What can I use instead of sand for hermit crab?
Coconut fiber is an excellent alternative to sand. It too should be damp. This medium must be re-hydrated from its packaged form to use. You should be able to squeeze a handful without moisture dripping out, and when you open your hand it will slightly maintain its shape, then it will begin to crumble.
What’s the key to survival for hermit crabs?
Key To Survival. “Play Sand” can be used as well, although it is not my first choice. Play sand tends to be very light (almost white) in color, more fine than All Purpose Sand and does not hold moisture as well. If you use Play Sand make sure that no antibacterial or anti fungal agents have been added to it.
Is it bad to put dye on hermit crabs?
Dyes = Hermit crab poisons. Often, these sands will also have chemicals added to assist in breaking down waste products (fish poop) and algae. All in all, this will be a bad idea for your crab! Another fish-made sand!
What kind of sand is best for crabs?
These have been found to be most effective. Sand maintains an ideal consistency when damp, making it a great medium for the crabs to excavate in. We recommend that there be enough moisture in the sand to maintain a “sand castle” consistency. Coconut fiber is an excellent alternative to sand.
What kind of sand do you use for hermit crabs?
You don’t need to buy bags of “hermit crab sand.” A 50 lb. bag of play sand for three dollars at the hardware store is just as good as hermit crab sand but is much cheaper. Before you put any sand (or other substrate) in the crabitat, always check for any insects or cracks in the bag.
What’s the best way to get rid of hermit crabs?
Another alternative is to take the sand outside and place it in a bucket, use a hose to rinse the sand until the water runs out of the bucket and is clear. To drain the sand, place the sand into a pillow case so that your drains are not blocked up. Poor quality sand may also have metal shavings, test with a magnet.
Why do hermit crabs need a moist substrate?
Remember, moisture is critical to enable hermit crabs to bury. You will want to maintain “sand-castle making consistency” of your substrate so that your crabs can dig and pack an underground cave and air space in which to molt.
Dyes = Hermit crab poisons. Often, these sands will also have chemicals added to assist in breaking down waste products (fish poop) and algae. All in all, this will be a bad idea for your crab! Another fish-made sand!