Before I buy Stress Coat...

[krabby_katie]

Oh. I just heard somewhere that stresscoat would be good for the hermies.

[HermieLove19]

i think you just can't put it in the drinking water but its used alot for baths.

[iluvhermies]

I have heard it both ways. I personally do not use slime coat but I have read that it is ok for hermies.

[krabby_katie]

Yeah, that's what I meant. For baths. I wouldn't put anything like that in their drinking water.

[raginggnome]

What is the difference between regular Stress Coat and Marine Stress Coat, the descriptions on the website I will buy from (probably) are the same. Also, when I bathe the herms in the stress coat, do I add ocean mix? or should the stress coat baths and salt baths be seperate?

[Chermo]

Stress coat is for fish not for hermit crabs, buy a dechlorinator with no stress coat too because it is bad for them to drink.

[raginggnome]

Ever since I joined this forum all I hear is stress coat this and stress coat that! I've read that although it is meant for fish it is great for crabs.

[raginggnome]

http://hermit-crabs.com/stresscoat.html

[ladybug15057]

To use or not to use stresscoat is a crabbers personal choice. Some have used it with no ill effects, some have used it without any ill effects. For a couple of years I used it, no problems. But for the past few years of not using it, still no problems so in my opinion, this is just one less chemical I am subjecting our hermies to. However, if one does use stresscoat it should be used in water that has not had any dechlorinator used in it. (or with distilled/pure water) There would be nothing for the chemicals in the stresscoat to 'bond' to.
For the oils and such a hermie does need can be done by a well balanced diet naturally.
By doing a Google search, from API's site itself:

http://www.aquatichouse.com/Water%20Con ... ssCoat.asp

Stresscoat:

Purpose and Benefits:

Stress Coat forms a synthetic slime coating on the skin of fish, replacing the natural secretion of slime that is lost during netting, handling, shipping, fighting and other forms of stress. Stress Coat is a patented water conditioner suitable for fresh and salt water aquariums, water gardens and ponds. Stress Coat contains Aloe Vera, which acts as a liquid bandage, to protect and heal damaged fish tissue. Stress Coat instantly removes chlorine and heavy metals such as copper and zinc from tap water. Stress Coat also removes chloramines by breaking the chlorine-ammonia bond.

And the Marine Stresscoat:

Fish & Tap Water Conditioner that removes chlorine, chloramines and ammonia from tap water and contains the healing power of aloe vera.

Fish & Tap Water Conditioner that removes chlorine, chloramines and ammonia from tap water in a Marine tank. Stress Coat® Marine is the only marine water conditioner with the healing power of aloe vera.
Developed for use with a protein skimmer so it will not cause foaming.

So from what I read, Stresscoat removes the chlorine, heavy metals, and removes chloramines, but can cause foaming.

The Marine stresscoat removes chloramines, chlorine, and ammonia and does not cause foaming. But it also does not mention anything about removing heavy metals from the tap water.
If one opts to use this for bathing (only) it neither should have any dechlorinators used in it. Unless the hermies are newbies, (or have a pest condition) it should be a fresh water bath, not an ocean water bath.

[ladybug15057]

The crab care here at HCP is being updated. The site you have referred to in the link above has not been updated since oh... about 2003-2004.
Through research and experience quite a few times information does change, so one may come across outdated information when areas are not updated. (and at the CSJ we are still in the process of updating quite a few of our caresheets as well with current research/experience) This is why prior to buying/using sometimes it is best to post to the forums and ask for information. Normally then current info is given.