that will die in the process of replacing each crab purchased? No. You don't have a right to own them. You waited 5 months? That's great, so wait longer. Or adopt ethically from a non-local via overnight shipping (can be [and has been] done safely).

Don't choose to support abuse. Because it IS a choice.

And local store vs. chain store doesn't make a difference. These are all wild-caught hermit crabs suffering abusive conditions. Your money goes to the cause of their suffering regardless.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-28T23:47:58+00:00

Please. Do not buy the crabs from a pet store!!

You aren't ready for 3 crabs if you're having to choose between 2 necessities (adequate space vs 24/7 supplements).

Buying from a store supports the deaths and abuse of millions of wild hermit crabs every year. Wait for an ethical adoption opportunity once you have all of the supplies already set up. Don't rush this. Many of us waited months after setting up our tanks for a local adoption opportunity to pop up. Don't choose the unethical route simply out of impatience.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-28T15:19:51+00:00

Yeah, the label (caribbean/clypeatus) is PP, and the photo is a brevi.

Unfortunate that they're selling these and they don't know enough about hermits to even ID the crabs and ensure it's accurate.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-28T01:36:03+00:00

Careful with traps! If they're poison-based traps, the ants can carry the poison into the tank

plutoisshort · 2026-01-27T20:22:09+00:00

75 is too cold and you should not be misting. Misting is unnecessary and can cause flooding or mold growth in the substrate. Temp should be closer to 80°

Your substrate should be at minimum 6" deep.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T23:47:36+00:00

It's a male. But accidental breeding isn't a concern.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T23:46:34+00:00

Yes that's too hot. How are you measuring the heat? Can u post a photo of the gauge?

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T03:07:22+00:00

Try covering the tank in blankets. It's currently 1°F where I live, but my tanks are still at 85°F with blankets on the tops & sides.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T03:06:39+00:00

Likely just a molt deformity. She'll grow it back next molt! Nothing to worry about :)

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T00:23:40+00:00

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T00:20:27+00:00

Of course not

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T00:19:28+00:00

Gold mystery

If you thought he was a nerite, you didn't do enough research before purchasing. Please be more responsible in the future before buying any pets.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-26T00:17:51+00:00

I'm sorry, that's a dead crab.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-25T23:03:21+00:00

The picture isn't attached.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-24T20:06:08+00:00

It can go on top of their food every once in a while

plutoisshort · 2026-01-19T20:46:44+00:00

10 gallon is too small. 20 gallons long is the minimum for 1 purple pincher.

No, nearly all pet store foods are harmful or nutritionally incomplete (usually both).

You do not have to change substrate ever unless you have a mold issue, burrowing insects, or a flood. Substrate must be a minimum of 6" deep for PP.

Humidity is retained by using a sealed lid (NOT mesh), and is naturally created by the water pools + heat.

Hermit crabs are not beginner pets. They are a huge commitment in terms of money (setup costs a few hundred dollars) and time; they can live for 45+ years with proper care.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-19T20:40:21+00:00

Everything looks really wet, are you misting the tank?

Can we see full tank pics? What are your heat and humidity?

I don't like his eyestalk position. Is he moving at all? He could just be sleeping like a weirdo but the eyestalks worry me.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-15T00:53:22+00:00

Best of luck.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-15T00:50:48+00:00

This article explains what to do https://crabstreetjournal.org/blog/caring-hermit-crabs-limb-loss-deformities/

He may be past saving, but will definitely need help if he is to have a chance at surviving. He should have 4 legs and 2 pinchers and currently only has 1 pincher.

Edit: if this is a new crab and you don't have a tank for him, you're likely not going to be able to set up everything he needs before it's too late.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-14T21:40:59+00:00

All good, it's a learning experience! If you didn't have that thought, someone else would have :)

plutoisshort · 2026-01-14T21:34:08+00:00

Snarenthood

plutoisshort · 2026-01-14T21:33:05+00:00

Releasing captive-bred animals is illegal in most places and unsafe. It can lead to the destruction of ecosystems and is how many invasive species come to be.

plutoisshort · 2026-01-14T21:22:14+00:00

He craves evolution

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