Using cleaned sea shells for hermit crabs??

fishgirl1 · 08/08/2006, 11:36 AM

My husband and I are avid washed up shell collectors down on gulf side of Florida and litterally have hundreds (or thousands, actually) of shells that could be used by hermit crabs. What type of preparation would that require to provide some for my hermit crabs to move into? They were originally cleaned with a very weak bleach solution then rinsed thoroughly. They have been stored in huge glass containers for viewing and there is no bleach smell when the jar is opened....

Thanks!

suju82 · 08/08/2006, 11:53 AM

You don't need to do anything as they will just pick the right fit and switch. I actually got to watch them do that a few weeks ago but they died. I don't know why.

RudeBoy · 08/08/2006, 11:57 AM

I'd just give them a quick rinse with hot water and use them. I've known people to put much worst in their tanks with no ill effects.

TekCat · 08/08/2006, 01:32 PM

If you are not sure, just boil them.

08/08/2006, 11:36 AM	#1
fishgirl1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: ohio Posts: 46	Using cleaned sea shells for hermit crabs?? My husband and I are avid washed up shell collectors down on gulf side of Florida and litterally have hundreds (or thousands, actually) of shells that could be used by hermit crabs. What type of preparation would that require to provide some for my hermit crabs to move into? They were originally cleaned with a very weak bleach solution then rinsed thoroughly. They have been stored in huge glass containers for viewing and there is no bleach smell when the jar is opened.... Thanks!

08/08/2006, 11:57 AM	#3
RudeBoy Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Greece, NY Posts: 728	I'd just give them a quick rinse with hot water and use them. I've known people to put much worst in their tanks with no ill effects. __________________ "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for mankind..." - Horace Mann Current Tank Info: 65g AGA RR, 20g long Sump, ASM G2 Skimmer, Closed Loop System w/ Mag 9.5 Return, 2 AI Prime HD LED Modules, Custom Stand/Canopy, Various residents

08/08/2006, 11:53 AM	#2
suju82 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 95	You don't need to do anything as they will just pick the right fit and switch. I actually got to watch them do that a few weeks ago but they died. I don't know why.

08/08/2006, 01:32 PM	#4
TekCat Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MN Posts: 3,130	If you are not sure, just boil them.