HCA: Hermit Crab Association

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/2dccaa00cbd7997ce48c6bef991d4034.jpg I'm super basic, I just like to know when they went down, when they came back up, and how long they were molting for. It's a simple chart I keep in my planner, but you can see the little note I made for Bilbo's new leg. I...

Hermit crabs of different species inhabit all kinds of shells, so I would put them in the tank as is and see what happens. If they ignore it or try it on and then switch back, you could maybe sand the inner rim of the shell (the parts that touches the crab) with a little sand paper to smooth it out....

commenting because I'm super interested in this as well

I've been hanging onto a 70 gallon tank that's would LOVE to customize for my hermies. I've been reading a lot through the forums on this site and in some other animal forums so I think I have a good idea of what kinds of elements I want to incorporate and how to go about doing it. BUT I'm still unc...

I used a reptile screen top for my tank and put sections of plexiglass over it to control the airflow/humidity. I put any heating elements (I have a night bulb and a day lamp) on the screen and not on the glass. Seems to work just fine! Do you have pics of yours by chance? I'd love to set mine up s...

I actually LOVE the idea of using a screen and then sheets of plexiglass. I have a screen now, and I've been using damp towels. Don't know why I didn't think of different pieces of plexiglass. Definitely a Facepalm moment!! What types of lamps do you use? Definitely looking to upgrade. I'm a big fa...

I used a reptile screen top for my tank and put sections of plexiglass over it to control the airflow/humidity. I put any heating elements (I have a night bulb and a day lamp) on the screen and not on the glass. Seems to work just fine!

I'm curious if it's common for new crabs to molt within 24 hours of being placed in their new habitat or maybe one is just digging? We bought our two new crabs, Herman and Lily, yesterday from PetsMart after doing a couple weeks of research and having my almost 5 year old save up his money to buy t...

You can scatter some seeds (chia seeds are super easy) right on the moist EE substrate, and they will sprout. The crabs will eat the sprouts, very good for them. Of course, this isn't the same as growing long-term, established live plants, but it's a super-easy way to start. I've grown live plants ...

Great work! What a nice little home you have made. :) I think the heater is in a good spot -- you want it above the substrate (so you don't dry it out) and I prefer to put mine more towards one side of the tank so there is a slight gradient and the crabs can move where they are most comfortable. If ...

air plants are bromeliads and they have small false roots that don't really take in water well (if at all). Instead, they cling onto a host and get their water through their leaves! You can attach them to anything, a piece or driftwood or some cork would work well. They are from the same areas as PP...

Replying because I'm wondering how to incorporate live plants into my tank as well... What I'm thinking of doing is attaching some air plants to the sides of the tank, they don't need soil and they look great. As for a garden area, I used a 5 part sand to 1 part EE in my tank so I was thinking of ha...

I know that the fruit, leaves, and flowers are okay because they are on the "safe food list" in the forum, but I'm not sure about the wood or bark. I'm curious to know as well!

Do you leave the egg inside or just the shell thrown into the tank? Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk I crack the egg open and make eggs for myself and just plop the shell into the tank as is. My eggs are coming from a friend of mine who raises them, so I know that there isn't anything bad on th...

I'm glad you are excited about your crabbies new home! This is a good start, but you should have at least six inches of substrate (play sand, ecoearth, or a mix of both) which they need in order to molt. You could also put in some places to hide or some things to climb, they love to explore! http:/...