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~

Oh my lucky day!

     Wow, I can't believe it. Me, the most unluckiest person I know, has gotten a beautiful Strawberry crab for free! Let my tell you the whole story:

     I went to the mall, yes again, to buy a monster high doll (that they didn't have :'( ) and other things when I walked pass the "Crab Shack". I was talking with the girl working there for a bit; asking about prices and what came with it (just the shell on its back). After having a long fight with myself I gave in and picked out one that seems to be about the same size as Chloe and Prada, if not a little bigger. Well, after swiping my debit card twice with no luck, her register "being from the 1980's" and me standing there for about twenty minutes she gave up and said I could take it for free. I was willing to go to the bank and come back with cash but I was told not to worry about it. I have been so happy since! A crab that would have cost me $16.38, or higher depending where you look, for free ^--^  

     Once I got home I added food and water to the ISO tank and placed the little guy in there for the time being. He quickly went to the water dish and drank from it for a while before calmly taking a peek around and curling into his shell for a nap. 

     I didn't want to rush things but my house is actually cooler than the last few days and I wanted to get him in the main tank where its warmer so I gave him a bath, to which he seemed to enjoy as he just sat in the water, and put him inside the ten gallon. Prada has smelled his shell (that is painted sadly) but they haven't met face to face yet. Chloe is still buried underneath the driftwood and hasn't come out but after another quick peek she seems to be alright. I wonder if she is staying under there for something other then molting now... hmmm. 

   

There he is XD He's so cute~!

Until  next time,

Pearl Popping~

P.S. 
     I'm still against painted shells but I really wanted a Strawberry crab and now all I can hope for is for him to change his shell soon so I can remove it. His shell is actually already chipping too and the longer it stays in the tank the more of a risk there is for all the hermit crabs to eat it.
     Also, I don't have a name for him yet but I'm thinking. Hopefully in the next post he'll have one. 

Until next time, 
Pearl Popping~

Update: Molt

     I have moved Prada back into the main ten gallon tank and I could tell she was so happy, so was I. Having my hermies in two different tanks gave me a little bit more to worry about as far as food, humidity, and - sadly- mold/fungus. Yes, I have spotted some kind of growth in my tanks but it's okay I have quickly read up on it and know what I am doing wrong to fix it. See how here*
     Also, I took a peek at Chloe still underneath the driftwood. I know I probably shouldn't have but seeing her tiny face looking back at me made me so happy. She is moving around under there but has yet to remove the sand sealing the exits and step out for some food as far as I could tell. Hopefully soon she will come out in no time and Prada will have her buddy back soon. 
     I am playing with the idea of bringing new hermit crabs home if only because  "Two crabs do not make a colony. Go get him a friend, or better yet, two." as said on www.hermit-crabs.com We'll see. I really want a Strawberry crab ::sigh::, again we'll see. 


Until next time, 
Pearl Popping~

Prada pictures :)

Peeking out at me

Sitting in the water

Trying to right herself after falling over

Peeking some more

I could almost see her booty lol

Is that her little mouth I see?

::Sniff, sniff, sniff ::

She was investigating the cantaloupe

No luck

      I came home and sadly everyone is still in there little corner. "Maybe tomorrow" is all I can think but we'll see how long this goes on for. I was playing with the idea of placing Prada inside the main ten gallon so she could roam about, stretch her legs, and maybe Chloe will hear her/come up (?) and I will watch the entire time.I might try this over the weekend :) I also want to get some more pictures too, so hopefully I will soon.
I know this update was short and all but it's late and I'm so tired after work lol.

Until next time,
Pearl Popping~

Update: Molt

     Today makes a week that Chloe has hidden herself underneath the driftwood and Prada was placed into the ISO tank. I still have not noticed any change in the main ten gallon but I have no idea what time she started as I was at work. Although time of day has nothing to do with it. Some hermit crabs take weeks (months for the larger ones) to finish a molt. However, I like to hope that when I get home tonight Chloe will be up, walking about and looking for her friend. I know Prada is having a hard time in the ISO tank by herself as I've noticed she hasn't been eating her food lately. 

     Do I really need the stress coat? Sure it has its advantages with removing the last traces of the "fresh molt" scent however in the wild hermit crabs don't have this to bathe in. I think I might just dip her in some water and see what happens lol. 

     Surely Chloe will be bigger then Prada now because of the molt and maybe that is why she chose a larger shell when she swapped out. I'm excited; I hope I am able to see her little eyes tonight, I miss my girl.

Update: Molting, Mall crabs, & Breeds

     It's been awhile since I've made a post but everything is the same for the time being. I still have yet to see Chloe's little eyes and Prada remains in the ISO tank however I am debating on returning her to the main tank even though I haven't bathed Chloe in the stress coat. Hmm, I'll figure it out. 
     On another note, I  went to my local mall again and saw the Hermit Crabs still there. This time I was smart enough to take a picture ("Boo" to painted shells).

     I was told that they sold Strawberry and Blueberry crabs. I've heard of Strawberry crabs but never Blueberry so this is something else I'll have to look into. This had me thinking of the breeds of my own little hermies. I know for a fact that Chloe is a Purple Pincher Crab, her largest claw giving that away. Prada however I'm not too sure. With her missing her largest claw and deeper coloring (red "feet") I believe she might be a different breed of all together.

(An old picture of Chloe) purple claw

Prada's hints of red

Until next time,

Pearl Popping~

Shopping/molt update

     I went shopping, ran into my local dollar store just to see if they had anything new and to my surprise I saw a lot of things I could use for my little crabs.

Cute little bowels I can use instead of the flat shells :) 

A doilie I can hang so they have something new to climb on.

A new fake plant, more leaves then the other one.

And last but not least, sea sponges!

     I was most happy about the sponges as I did need more of those. They say they're for paint but because it was a dollar I thought what the hell I'll buy them. After looking at them for really and feeling it under after I think it'll be fine :)

     I just wanted to share my finds with you all and show that even in the less likely of places you might be able to find something for your hermies~

   

     Chloe is still showing no signs of coming out but it is only day three. Her driftwood remains sealed up on both ends and Prada seems to miss her real home along with her buddy. I'm trying my hardest to show her attention every chance I get but with her shy personality it only seems like I'm scaring her :( This is probably why you should have more then two Hermit crabs plus an ISO tank that they actually molt in.

Until next time,

Pearl Popping~

Day Two Of Molt

     Day two of Chloe's molt and she is still deep under the sand with no movement seen - as to be expected. I'm guessing that it'll be about a week or so until I see her again.  Prada is still camping it out in the ISO tank inside her favorite hut which I brought over just for her. She moved around a bit in the night but I think she might miss Chloe. Sorry sweetie but its all for the best.

     I'm worrying about reintroducing them after Chloe is finished molting but I'll get to that when the time comes I guess. I will be giving her a quick bath (dip) in the stress coat* after she resurfaces to wash away the molt smell Prada may pick up on. If you haven't noticed I'm playing it really safe lol.

     I have planed a "photo shoot" of sorts for Prada tomorrow or later tonight so look out for more pictures; I'm excited :3

Until next time,

Pearl Popping~

Molting For Sure

     I came home from work and did my usual check up on my hermies and to my surprise Prada was walking around! As I continued to look for Chloe, my "energizer bunny", I noticed right away that her favorite piece of driftwood was sealed on one side by sand. Peeking over to other side I saw that it was exactly the same. Chloe must be molting under there and with Prada walking about so early (for her) I quickly decided to remove Prada and place her into the ISO tank for the time being. In my mind she probably smells Chloe and, yeah, I'd rather be safe then sorry.
     I should have kept Chloe in the ISO tank longer then I did the other night, that much I know for sure. But that's what this blog is all about: my mistakes and how I learn from them as well as what I am learning from outside sources too. So Prada and I will have some bonding time over the week or so Chloe will be molting if only because I don't want her to be lonely. I hope she is looking forward to it as much as I am.
     I need to purchase this Stress Coat* too. I'm sure I will be able to find it in my pet store so next time I go I'll keep my eyes out for it :3

Yup, Chloe has made herself very cozy in there

Until next time,
Pearl Popping~

Not Sure...

     After about two hours in the ISO tank Chloe stopped all signs that she might molt. I noticed she had stopped digging completely and only walked around as if taking in her new environment (I could tell she didn't like it). With nothing to climb and only her favorite piece of wood reminding her of her real home she sat on top of it and watched me as if silently trying to will me into putting her back. As all parents (yes, even of pets) know those sad eyes always win. 

     Now Chloe is back in her tank with Prada, whom she sought out right away, and loving the second level. On top of that, after coming home from work and checking on the hydrometer (etc.) I see she has been digging again. All the levels are fine inside the crabitat so it can't be she finds it too cold or hot, not enough humidity or too much. Molting is all I can think of. Also, Chloe has been a little less active. Usually she's really all over the place, investigating everything and now sometimes I'm waking her up from a nap accidentally.

     Bottom line is I'll keep my eye on her and if I start seeing lethargic behaviors or cloudy eyes I will then place her into the ISO tank straight away. I don't need any cannibalistic crabs...

Until next time,

Pearl Popping~

Molting?

     I'm noticing Chloe is doing a lot of digging tonight, can this be a sign of molting? Well, yes. I already know that much thanks to Hermes (my first hermit crab) but this came out of no where. She isn't really a digger... actually I have never seen her dig before and she has been eating a lot. Her coloring isn't as bright as Prada's but she hasn't walked as if she lethargic. Either way I'm going to clean out the ISO tank I have and get it prepared.
     It'll be exciting if she does molt :3 I just wish Prada would as well so she can grow back her largest claw. It's okay, she will one of these day. I'll leave a link at the bottom that helped me understand the signs :) Alright, enough writing and more cleaning.

The Molting Miracle*

Until next time,
Pearl Popping~