INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Hermit crabs love to dig, tunnel and bury themselves.   Not only is playing in substrate fun for your crab, the substrate provides the right environment for your crab to molt (i.e. shed exoskeleton, grow).  The depth of the substrate should be 3 to 4 times the size of your crab's shell and be able to retain moisture.  If your crab is the size of a dime, penny, or quarter, you will need at least 6 inches of substrate. If your crab is the size of a golf ball, use 6 to 8 inches of substrate. If your crab is the size of a tennis ball, use 8 to 10 inches of substrate. If your crab is larger than a baseball, use at least 12 inches of substrate. Any type of sand is fine for your crab as long as it is clean. Most sand that you buy will be pre-washed and/or pre-sanitized.  Pour some of the sand into a small bowl before you put it in your crab's tank and check for insects.  If you notice any strange smells when you open the bag of sand, do not put the sand in the tank. The sand may be moldy. Sand is very affordable and your crab will enjoy playing in it. Coconut fiber (i.e. Forest Bedding, Eco-Earth) comes as a hard brick when you purchase it, and it must be prepared before you place it in the tank. Place the brick in a large bowl and fill the bowl with water until you can break the brick apart with your hands.  Add the coconut fiber to the tank while it is moist.  Your hermit crab will probably eat some of the coconut fiber.  This is perfectly fine as it contains minerals that they need. You can also use pre-prepared salt water to fix your coconut fiber. Coconut fiber attracts fungus gnats.  If you notice tiny black bugs in the tank, you need to clean the tank and replace the substrate. You can also combine sand and coconut fiber. Use a 5:1 ration of sand to coconut fiber.

SUMMARY: Make sure the substrate is deep enough. Use sand. Use coconut fiber.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Before you talk to the person about your feelings, try to anticipate how they’ll respond to your news. Use your past interactions or experiences with them to predict if they’ll be receptive. For example, if the person often flirts with you, that’s a clear indicator that they probably like you. You might also review what you know about their sexuality: have they dated others of the same gender? Are they currently exploring their own sexuality? Sometimes, it's hard to tell if someone likes you, so you may want to take a more subtle approach. Act curious about their sexuality and ask a few questions to gauge whether they’d be receptive to dating you.   You might ask, “So, have you ever thought about dating girls/guys?” or “Have you ever been attracted to someone of the same gender?” Their response to your question can serve as a lead-in to you telling them you're attracted to them. Telling a light-hearted joke is another way to express your feelings subtly. When you’re around the person, say something like, “Ah, it’s too bad you’re straight because I really like you!” Telling them in a joking way could also offer them an out if they’re not interested or if they need more time to process the idea. Come right out and tell the person that you’re attracted to them and would like to pursue a relationship. A one-on-one talk helps you clearly communicate how you feel.  You might say, “I don’t know how you’re going to react, but I felt I should tell you that I really like you. I think you’re gorgeous and funny, and I’d love for us to get closer.” You might prefer this approach over writing an email, letter, or text message, particularly if you’d rather keep your attraction private. If your crush is not interested in you, don’t take it personally. There are many reasons why a person might reject you: they are heterosexual, they are not interested in being in a relationship right now, or they don’t want to risk jeopardizing their friendship with you.  To help yourself react rationally to rejection, take a few  deep breaths. Then, tell the person, “I appreciate your honesty.” Even if it hurts at first, you’ll feel better with time. . Whether your crush rejected you or reciprocated your interest, you've still gone through quite an emotional journey. Be sure to care for yourself during this time. Make a list of why you’re awesome, hang out with your best friends, or treat yourself to a spa day or a new outfit.

SUMMARY:
Gauge the person’s possible reaction. Broach the subject with a question. Use humor if you’re not sure of how the person will respond. Have a candid, in-person conversation. Accept their choice if the person rejects you.  Practice self-care