Today, I'll be sharing a familiar story about my journey through keeping hermit crabs, in simplest terms.
I started off knowing nothing! - but thinking I knew. I kept my crabs in a 10 gallon, with one inch of substrate.
I actually did not buy anything, but I took them from a neighbor who was moving. Here's the story behind that:
The tank was given to us with half an inch of EE, dry as could be. I got home, and set the tank down, then washed out the bowls.
I got a sponge, and cut it for them to drink from. I put hermit crab "sticks" food into their dish, which were terrible for them.
It came with a ZooMed UTH, fortunately.
After that evening, I went my LFS and got some supplies for them. More EE, and better food.
I moistened the substrate heavily than before, and still only had an inch.
Months later, we went back again, and got new bowls, grapewood chunks, more EE, and more shells.
On the day of Thanksgiving, early morning, I redid the tank again. I added more EE, and had about 4 inches this time, very moist.
I had two crabs, and they were Rocky, and Chompey. I remember rocky climbing the background, and sitting at the top for a while.
I do not have chompey in my care anymore, he was attacked durning a molt
Rocky, however I do still have! He is doing just fine, in the best terrarium ever!
I will now show off my current terrarium, and how much I have improved since I first got them!
Here's some recent photos!
if u plan to leave it on at night though I would suggest getting a blue/purple night bulb. U can get one at Walmart in the pet section for like $4. If just for day time though a regular 25-40 watt (depending on tank size and how much u need to raise the temp) white bulb should be fine. I use 60 watt day and 75 watts night bulbs on my 50g but they are my primary heat source.