HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello, crab lovers!
Im located in Columbus, Ohio (specifically in Obetz)
I can travel 1hour any direction, almost any day of the week, between 1pm-8pm and can be earlier on Sat/Sun.

My 40 gallon breeder is empty since 2023. I used it to house a toad I found injured while mowing the yard, I kept him until he grew and healed

Recently Ive been preparing it for hermit crabs: deep cleaned after storage, filled with 6-7 inches of twice washed playsand. Mixed eco brick ratio is 5 sand:1 eco. I have two 8" dia. glass water dishes, 5" deep. For fresh and salt water. I have prime ready to condition all the things. Instant ocean crystals also ready for the salt water bowl. Also have a air bubbler w/ two airstone ends to put into both water bowls. Ive a shopping list ready to pick up the food they need, and I'm waiting on a 6in by 35in UTH from Bean Farm to attach along the back. I have a therm/hy to monitor heat and humidity. Also have lots of climbing and safe spots like cholla branches, coconut hide, rope, fake plants, some platforms made from plastic organizer, and a rock.
Im new to having my own hermit crabs so all information/advise is welcomed- Ive been researching alot but real life experience is golden

I'm looking to adopt 2 purple pinchers, just to make sure they have enough space and resources

Both Email or PM is great to reach me ~ josieharruff[at]gmail[dot]com , or dillonharruff[at]yahoo[dot]com
Last Updated: Saturday, January 18th 2025

Hi! So unfortunately, the Instant ocean crystals are not usable, because crabs need marine salt. Instant ocean is probably the best brand, but they need marine salt.
What type of hygrometer and thermometer do you have?

Everything else sounds good!

Hey there! Thank you for your kind reply , I'm returning this bag and buying the Instant Ocean sea salt for marine environment, Thank you for catching that!!
Also I have "Sungrow" brand thermometer and hygrometer (it's been reading very well during set up so far)
I also forgot to say I'll be buying mexican turbo shells once I get the little guys and know thier pant size lol

Do you have the analog one? Those are known for being inaccurate. I would recommend an Acurite or Govee hygrometer/thermometer. Just make sure it is a digital one.
Good luck!

I also wanted to add that you do not need to wash playsand, because it is already washed in manufacturing. You can, but you do not need to.

Just wanted to ask how you would wash sand???

You can look up videos of washing playsand for aquariums, but usually you’re dousing it in a bucket with a hose and pouring out the water repeatedly


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Thank you!