HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So, just recently I purchase some sea salt for my hermit crabs, and knowing that hermit crab brand salt and table salt is not suitable, I bought some salt from the fish aisle, It's Top Fin Pond Salt. Is this alright for Hermit Crabs?

Short answer is: No. This is salt for freshwater fish ponds.

You are looking for a marine grade sea salt substitute, used in saltwater aquariums. The product needs to be one that provides all of the elements that the ocean water would have.

There are several recommended brands in the water sticky:


viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92553

I just exchanged the pond salt for this brand, it isn't on the list but my nearest store didn't have many brands.
Was this one alright?

I would say no. That is for aquariums very similar to what you already had. and what the hermit crabs need is ocean salt. Like if they were on the beach at the ocean. You might need to order one of the approved brands online. Amazon is a great place to get stuff or petsmart or petco online.


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Some hermit crab brands salt and fresh water brands are good. Not sure what you have available (brand wise) just need to look at the list.


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I'm currently using a hermit crabs brand salt, but I wanted a better brand. I'll just order online then. Thanks for the knowledge!

I'm using a hermit crab brand as well and it says it's even good for molting. I've got 3 that just popped up from a 5 week, 8 week & 12 week molt and currently have 3 down molting now. 6 weeks, 2 weeks & 3 weeks. So far this brand is working great. I think if what you have is working don't change it. What's that old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it. You are welcome. Good luck


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When I first started crabbing I was using "hermit crab" salt and my crabs were sluggish and didn't move around very much. I switched to instant ocean and they became really active. They are always climbing and bathing in the pools. Every morning i find it filled with sand whereas before it was always as clean as i left it.

None of the hermit crab brands of salt water mix are recommended here. They need a product that gives them the closest thing to ocean water that they can get. Not freshwater salt or salt marketed for hermit crabs. Almost everything marketed for land hermit crabs that you would get at a pet store is toxic or useless.
The link above to our HCA water guide explains all of this in detail.

jjcooper1598 wrote:I just exchanged the pond salt for this brand, it isn't on the list but my nearest store didn't have many brands.
Was this one alright?

No, I'm sorry. The package states that it is for freshwater fish. Instant Ocean comes in a white and purple box and most major chain petstores carry it. If not, one of the other brands of marine grade sea salt should work. Tell the store associate that it is specifically for sea water/salt water aquariums and they should be able to help you.