Fighting unwanted growth: deep clean

     I was ready for bed last night at about two o'clock in the morning when I took a quick peek inside the crabitat to make sure the levels were perfect when I noticed Chloe was still sitting in the same spot. Freaking out I threw the top off and made sure she absolutely fine before placing her back on the sand to which she ran away from me. As she moved with the speed of light I felt completely disgusted with myself for putting her back in that nastiness! Little "cotton clouds" were everywhere in the sand! 

     I grabbed Chloe again, much to her dislike, and placed her inside of a bowl (the ISO tank was nasty too) then began pulling out all the items I was going to need. Noting this would take awhile I sprayed the  bowl to give her some much needed air and covered it with the lid so she couldn't escape - that's all I needed, to be running around my room at two in the morning looking for a crab. 

      Once Chloe was safely contained and out of my way on my bed I removed everything; yes, everything. I have no idea what the hell was in that sand but it needed to go. It took a while and it was pretty messy, I'm not going to lie, but at least it was done. Now the substrate is completely fresh with added calcium sand just to give her a little boost. I washed all the dishes, the toys, the coconut hut and even wiped down the tank with saltwater as I couldn't use disinfectants. I removed the tree and replaced it with the bridge I once had in the tank that Chloe enjoyed. She actually took a short nap on it after everything was settled. 

     I also added new items she can climb on such as a doilie (Which she took to right away), the shredded coconut wall (I forgot what it's actually called, sorry), and I also put the soap dish "second level" back inside and she loved it all over again. Chloe loves to climb and that's something I can't forget, but I also keep it safe to make sure she can't climb right out of the tank. 

     Hopefully the growth stays away and Chloe enjoys her clean new living space. I also threw away the ISO tank I had because it was absolutely overrun with a disgusting mold or fungus and I didn't have the stomach to clean it. With only one hermit crab I won't have to worry about molting as she can do it right in the main tank. 

     Last night was crazy but at least I didn't have work today and could sleep in. I really am fighting the growth though, I have seen it before but it was only a little and in the powder foods so I discontinued them, only giving my hermies pellets and fresh food. After searching it up on the web I believe my humidity might be too high along with the heat. These are the ideal levels for Chloe though and I am lost on those facts. For the time being I will keep my eyes open and continue fighting anything that doesn't belong. 

Until next time,

Pearl Popping~