HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi! I'm looking for advice on upgrading my tank. We've had our three hermits happily and healthily living in a 20 gallon tank. This has given me plenty of time to imagine more ways I could improve their living space, and now I am purchasing a 30 gallon tank for them to give them more room and more activities.

I'm looking for advice on the best way to transition them from one tank to the other. I don't have a ton of counter space but I could run both tanks simultaneously for a short time if need be, with individual heat and substrate.

My largest crab is currently under, but I expect she will be coming back up in about 2-3 weeks. My other two are currently up.

Any advice on the best way to go about this? I think I have time to do this right so I want to make it as stress-free as possible for the crabs!

Thanks in advance

Once you have your 30 gal up and running, just pop any crabs that appear above ground into the new tank. Then wait patiently for the rest to follow. I had a camera on my 20 gal set to detect motion, so I knew when the crabbies we're moving on top. Then I'd run as fast as I could to the tank before they went under again lol.

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Lol, @crabbylover77...just got a good giggle picturing that, you running across the room to catch one while up! Got to be quick too, they can move pretty fast!

That’s how I transitioned to my most recent tank. Got the heat and humidity right and then one by one placed them in the new tank...with a quick little dunk in the freshwater, just in case! A couple of them ran for the closest hide while the others immediately started to explore. All went well though!


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crabbycasey wrote:Lol, @crabbylover77...just got a good giggle picturing that, you running across the room to catch one while up! Got to be quick too, they can move pretty fast!

That’s how I transitioned to my most recent tank. Got the heat and humidity right and then one by one placed them in the new tank...with a quick little dunk in the freshwater, just in case! A couple of them ran for the closest hide while the others immediately started to explore. All went well though!


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Lol! It was like wack a mole, the crabbies go in and out of their holes so quick I had to be fast and grab em'!

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A 30 gallon will only give you another 6 to 12 inches of length, depending on if you currently have a tall or long tank. If you haven't purchased it yet, you may want to consider going a bit bigger. You'll be happier!

I wanted to mention that you can get bigger tanks for a cheaper price purchasing them used on sites like OfferUp, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and 5miles. Search things like Fishtank, fish tank, reptile, terrarium, etc. You can typically find whole set ups for less than what you would purchase a new tank for in a pet store Good luck!

I forgot to come back and say thank you for all the advice! I really appreciate it!