PPDS Method for New Rescues

PPDS stands for "post purchase death syndrome". When a hermit crab comes from bad conditions, such as a beach shop, then their health and strength is really low. Hermit crabs coming from bad conditions are most likely desperate for a molt, however, if they are placed right into a main tank with the deep substrate and dig under to molt, they might not have the strength or energy to have a successful molt and could die. 

The PPDS method works as a small "rehab" tank, with very shallow substrate (less than 1 inch), so the weak hermit crab cannot dig under to molt and risk dying. Diet is key in a PPDS tank so the hermit crab can get all the nutrients it has been lacking. Over a couple weeks or so, the hermit crab will be healthy enough to go into the main tank, where it can have a successful molt! 

If you adopt a hermit crab from a proper home where it came from good conditions and diet, then no need to do the PPDS method. PPDS method is for weak hermit crabs coming from bad / unhealthy conditions.

Below is helpful link that goes more in depth about the PPDS method and how to execute it:)

The Crab Street Journal PPDS Method

PPDS tank Janie made