"The Earth Program is about to blow the roof off the Chicago music scene." … Read Full Bio ↴"The Earth Program is about to blow the roof off the Chicago music scene."
-Loud Loop Press

"After only a few minutes into the album, I feel as though I am floating..This is a rare and special find."
-Perfect Avocado

"A welcome relief after all the drivel that comes out of the radio otherwise. "
-Annah Hackett, The Phoenix

"Earth Program is pop enough to be bearable and strange enough to keep things interesting."
-Joe Cislo, 3hive

“If you’ve never heard of Earth Program, you’re missing out!"
-Richard Giraldi, Loud Loop Press

Somewhere beyond the outer twilight...

The Earth Program is a multimedia cross-genre indie rock band based out of Chicago, IL
and the fictional universe of Obbityville.

Describing their sound as "atomic rawk, stoner pop, mama jama, retro spooky, space punk", Earth Program's highly engergetic live performances noteable for stage antics, costumes, and projected visuals have stirred quite a buzz in the local music & art communities over the past few years.

Earth Program's musical & visual asethetic is influenced by bands and elements of retro pop culture, such as: The Beatles, Ramones, Nirvana, Pixies, Arcade Fire, RadioHead, Flaming Lips, Joy Division, Neutral Milk Hotel, Polaris, Pee-Wee's Playhouse, The Twilight Zone, Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & The Adventures of Pete and Pete.

"INVADE!" is the debut album by Earth Program. It was officially released January 29th 2010. INVADE! was self-recorded, produced, released, and distributed by the band through their home based D.I.Y. label, Tastee Records.

Gig & Performance highlights:

04/26/09 Northwestern University – Evanston, IL

02/10/10 Double Door (opened for POLYSICS from Japan) – Chicago, IL

06/12/10 Bottom Lounge (opening for The Fleshtones) – Chicago, IL

06/27/10 Pride Fest – Chicago, IL

09/17/10 Beloit College - Beloit, WI

03/26/11 Fordham University - Bronx, NY

05/01/11 Northwestern University - Evanston, IL

05/06/11 North Central College - Naperville, IL

05/28/11 Chic-a-go-go - studio performance - Chicago, IL

07/02/11 ObbityFest 2011 - Obbityville, IL

In 2019, they issued a remastered version of their album "CONSUME!." Their latest news can be found at https://www.facebook.com/earthprogram/

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Crabs Spill Sand
The Earth Program Lyrics

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The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

Alright!
1.The first thing to know is that your pools have to be deep enough that your largest crab fan completely submerge. We use 2.5 gallon tanks for ours.
2.You will need 2 water pools. One with freshwater and one with salt water. The salt to use is instant ocean or marine grade salt.
3. Make sure to have some way the hermit crabs can get in and out of the pools. They can stay under the water for a really long time, up to several hours. But they can eventually drown if they get stuck for several days. But you may find a hermit crab under the water for a long time at some point and that’s ok.
3. If you are using Tupperware or something less sturdy you may want to double them up so you don’t have a leak.
4. There are several options for the water. You can have it stagnant but it will need to be changed a lot more often. Every 2-3 days.

The second option is to put a bubbler system in the water. This uses an air pump, some airline tubing and a bubble stone. This will keep the water moving and then you will have to change the water once a week.

The third option, and the one we currently use, has water filters. We also have bubbler systems in these polls to keep the water moving. If you use filters, once they are established, you can clean the tanks once to twice a month depending on how dirty the tanks get.

Hope this helps! Let me know if something is confusing!

All comments from YouTube:

PitsFam

4y↑14

My daughter and I love your videos so much. We only wish there were more! Please keep them coming. We are setting up a 29 gallon tank now for hermies partially because of your inspiration.

Crab Central Station

4y↑6

Thanks so much for the kind comment! We are working on it! During the school year we are very busy since we are all in school! But we are working on more now that we are in quarantine!

rrogers717

2y↑1

Wow what a lot of great information on substrate! I love how you explained the 5:1 ratio and used an example! I love examples as they help my brain process the info! Great video and great job explaining!

Crab Central Station

Thank you so much!

Carolyn

Hi CCS! I had a quick question about the substrate: do you find your crabs eating it from time to time? If so, is that safe or is that an indication of something going wrong? Currently it's 50lbs of playsand and 1 brick of EcoEarth (I'm getting the other 50lb bag of sand later this week). Currently, I have a fresh veggies and fruits out. The tank is 20 gallons long with a temperature of about 75-80F and a humidity of 75-80%. I also have 5 shells in the shell shop (currently only one crab as her cagemate died a year ago).

Also, thank you so much for your videos! They've been really helpful for improving my crab's quality of life!

Crab Central Station

Great! We are so glad our videos are helping you on your journey! Crabs will definitely eat the substrate, particularly the ecoearth which is coco fiber. It is good for them and something they would encounter and eat in nature.

Little Midwest Reborns & Dolls

4y↑4

I am just thinking about possibly getting two or 3 Hermit crabs 🦀. Great information from basic set up, food, crabitats, heat and humidity etc... Thank you for explaining things clearly and giving the why behind what the best care is for hermit crabs. I always always do research before getting any type of new pet. Your videos are extremely helpful. Happy Crabby keeping!

Crab Central Station

Thank you for enjoying our videos! 😊

Ash Ashanti

4y↑4

As a future crab mom trying to do it right, these are super helpful ☺️

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

Thanks for watching!

Nicole Fey

2y↑1

I am so happy I found your channel back in Aug of 2021. I found my hermit crab by the garbage can and went straight to Petco to get a tank, substrate etc. You've really helped me along the way and now I'm going to be setting up a 55 gallon tank with a small tank so they have more room to climb around.

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

Oh how I LOVE this comment! I'm so glad our channel has helped you along your hermie journey! What an interesting way to get started! Thanks for sharing!

Allie Hackworth

2y↑1

I love your channel! We’ve learned so much about these fellas! I do have a question? I’ve been told by stores, documents, websites, posts, sand needs to be consistency of making a sand castle? But it’s best to keep it dry? How long should it set before it turns to the consistency?

Crab Central Station

welcome to CCS! We are so glad you have joined us on your journey! Your sand will become sand castle consistency over time with the heat/humidity in your sealed tank. It took our big build about three weeks to get to this stage. A lot depends on your tank size and pool size, if you have bubblers in your pools, the temp of the tank, the amount of substrate in the tank, and your geographical location (is it naturally more humid or dry in your area).

Ashley

Hello, I just want to say I love watching your videos. I have learned so much and started buying all things for my first crab to enjoy its habitat. Just one question I hope you can answer and help me out with. How can I adopt a hermit crab? The pet store only has the painted crabs but doing my research I found that those shells are not good for them and sometimes they glue the crab to the inside of those painted shells. The website that is posted in your description for adopting says the site is no longer available. Any other suggestions for adopting?

Crab Central Station

Try this one:
www.LHCOS.org/adoption
Or buy captive bred crabs at
www.joshsfrogs.com

Chantel Eisbrenner

Hello! Thanks so much for your informative videos!! We’re in the process of setting up our hermit crab tank and all of the stores seem to be sold out of the eco earth. Are there any other coconut husk products or anything that we could use that would be just as good? Or is our best bet to wait until it’s in stock again?

Crab Central Station

Hmm that is strange! Any coco choir works but I don’t recommend any of the coco husks

Krimson Vampyr

You guys are seriously the best !!! Thank you so much you have know idea how much you have helped me past week or so with my hermit crabs. I never knew all this info until now. 😊

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

Yay! Great! We are so glad our videos are helping you on your journey! Welcome to the #CCS CrabCrew

Cassidy Gorham

Your videos are fantastic! So helpful and informative, thank you. I am working on getting set up so I can adopt. I have mixed up 2 bags of play sand and 1 reconstituted brick of EE, but it looks much different than your sub and others I’ve seen on the LHCOS fb page. Is there a more accurate way to measure? I’m worried I have too much EE and not enough sand 😬

Crab Central Station

Hello Cassidy! Your substrate should look like dry sand sprinkled consistently with the brown EE.

DHstevens

3y↑1

Hi, CCS! So one of my crabs ( very small ) started digging. We can actually hear her digging sometimes. Although, we know not to dig her up. My worry is, the substrate is just play sand from Lowes. We keep it misted and that makes the sand a little heavy almost, I'm scared that my crab is stuck under and can't dig herself up, but if she is okay and molting, I don't want to disturb her. I am just very confused on what to do with my crab. ( Her name is olive! ). Thanks for your time.

Crab Central Station

3y↑2

Hello 👋 , using just play sand as a substrate is actually better than 100% eco earth.... but the 5:1 ratio is the best option. Hopefully when your little crab returns you can add the eco earth. Your crab should be able to molt in it just fine. However, I would stop misting. Misting can lead to all kinds of other issues like flooding, mold, fungus, ect. With a sealed tank, heat, and water pools, your tank should keep the humidity without needing to mist. Check out our video on heat and humidity for how to do this.

Joy Brown

3y↑3

Yes thank you!!! Someone on YouTube to know how to properly care for them!!! And I have a huge tank as well!

Crab Central Station

Thanks so much! That’s why we’re here 😊🦀

Luke M.

4y↑3

Tat Chats is so helpful. Love it!

kaydence burke

Thank you so much I’m getting a hermit crab and watched your videos before hand and learned a lot

Crab Central Station

Awesome! Way to do your research first!

Ashley Richardson

Do we ever need to clean out the substrate once it’s established? If so, how often do you recommend and does it require completely replacing with new substrate? Thank you!

Crab Central Station

Once you put it in there’s no need to replace it unless you have some kind of issue like an Algae or bacterial bloom, mold, ants etc

Crab Central Station

4y↑3

Hi guys! Hope you enjoy the second episode of Tat Chats! For an upcoming video, we want to do a Q&A! Send in your questions on Instagram via DM or in the comments here! To make sure we know it is for the video, use the hashtag #CrabQandA These questions can be crab related or they can be random! We want you to get to know us so ask anything you want! Hope to see many questions!

Gias Fun Crabs

Thank you so much! I'm getting the eco earth now.

Crab Central Station

No, I'm sorry, beach sand is not recommended for a couple reasons. Firstly, it is illegal to take sand from most beaches. Secondly, beach sand can carry parasites and other contamination that you definitely don't want to introduce to your closed tank environment.

Crab Central Station

Oh my goodness, how did we miss this comment? I'm am so sorry!! How are things going now? Please feel free to email us at crabcentralstation@gmail.com if you still need some help.

Gias Fun Crabs

Can you use beach sand?#CrabQandA

Keegan Winton

#CrabQandA i have 3 questions... we are having one teensy problem... we did have 4 crabies but our biggest boy Thicky had gone under to molt and has passed away because the ants ate him alive.. this was a month ago and we are scared for our 3 Younger one as they are showing signes of molting there exoskeleton has turned from a musty grey brown to an orange colour and hanging around the food bowls and water pools just like our thicky boy before his decend.... so how do you guys rid your tank from ants? how do u stop them returning to attack hermit crab food? how long do I need to temporarily set my crabs elsewheres for?.... please help.

Edited::: we have a 3ft tank following your guys lead on everything like there equiptment and substrate!

Slowcloud Orca

Immediate question how do I dry sand without baking. Long term follow up :
how do I find forums or ask you and other keepers questions ?

Crab Central Station

***if the crabs are NOT in the tank... you can place a fan towards the tank... spread the sand out on a sheet/blanket... that's about all.
Join us at Land Hermit Crab Owners Society on Facebook! It's a GREAT group of keeps and a wonderful community to chat and share with!

bigblade15

this is the first time I've ever heard to use dry substrate. I've always used dry sand with damp EE to get sand castle consistency substrate. I did had to deconstruct my tank this year due to my salt water pool springing a leak and flooding the bottom of the tank.

bigblade15

3y↑1

@Crab Central Station you have any recommendations on getting stubborn limescale stains off glass?

Crab Central Station

This is a relatively new recommendation. It comes from research and data collected from seeing an increase in tanks having floods due to over saturated substrate, which is the result of a high humidity environment over time.

Denise C

Great video! Question, do we need to rinse the play sand first and then let dry?

Denise C

3y↑1

@Crab Central Station Great, that's what I got! Thanks so much!

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

If you buy play sand from Home Depot or Lowes, it has already been washed. It is ready to go in your tank.

Nadia Sabila

hello! this video is really helpful for me and others. I wanna ask, so i used eco earth as my substrate mixed up with beach sand the ratio is 5:1 so its the opposite. What is the harm to my hermit crabs if i used more eco earth? and because play sand is a little bit pricey than beach sand, can i change the play sand with beach sand? thank you

Nadia Sabila

@Crab Central Station aah i see, thank you!

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

More eco earth will lead to increased chance of mold, bacterial blooms, fungus, insect infestations, and possible molt issues for your crabs. It's best to use the 5:1 ration of play sand to EE. Beach sand is not a good option because it is contaminated with bacteria/bugs/other biohazards from the beach. Plus, it's illegal in most places to take sand from the beach. Ay sand is $5.00 for a 50 pound bag from the hardware store.

Jake Leach

Hey, I recently got a carribian hermit crab and I was just wondering if there was a way to tell what size their shell is and what size spare shells I need to get for him. Thank you, your videos have been very helpful to me!

Crab Central Station

Good question! We have a video titled, "Shells 101" and that video will teach you how to measure, what kind of shell to buy, and where to get them!

Casey

A thought, wickens wicked reptiles stated that you can get coconut fiber from the garden section too. Do you think, if that's cheaper and safe (though I know it might not be available everywhere) it could substitute eco earth?

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

Yes, eco earth is coconut fiber. I would want to check the consistency though and make sure it is nice and fine like eco earth. Also fully organic, no additives.

Megan Vaughn

What is one loose bag of eco earth equal to compared to the brick?
And if I use the bag do I still need to dry it out?

Jessilynn Brown

The tank I am setting up is a 75 gallon. My babies are nearing the end of their PPDS stage! Adding everything in dry wasn’t something I was planning to do, but I trust y’all more than others so that’s the new plan! (Less of a mess too I bet!) anyways, I’ll be doing 8-10 inches of sub. Rough estimate on how long it will take for that to get to sandcastle consistency? Side note: super excited about journey to land part 4! ♥️

Crab Central Station

Yes, the heat is essential in getting the whole environment consistent. Great job!

Jessilynn Brown

Thanks! Should I go ahead and add the heating pad during that process, or wait until it’s the right consistency?

Crab Central Station

Yay! That’s so exciting! It’s different for every tank, as it depends on the humidity in your area. If you live in a very dry area (desert) then you do want to add some moisture to your sub. Otherwise it should take a couple weeks!

Elizabeth Avalos

4y↑2

First, I can not tell you how much I've appreciated your videos. Now, I have some work to do apparently. I inherited my 2 hermit crabs from a relative who did NOT take care of them at all. Rather than watch them die under his care, I was able to remove them and become their new owner. I was told by the pet store to use 100% EcoEarth and to put it in damp (no wonder my tank grew mold and I had to change the substrate every 8 mths or so). I was given tiny water dishes by the store too and a mesh top. How my 2 have survived and been happy for 3 years is beyond me. At least I got the temp and humidity reading right and fed them correctly. After viewing your videos I'm going to make some real changes. Sadly, I just changed out all the substrate about a week ago (all Eco) and added lots of fun stuff for them. I hope I won't be stressing them out too much with all the changes so close together. Thank you VERY much for all the valuable information.

Elizabeth Avalos

4y↑1

@Crab Central Station Will do. Thank you.

Crab Central Station

Wow! What a great story! Thank you for watching. We are rooting for you! We would love to see a before and after picture 💓

Charlotte Thompson

How often do you need to change the substrate?

Crab Central Station

Great question! I'm going to link a cleaning video that answers that question.
https://youtu.be/QjONUzIv4_Y

A Nonymous

My daughter and I just got 3 hermies a few weeks ago for her birthday and are really enjoying all your helpful videos! thanks! The day after we got them, I found a HUGE (12x30x18) tank on the offering free on the side of the road in great shape... WOO! we are setting it up and will transfer them in from the small tank as soon as we have the rest of the supplies we ordered.

I'm sure that I saw or heard someone say in a video they prepared their eco-earth with properly mixed salt water for the initial setup, and if it needed humidification later then just to refresh it with de-chlorinated 'regular' water. I'm trying to find that information and thought it was here, but nope... Have you got any leads or information about this method? The benefit of this was allegedly to help restrain mold growth. We live in southeast Alaska and it is cool and humid temperate rain forest here, and we've already had issues with temperature regulation and humidity control, so I'd like to try the dry substrate method you recommend along with the salt water for the initial expansion of the substrate.

Thanks again for all your great information! you include a lot of good details as well as good visual examples!

A Nonymous

@Crab Central Station OK thanks! I did some more reading from more reputable crab websites and the best info I found was to use a WEAK solution of salt water or brackish water to expand it. I'm not sure how we are going to be able to let the eco earth dry completely.... Hopefully we can figure something out to spread it somewhere near a far for a few days.
Thanks for everything you're doing to help educate people about their fun and cute crabby friends!

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

Good morning! Thank you for your comment. We are so glad our channel is helping you and your daughter get your crabies all settled in a happy crabitat! We have heard of the method you mentioned above. We are currently experimenting with it in our new captive bred baby tank. We used the instant ocean salt water (add Prime) to expand the Eco Earth. Then we waited for the EE to dry completely. Finally we added it to the tank using the 5:1 ratio of dry at sand to dry EcoEarth. We still recommend no spraying.... as it leads to flooding and mold/bacterial growth. The enclosed
Tank along with the water pools and heat mat should keep your sub moist enough. Thanks again! Happy crabbing!

80's Baby

So glad I watched this first before setting up my crabitat

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

YES!!!! WHOOHOO! Way to go!

charles

How long does it take dry substrate to get to it's consistency? A day and a half and it's still pretty dry. 80% humidity and about 72 degrees at night closer to 80 during the day.

Crab Central Station

It just depends on the size tank and the environment you live in! It may take a week or more to get it to sandcastle consistency. It will get there soon

Ayoo_Mads

how do you maintain humidity? this is my first time having hermit crabs. My tank doesn't have a top to it. I accidentally got substrate that you use for fish the brand is imagitarium. I dont really want to use eco earth bc i heard it gets moldy easily so I was just going to stick with playsand, would that be OK?

Crab Central Station

We will have a video out soon on how to maintain humidity! It’s recorded, just needs to be edited. The first two things to maintaining humidity is to have a sealed lid, a good heat mat, and the 5:1 play sand to eco earth nurture for substrate! Eco earth can mold easily on its own, but mixed in the small amount with play sand it does well!

That Rat

can you help please. I've mixed my eco earth with the water as stated 5 days ago, drained excess water, baked it and its still moist feeling. is it okay to use like that? any ideas are appreciated

Crab Central Station

Eco earth that is a little bit damp is probably okay. However, if the eco earth at the bottom of the container is still really wet, you'll want to dry it first. Make sure you sand is dry too.

Patsy P

4y↑1

New crab Momma here. How often do you change substrate?

Crab Central Station

Hi Patsy. You should never have to change substrate once it is set up correctly (5:1 play sand to EE). The only exceptions to that are: bacteria, fungus, molt, or a flood.

Jess Vitz

4y↑1

Could you do a video on how you set up their tubs of water that they swim in? Like do you have anything to keep the water moving? Or is it just stagnant? Etc

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

Yay! Sounds great, if you have any other questions feel free to ask! I also encourage you to go to our Instagram, we are filming a Q&A video tomorrow and taking questions from Instagram if you want to participate!

Jess Vitz

Crab Central Station Thank you so much! I’ll be assembling myself some crab pools soon!

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

You’re welcome! We have filters in 5/5 tanks! All of our big tanks have the large pools and filters. They don’t seem to really mess with the filters. They do sit on top of them and climb the chords but no actual damage has been made. They don’t try to eat it or anything so there’s no worries there. We have 1 tank that uses sponge filters but it’s with our baby crabs so they don’t really pinch the sponge or anything.

Jess Vitz

Crab Central Station Thank you! This really helps! Just some quick follow up questions, how does it work with the filters? Do you have 2 different filters in the 2 smaller tanks? If so, do your hermit crabs bother the filters? Or do you get worried they will bother the wires? How do you avoid this? Thank you again?

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

4 More Replies...

Jesseca Heatherly

How often do you change out there substrate? If you have 3 crabs?

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

Assuming you have no bug infestations/ fungal blooms you should never have to change your substrate.

KA Barr

Can you use leveling sand for hermit crabs? Also one of my shells is chipped on the inside. Is that fine or should I not use that one?

Victoria Mendez

@Crab Central Station I can’t find play sand anywhere… and the play sand that I found says not for aquarium use :/ what can I use!?!

Crab Central Station

Play sand is best, leveling sand probably hasn't been washed. If the shell is chipped in the middle, core, where the abdomen will be exposed or damaged, don't use it. If it's chipped on the edge, probably okay to use.

MrPotato1ed

How bad is it if it’s just a little little bit probably fine

Noah McHenry

I got a 20 gallon tank form petco yesterday. I got two bags of sand and a bag of eco earth. When I added the two bags of 50 lbs of sand and the one bag of eco earth. It look like a lot in the tank but it was 6 inches of substrate. I got a zoo med heating mat fit for gallon size 10-20. I have not put the heating mat on yet, but the heating mat would only fit the tank if it took on inch on the substrate. Also there is not much room from the substrate to the top of the tank mabe about 5 inches and a half in some places.

Noah McHenry

Thank you

Crab Central Station

3y↑2

Hi Noah 👋 You're doing great! The substrate will settle over time and sink about an inch. If your heat mat only goes below the sub about an inch.... it will end up being perfect in a few months as it settles. The space above the substrate is small, which is why you see a lot of crab folks adding toppers or getting bigger tanks. If your crabs are small you can lower your substrate a little. You want three times the depth of the smallest crab.

Langen and Animals

4y↑1

I always appreciate your videos

Crab Central Station

Thank you!!

Eileen Bowers

Hi! Before I saw this video, I saw another one by a lady who informed to mix the sand with hermit crab safe salt water and eco earth. To prevent mold. Does this mean I have to remove and throw away all that substrate I just bought and put in ? I feel it will still be ok. Curious. 🐚

Eileen Bowers

@Crab Central Station thanks!

Crab Central Station

Hi Eileen. Using crab safe salt water to constitute the eco earth bricks is a new idea being tested. So far it is showing to be helpful. However, it is not required at all and using fresh primed water is still absolutely hermit crab safe.

L.A.M.B Lover

3y↑2

Thank you!! I knew I would find the best answer here!

Crab Central Station

3y↑2

Awesome! So glad we could help. Thank you for watching and supporting our family.

Patrick Sierak

Great videos. How much zoo med eco earth loose coconut fiber substrate (not brick) 0.31 cu ft / 8.8 liters for every bag of 50lb play sand? Seems like this is easier as it is already dry and loose.

Patrick Sierak

@Crab Central Station Thank you! Is there a digital temperature and humidity reader product you recommend? I saw a fancy one sitting in your tank.

Crab Central Station

Hi Patrick, Thank you! We're so glad you are enjoying our channel and finding our videos helpful! After constituting 1 brick of eco earth, letting it completely dry, and turning/fluffing it, it measures to be approximately 1 gallons worth. I hope this helps you with your 5:1 mixing ratio! You can always use a large cup or bin to measure out your substrate too. Of course that would have taken us FOREVER on our 700 gallon tank!

Doctor Death.

I do a 50 50 mix of both and it has worked well for my hermit crabs

Doctor Death.

@Crab Central Station ok, and thank you

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

@Doctor Death. Oh wow! I would love to see your building! I absolutely LOVE old buildings, especially with great history! I do understand that they are not the most efficient though. What we recommend on our channel is what has worked for the majority of people. There is no doubt that some folks need more individualized care recommendations based off of individual differences. We are always happy to help through DM or email.

Doctor Death.

@Crab Central Station ok i understand, I will have to try that mix sometime, I might have in the past and it was to dry. I have a small apartment and I am lucky if is 500 square feet maybe a little bit more, and my building is 1700s or 1800s it was a old civil war hospital that is a house made into one bedroom apartments and at time's without using the window ac it gets to hot in my place.

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

Hi Doctor Death. There is a lot of debate within the hermit crab community regarding substrate, there is no doubt about that! We choose the 5:1 ration because before we knew of this ration we used all eco earth and then changed our tank again to have more of a 50/50 sand and eco earth. We found that we struggled with too high of humidity which lead to more mold. We also had more bug issues with higher eco earth in our tanks. We had grain mites, ants, beetles, and gnats. Since using the 5:1 sand to eco earth set up dry..... no issues! Yay! That is just our experience though.

tod4y

Hey I am planning on setting up my terrarium and I an concerned about the ratio number you said. You said 50 pounds of sand per 10 gallons. I am going to have a 30 gallon tank and I keep thinking 150 pounds of sand for the tank does not sound right.. or is it right? haha thank you!

Crab Central Station

It depends on what you mean by clean the tank! You should never have to completely take out the substrate and start over unless you have a bacterial bloom, a flood, mold, or algae grow. However for General tank cleaning like on top of the substrate and stuff that’s up to you, we wipe down the glass every couple of days and pick up any food that got dragged around. As for the water dishes if you have plain standing water that needs to be changed every other day, if it has an aerator or bubbler system once a week and if you have a filter a couple times a month!

tod4y

@Crab Central Station Oh okaaay thank you so much! I also have one more question. How frequent are you supposed to clean the tank?

Crab Central Station

Hi! The general rule is 1 50lb bag per 10 gallons. It does seem like a lot of sand but remember they need enough substrate to be able to molt properly. It will seem like too much in the beginning but as the crabs live in the tank and dig around it will settle a lot. If you are concerned about the amount of sand you can always add two bags and on the third keep an eye on the depth. As long as it is at least 6 inches (though we prefer a minimum of 8) and 3x the height of your largest crab, you can adjust the amount as you add it in. But, in general the 3 bags should be great! The right amount of substrate also helps with heat and humidity because it takes up air space. Because there is less air, it is easier to heat up the space and there is better humidity. If you want, you can send us a picture on instragram of the substrate with a tape measure or ruler measuring the height and we can help you make sure it is perfect!

Unhinged Fisherman

We are using 40g tank

Would it hurt to use 4 bags of sand and 2 eco earth?

Unhinged Fisherman

@Crab Central Station thank you! I’m sure I’m going to have lots more questions 🤣😩

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

That is perfect!

Elise Scheller

3y↑3

is it fine if i just used play sand for my hermit crabs?? or should i also add some eco earth stuff???

Elise Scheller

@Crab Central Station okay thank you!!

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

You want to add the eco earth. It really help hold milt caves while your crabs are molting. It also helps keep the humidity up in your tank. Plus, the crabs like to eat it 😋

Bethney R.

Do I need too clean the sand? I bought the same brand that you showed in the video but I’m not too sure if it needs to be sterilized?

Bethney R.

@Crab Central Station oh okay awesome!! Thank you so much!

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

Nope. Play sand has already been through a sanitation process.

Marion

I took on 2 hermit crabs. i was given an aquarium with little sand. Tap water. So I started researching how to care for crabs. Oh my! There is so much to keep these critters in good health. I'm overwhelmed with information. I got some sand and put in the tank. They have changed shells after getting more sand. I also put 2 heaters on it. My problem is a friend gave me a 29 gal. tank. It has a lid with light. So by your calculations, I should be using brick and a 1/2 of substrate with 1 or 2 50lb playsand ? I've got to get a heater for the new tank as my other 2 are stuck on the 20gal tank. Sorry. I'm elderly and a little slower than most.

Crab Central Station

Yes, you are correct in your substrate calculations. Sounds like you are just what these crabs needed! Good job, and welcome to CCS!

Chris Melvin

3y↑1

With a 55 gallon tank what's the mixture ratio with play sand and eco earth brick. Or could I just use the eco earth without even using play sand

Crab Central Station

Research has shown the 5:1 ratio to be the best for the crabs and the most successful long-term. For a 55 gallon tank you will need 5, 50lb bags of any sand and 2 1/2 bricks of Eco Earth.

jr g

I have a 29 gallon tank, but its length and depth are the same as a 20 gallon tank. The difference is height. Should I calculate the substrate mix based on 29 gallons, or 20 gallons? Should I go with the 29 gallon calculation, and just have about 3 inches more substrate (9"), or use the 20 gallon amount and have about 6" of substrate?
And thank you so much for all of the fantastic info and advice, and for being so dang positive and fun about it!

Crab Central Station

Great question! You want six-8 inches from the bottom of the tank! (its always safe to error on the side of more sub than less)

The Crab Street Journal

Great job!!!

Crab Central Station

Thanks!

Kristy A

I almost wonder if at some point a substrate check should be incorporated into regular hermit crab care. Probably twice per year. When I dug down to the bottom of my newest tank I was really surprised by how moist it was. I also notice when my biggest crab digs down for fun, my humidity peaks again for a couple days. It's like she's airing out the substrate for me:) It was easy to mix in the dry substrate at that point.

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

This is a great point, Kristy. If your sub is looking exceptionally moist, or smells "off", you can do what we call; the straw test. Use a disposable straw and slide it down the front of your tank, probably near the pools would be best, where you can see it clearly and you won't be disturbing molting crabs. If the straw fills with water, or when you pull the straw out, that space fills with water, you have a problem and will need to replace your substrate. This is one of the reasons we recommend starting with dry sub, wipe condensation daily, do not spray, and keep bubbler overflow to a minimum. Floods can definitely happen, so we do need to keep an eye on our tank. Thanks for your comment.

Adam Butler

What if the eco earth is not in a brick form, how would it be mixed with the sand. I know it can come in a bag. Wanted to get a 20 gal long tank.

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

No problem at all! One bag is about equal to one brick.

kbmoka

But, do you HAVE to bake the play sand or can you use it right out of the bag if it is dry? Does it need to be sterilized in the oven first?

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

It is clean from the bag. You only have to bake if it is not dry.

Ash Ashanti

How do you dry eco earth before putting in the tank?

Crab Central Station

No problem!

Ash Ashanti

Crab Central Station that’s what I thought, thank you so much!

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

We recommend starting with dry substrate, it should get to be sandcastle consistency with the humidity in the tank. The reason for this is because if you start with sand castle consistency and the humidity continually wets the substrate it can cause flooding. So you start dry and the humidity wets the substrate to the sandcastle consistency. You can expand the bricks with salt water but it would just be with regular instant ocean water.

Ash Ashanti

Crab Central Station alright thank you! How much water do you add while mixing it to sandcastle consistency? I don’t want to flood my tank but I don’t want it too dry either! If I were to use loose dry eco earth how much water should I add? :) and how do I mix brackish water?

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

Usually we just make it before we need it and leave it to dry in a bucket in our garage covered with something on top.

Faith Madsen

4y↑1

Love this!

Crab Central Station

Thanks!

Angela Mills

We are completely redoing our tank because we were vastly under-educated when we bought our crabs (we have had them for about 3 weeks and pretty much used Petco suggestions which I know now were largely incorrect). So I bought the eco-earth and our crabs are currently in 100% play sand which is currently sand-castle consistency. How important is it that the sand is dry when I mix in the eco-earth? I don't really want to go out and buy a brand new bag of play sand just to dry out out when I have all of the wet sand I need in my tank already.

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

Hi Angela! Kudos to you for properly researching for your little guys! It’s people like you who are changing the industry!
Unfortunately, the dry starting sand is key to successful molts, and reducing the risk of flood, algae, and bacterial/fungal blooms.

Deanna Williston, OFS

Lol thanks for the emphasis on the ratio per 10 gallons of tank.

Crab Central Station

Glad we could help 😊

Kathy Childress

Can I use old sand with new sand for a bigger tank for hermit crabs

Crab Central Station

As long as the old substrate is still in good shape, yes!

Simply Helen

Hi, I know this vid is a little old, so dunno if you'll see this. If humidity is good 80 or above and you have playsand and eco earth at 5:1 ratio, but the sub has gotten dry most or all the way through, what would you do?

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

Great question! If it is truly dry all the way down and not just the top couple of inches. Go ahead and get 1 cup of prime water and pour it in one corner of your tank. Wait a week or two and check the consistency. If it's still dry, repeat the process in the opposite corner. Continue the process in each corner of the tank as needed. Less is more! You want to do this process slowly and allow the tank humidity to help. I hope this helps!

Connor Howard

4y↑2

That crab money was crabulous:)

Faith Madsen

Connor Howard what he said

Nuke

What do I use if I can’t get eco earth shipped to me (at leased without paying $30 shipping)

Crab Central Station

You can safely use just sand, however you may have more difficulty maintaining humidity.

Karla Ortiz

Any brand of play sand because I can’t find the brand you have here?

Karla Ortiz

Thank you

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

As long as it is children’s play sand it should be ok! Children’s play sand is sanitized which makes it safe.

smoothmule

What do mean by sealed? No ventilation holes?

smoothmule

Crab Central Station Thank you

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

Yep! Sealed as best as possible. The hermit crabs have modified gills which means that they breathe with the humidity in the air. When you go to feed your hermit crabs, touch up the tank, or do anything inside the tank it adds enough circulation for them!

Denise Essig

Mannnnnnmannnnn I wish I had seen this video and not the one I used to set mine up

grace v

i see that mixing oyster shell, worm castings, leaf litter and moss into the substrate is often recommend. is this something that doesn't need to be done? thanks

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

We don’t recommend adding things into the substrate because it can often cause molding or other problems in the substrate that will need to be cleaned out. It’s best to just put them in dishes on the surface

Susan Becker

I have a tank already setup for about a week and a half. I was not aware that the substrate should be dry and it's all been damp since setup. Should I change things?
Another question is about one of the crabs. We got them from the petstore, which now I know isn't best, but while one has adjusted well, the other keeps hiding, even burying himself about an inch down but not under the sand. He stays there all the time. I had to move him once to make adjustments to the tank, but that's the only time he came out. He explored the tank a bit, I think he ate, and then dug down again. Any advice?

Susan Becker

@Crab Central StationI do. thank you so much! Good news, last night he actually came out. I caught them both eating together. 😁

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

Hi Susan. Welcome to CCS and the "crabby" life! That is very normal behavior. I would try and set some good stinky food near where he/she likes to hide and see if that helps lure them out to eat.
If your sub is really wet, I would change it. If it's just damp, it's probably going to be okay. Just make sure you don't mist, or use a humidifier. Do you have a heat mat on the tank? You definitely need that. It will help balance the wet sub some too.

PF-Jflow

How many sand and eco earth do you need for a 40 gallon?

PF-Jflow

@Crab Central Station even if the crabs are real small?

Crab Central Station

You will need 4 bags of play sand (50 pound bags) and 2 bricks of eco earth.

Tara _ble1

Omg!!! Dry??? The guy at the pet shop (who’s supposed to be professional and who allegedly owns hermit crabs) told me to wet it to sandcastle consistency, then put it in the tank. Apparently the only correct thing he told me was the substrate (sand/eco earth) ratio. Now I have one crab who has burrowed into the substrate yesterday evening and one who’s been hiding in their coconut hut since the day after I got him home. He’s hiding under some moist moss.
Another I had was lying in a plastic “hut” for about a week and again, the guy at the pet shop said to check him bc if he was on top of the soil, he was probably dead. I looked at him and he was 3/4th the way out of his shell and when I picked him up, he fell completely out. I explained this to the “professional” and he said my crab was dead and if I waited to dispose of him, he would “really stink the whole tank and bedroom up”, So, I disposed of him. After watching several of your videos, now I am afraid I may have killed him and possibly one or both of my others.

What should I do since the one has tunneled/buried himself/herself under the moist sand?? Wait it out to see what happens?? Also, I only have a ten gallon tank and he also said I could put “as many as you’d (I) like because they don’t need much space at all”.
My goodness, why do they have people who have no idea what they’re saying selling live critters?? I feel like poop for what has happened. I really need to know what to do because I’m becoming obsessed with the little guys and want to give them the best possible life. Someone help!! TIA

Tara _ble1

2y↑1

@Crab Central Station just wanted to give a heads up....the one who had tunneled into the substrate first eventually reemerged and changed shells on Nov. 12th, and the one who had been hiding in the moss/coconut hut “disappeared” about 12-15 days before the reemergence of the other (around Halloween). He’s still in hiding. I found him (accidentally) under a mussel shell I have mashed egg shells in. I quickly cleaned and filled the shell and covered him again very gently so as not to collapse any sand on him. So, as of this moment, they both seem to be doing well. I did however find out the one who molted first and was named “Sheldon”, is actually a “Shelley”. She was climbing on the lid of tank tonight and I was able to get a pic of her underside. She has the two genopore holes. I am so excited. I cannot wait for the other to come up (which, basing the time off of the first molter) will be in about another 1-2 weeks or so. “Shelley” was down for a total of one month and 6 days. I’m kinda hoping the one currently molting will be a boy just so I can have one of each, but it is really not that important about the sex as long as I can keep them both happy and healthy.
We are also looking for a larger (at least 50+ gallon) tank so I can also add a couple more crabs and so I can add more climbing items for them to enjoy and explore.
Thank you for responding to my panic post. Haha!!
I’m was so excited seeing she was female, I had to hope one here to update you.
I’ll update again as soon as my second comes up and I can determine if “it” is a male or female. Thank you for all the wonderful advice and information in all your videos. I know I am not the only person who greatly appreciates your dedication to help make us better crabby parents 🤣♥️♥️
P. S. Sorry the comment is all over the place, but it’s almost 1:30am here in TN, so I’m not at peak performance at the moment...lol
Happy 🦀-ing

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

hi tara! Do not panic! You are amongst thousands (ourselves included) who had a similar experiences with their new crabs.

unfortunately the likely hood of the crab who fell out of their shell had most likely past. That is usually a sure fire sign of a dead crab.

as far as your two other crabs, I would recommend you watch our PPDS or post purchase stress video on our channel and sue that. (once your crabs come up from the sand... do not dig them up.)

If your sand has dried out a bit, dont worry about starting over with your substrate. However if it is still really wet, it is challenging for the carbs to molt in that consistency. I would recommend getting a 20 gallon tank at least (for two crabs) and using dry substrate.

Dawn Russell

How much substrate for a 45 gal tank

Crab Central Station

You will need 4 bags of sand and 2 bricks of eco earth.

Beulah

So if it’s a bag of Eco earth does this equal one brick?

Crab Central Station

Yes! One bag equals one brick USUALLY! You can check the bag for exact proportions.

R B

I just purchased "natural play sand" from Lowe's, got it home and was about to start building my crabitat. I noticed on the back of the sand bag, there are cancer warnings on it. Are these warnings on the type of sand you buy? I don't want to put my crabs in it now.

R B

@Crab Central Station Thanks so much! Awesome videos, by the way!

Crab Central Station

Hi R Blalock. Yes, all sand comes with that warning. It's regarding breathing in the sand "dust" in the air. You could wear a mask if you're concerned. I just put the bag in the tank and cut a hole at the bottom so that the sand pours out slowly and doesn't make a big "dust cloud". It's nothing to worry about for your crabs, they live in sand and it's not harmful to them. I personally don't worry much about it, I think if I worked with sand a lot it would be more of a risk to me. Good question though!

Emma Lewis

I like a 2/5 ratio coco to sand, is that alright?

Emma Lewis

@Crab Central Station dollar tree has saved my wallet hahaha

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

That’s such a good idea!

Crab Central Station

Yay!

Emma Lewis

@Crab Central Station he changed into my favorite shell to :)

Emma Lewis

@Crab Central Station ok! Will do! Also I have a video idea, diy hermit tank decor from stuff only at the dollar tree!

5 More Replies...

Faith Madsen

Peep the crab on the $5 bill!

garrett Brinkley

4y↑1

Is dirt a good substrate

Crab Central Station

Ok great! Gravel is a very dangerous substrate. Are you able to also get eco earth?

garrett Brinkley

@Crab Central Station ok well I use gravel but this week I will finally be getting playsand

Crab Central Station

No, we do not recommend using dirt. The only substrate we recommend for the entire tank is the 5:1 ratio of play sand to eco earth. Some people are experimenting with other substrates but we can not recommend any except that one.

b

im in the store trying to watch the video because I need to get sand and im not sure. is quirkette sand okay for them? im going to home depot and im getting it for my other animals but is it okay for themmm???

b

@Crab Central Station the bag didnt show the ingrediants so to be safe I just got the one in your video also

Crab Central Station

Here is a link
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-50-lb-Play-Sand-111351/100318476?MERCH=REC-~~pip_sem_mobile~~-206363630--100318476--N

ProdByxRaindropp

4y↑2

3:51 the “Ewwwww” was way too loud

Crab Central Station

4y↑2

We are still learning! Thanks for the constructive criticism 😊

Michele Draper

So my tank is 20 gallons, so I need 2-50 lb bags of play sand & I have a bag of eco earth, do I use the whole bag of eco earth?

Rebecca

Does 2 -50 pound bags of sand plus 1 bag of eco earth fit in a 20 gallon tank? That’s the correct amount for one tank?

I only have 1 hermit crab now, possibly getting one more. Can I have a 10 gallon tank for two hermit crabs? Sounds like a lot! 😂

Crab Central Station

Yes, perfect!

Bob Crunch

Isn't play sand treated with chemicals? If so, are they toxic to hermit crabs and is there a way to treat it or is there any non treated sand brands?

Crab Central Station

Natural ay sand is washed, but not treated. All sand has silica, so wear a mask when setting up the tank if you are sensitive to the dust. It is perfectly safe for the hermit crabs.

Until you fall asleep

I only have 4:1 ratio, Is that OK?

Crab Central Station

4y↑1

Ultimately it’s your decision, it’s your hermit crabs. But we always will recommend the 5:1 ratio. If your wondering if it’s dangerous, not necessarily, but research has shown that 5:1 has the most consistent results with the least amount of molting problems

Ady

I dont get it. So would I add all of the 50 pound bag for just a 10 gallon tank? And for 20 I add 100 pounds of the bag? I'm so confused please reply

Ady

@Crab Central Station okay that makes alot more seance I will keep that in mind when I'm purchasing my crab and all the decor and 20g tank. Thank you so much.

Crab Central Station

A 10g tank is really to small for a forever tank. Hermit crabs are social animals and need friends to thrive. That being said, the smallest tank we suggest is a 20g for 2 hermit crabs. You want at least 6 inches if sub or 3X the depth of your largest crab. Typically speaking, this would be 50lb bag of sand for every 10g of tank size (2 bags for a 20g). The sand will settle over time, so it looks like a whole lot at first.

Sadie Lewis

3y↑1

Help I accidentally put everything in there wet!?

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

75- 80 are good readings. I would leave it as us for now. Keep an eye on how damp the sub gets over time.

Sadie Lewis

@Crab Central Station yes. And it stays around 75%-80%

Crab Central Station

The sand and Eco Earth? If your crabs are not molting, you can put your crabs in a temporary isolation tank.. then you could remove your sub and dry it out by baking it on the lowest setting on cookie sheets. If this is not possible, you will need to keep a close eye on flooding, mold, and bacterial blooms.. What is your humidity reading?

gökotta

Are there any studies, or anything we can share confirming that the calcium sand is garbage? I contacted a seller who pushes this sand, and he insists crabs die for other reasons. Super annoying and deceiving. I'm just wondering how our community can put pressure on companies to STOP selling things that aren't even for hermit crabs. It's enraging. Worse, they blame it on something else.

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

YES! YES! YES! Go to www.crabstreetjournal.org and search for calci sand.... research, pictures and everything you need!

Dalton’s Reptiles

im bad at doing math in my head so im just gonna use this comment to do that math, 50 pounds per 10 gal, i have 40 breeder, 4 bags, half a block per 10 gal, 40 gal, 2 blocks, ight nice

Crab Central Station

Yep! That is correct!

Harley_is_qt

What is the brand of that sand

Crab Central Station

Try this one;

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/caribsea-super-naturals-aquarium-sand-10-lbs-2153545?store_code=429&mr:device=m&mr:adType=local&cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CCAL%7CSBU05%7CSH14%7C0%7CoZ4AgFePb8PMQF6cfeZNnh%7C58700007475749834%7CPRODUCT_GROUP%7C0%7C0%7Cpla-1457221079215%7C127865324094%7C15104991825&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhum-jKe9-gIVdBTUAR1aqwaTEAQYAiABEgLr0_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Rebecca

What kind of Carib Sea Sand? I’m looking at it now and one type has silica in it, which I know is bad….is there a specific kind of that brand I should use? There are so many different kinds!

Crab Central Station

You can use Carib Sea sand

Rebecca

Looking for the white Quickcrete sand , instead of the beige. Can’t find it near me. Can I use the sand they sell at the pet store for fish aquariums?

Crab Central Station

2y↑1

We use quick Crete play sand.

Noah McHenry

Forgot to get two bags of sand

Crab Central Station

3y↑1

Awe man, bummer.

callmedullgirl

What if you’re not using the brink eco earth?

melissareadsbookss

@Alice Kosikov I know I’m late but 1 brick equals 1 bag of eco earth

Alice Kosikov

@Crab Central Station what if you buy the bags instead of the brick. how much of the bag per 10 gallons

Crab Central Station

What are you using instead?

Jennifer Brown

3y↑1

Is there a way to correct the substrate if it is too wet? I have crabs that are molting so redoing the sun isn’t really an option? Every time one comes up , it seems another goes down

Crab Central Station

Yes, the "always a crab molting" problem! We have that issue too. So you can sprinkle dry sub on the top of the old sub, an inch per day is safe with molters down. The dry sub will help absorb extra moisture and the crabs will mix it over time. You can alsonplace dry spaghnum moss on the sub to try and soak up extra moisture, just change it out when it gets wet. Dry it out.... and repeat. If your heat is at 75°F, you can try raising it to 85°F. The extra heat will help dry out the sub. Make sure your bubblers/filters are not splashing onto the sub. Also make sure whatever you use as a ladder in and out is not wicking water into the sub (we had a piece of moaning wood that was doing that one time). Other than that, you can't really do much with molters down. If the tank is on the verge of a flood, that is an emergency and you will want to dig up the molters and isolate them with their exoskeleton.

Hermit Crabs Anoles Terrariums and More!

Is hermit headquarters sand k?

Hermit Crabs Anoles Terrariums and More!

3y↑1

@Crab Central Station ok

Crab Central Station

Yes, that sand is okay to use. However it is very expensive for the amount you will need. We suggest buying play sand from a home improvement store. You can get a 50lb bag for about $5.00. You will need a minimum of 6" of substrate, but as they grow you will want to add substrate depth.