Sand turns black

[Brose]

Can we get a better picture of the crabs because I think one of them is a giant marine hermit. Those can get the size of a football but I'm not sure from that picture.

 

[IKD]

Also, are these hermits from the beach sand? They may need tohave access to open air (something sticking out of the water). Sorry for all the questions, trying to help

 

[Brose]

Do you have a heater, circulation, or bubbler? May not need a heater if this is a cold water species. Looks like it’s stagnant water that will eventually kill the inhabitants over time.

 

[Brose]

I have that 1 red crab and the other 5 are like the gray one on the climber. 3 are neon blue and 2 are black. Look like spiders.

 

[Brose]

I have that 1 red crab and the other 5 are like the gray one on the climber. 3 are neon blue and 2 are black. Look like spiders.

That big red one changes shells every other day.

 

[IKD]

My guess is the sand has a lot of nutrients/pollutants. One option could be to get some clean sand from a local pet store to use instead

 

[Brose]

I have that 1 red crab and the other 5 are like the gray one on the climber. 3 are neon blue and 2 are black. Look like spiders.

I also get that white stuff in the corner & the crab in the white shell is a big guy as well.

 

[Brose]

My guess is the sand has a lot of nutrients/pollutants. One option could be to get some clean sand from a local pet store to use instead

I thought this sand had things in it the crabs like. I'll try store sand.

 

[Brose]

I have that 1 red crab and the other 5 are like the gray one on the climber. 3 are neon blue and 2 are black. Look like spiders.

That red one has grown alot

 

[Brose]

I have that 1 red crab and the other 5 are like the gray one on the climber. 3 are neon blue and 2 are black. Look like spiders.

We're in Fl. They are marine hermit crabs the temp of water is usually 74.

 

[Brose]

Welcome! Are you getting the crabs and sand from the ocean or a local pet store? As others have said, posting a picture of your setup and whatever maintenance/feeding you do would help get this investigation underway!

From ocean where I got the crabs.

 

[Brose]

Also, are these hermits from the beach sand? They may need tohave access to open air (something sticking out of the water). Sorry for all the questions, trying to help

they aren't land hermit crabs they are marine hermit crabs, need to be in water.

 

[Brose]

they aren't land hermit crabs they are marine hermit crabs, need to be in water.

they are found in knee to waist deep water while snorkling

 

[Brose]

From ocean where I got the crabs.

I feed them crab cuisune

 

[Brose]

How old is the tank and has it been cycled? As above pictures might help as well

And Welcome to R2R!!!

3 months old but have to empty every 2 weeks to put new sand in.

 

[Brose]

Welcome! Are you getting the crabs and sand from the ocean or a local pet store? As others have said, posting a picture of your setup and whatever maintenance/feeding you do would help get this investigation underway!

 

[Brose]

 

[MombasaLionfish]

Yea sorry that is a giant marine hermit. They have green eyes and striped antennae. They reach adult size in 3 years also they eat a ton. It is also known as a Petrochirus diogenes. Here is my giant marine hermit it has doubled in size since this picture

Here is a link that might help.

Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory Home

naturalhistory2.si.edu