Ayyy, new wannabe crab-owner

[heyyitsinky]

So yeah, y'all can call me Inky. I don't have any crabs yet, but I'm considering getting a couple. I have to temporarily rehome some of my cats until I can sell my condo and move (thanks to the Homeowner's Association not minding their business lol),and I was thinking of filling the void with a couple of hermies. I had a pair when I was a kid but that...didn't go well. But now that I'm (much) older, I've been wanting to try again. Now seemed like a good time! So, here I am!

I do have some preparation questions tho. I'm planning on using a 10gal tank I got for a couple of plants that didn't make it (after it's cleaned out of course). I know that's viable, but exactly how *many* crabs would that be viable for? I plan to get a larger tank once I'm in a bigger house and have my finances straight, but even if that's only a year or two, I don't wanna crowd any crab-children I get. I'm leaning towards 3 'cause I see a lot of sources say that 3 or more is best for them. Would that be viable, or would 3 crabs be too crowded in that tank? I'll probably think of other questions but that's the big one on my mind right now. Sorry for the wall of text, and thanks in advance ❤

[JoeHermits]

Three smalls would be comfortable in a ten gal for a few years. See our stocking guide: viewtopic.php?t=92541

[GotButterflies]

Hello! I just want to for-warn you that the crabbing world is highly addicting...and once you start you will want a bigger tank. You really can't do much in a 10 gallon. They can be hard to get the temperature and humidity right in as well.

[HappyHermit0916]

I have two teenys and one small in a 20 gallon long!!!

[heyyitsinky]

I'll definitely be getting a larger tank as soon as I can, trust me. If I get a house that's big enough one day I'd love to have a few dozen across multiple tanks. Maybe a "crab room". But for now I'm just *starting* with 3 or 4 smalls in a 10-gal. And I appreciate the advice and warm welcomes!