Tank size

[Hermiesguardian]

I have what I guess are 3 small hermit crabs in a 15gal tank. With all the items in it there's really no walking space. And I never see them climb over stuff. I've been reading they need room to walk around. I'm thinking of getting a 20 gal long but I just transferred them to this a week ago. Will that be too stressful? And one has been buried for awhile. I have no idea if he's moulting or just likes being buried.

[Happyhermiehome]

I would wait till the buried guy comes up

[wodesorel]

Keep in mind that a 20 gallon will only give you six more inches on one end. It won't be a whole lot more space.

[LadyJinglyJones]

I found (and find) smaller tanks unsatisfying... I'd recommend gradually saving for a larger tank, if that's something you'd want. Keep in mind you can get cheaper tanks though non-petstore venues, like aquarium forum buy & sell pages, Craigs list, etc.

Taking the time to consider & find what you really want/need at an affordable price point can pay off.

[daws409]

^^ I couldn't agree more! I would try to aim for a 40 Breeder if possible - less upgrading down the road if you don't overcrowd. They measure 36Lx18Wx16H. They're nice starter tanks IMO and many love the floor print... Craigslist, LetGo, OfferUp, etc. Search reptile, aquarium, terrarium, tank - Remember, they don't have to hold water. Good Luck!

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[Hermiesguardian]

Thank you guys! I saw a 40 gal tank in a pet store today (not shopping for that) and thought wow! Why would I want a 20gal? Lol. I'll look around for a 40.

[Hermiesguardian]

^^ I couldn't agree more! I would try to aim for a 40 Breeder if possible - less upgrading down the road if you don't overcrowd. They measure 36Lx18Wx16H. They're nice starter tanks IMO and many love the floor print... Craigslist, LetGo, OfferUp, etc. Search reptile, aquarium, terrarium, tank - Remember, they don't have to hold water. Good Luck!

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I found a 55gal tank on Letgo for $50! I'm waiting to hear back from the seller.

[daws409]

-CUT

I found a 55gal tank on Letgo for $50! I'm waiting to hear back from the seller.

That's great!

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[wodesorel]

Petco and Pets Supplies Plus run regular $1 a gallon sales, and they do include the 40 gallons for $40. There should be another one coming up over the winter.

[Hermiesguardian]

Petco and Pets Supplies Plus run regular $1 a gallon sales, and they do include the 40 gallons for $40. There should be another one coming up over the winter.

Thank you. I think I did see that at Petco today.

[Hermiesguardian]

I would wait till the buried guy comes up

How would I really know if he came up if he only comes out at night? I could smooth the surface but if they tunnel he could come up in a different spot.
I saw 2 of the 3 the other evening. And 1 of those I see pretty much every evening. I guess being a crab mom requires a lot of patience. Which I don't really have. I'm just anxious to get them in a bigger tank.

[aprilmay]

a crab comes out of a molt will be very sandy, so he will track sand everywhere: water pool, food dish. that's how we found out when our first crab came up after a 5 weeks molt. but it will only work if you have only one molter in the tank.

[Hermiesguardian]

a crab comes out of a molt will be very sandy, so he will track sand everywhere: water pool, food dish. that's how we found out when our first crab came up after a 5 weeks molt. but it will only work if you have only one molter in the tank.

They come out without a shell, right? That's when they get a larger shell?

[LadyJinglyJones]

Nooooo-no-nope. Shells on, always. Like bicycle helmets on little kids riding bikes. Or seat belts.

They moult in their shells, they dig in their shells, and the only time they ideally are out of shell is to change shells topside.

A crab who emerges from a dig shell-less has got its shell stuck, or is streaking. That crab needs to re-shell ASAP.

Offer shells to shell-less crabs or they will dehydrate rapidly.

[Hermiesguardian]

Nooooo-no-nope. Shells on, always. Like bicycle helmets on little kids riding bikes. Or seat belts.

They moult in their shells, they dig in their shells, and the only time they ideally are out of shell is to change shells topside.

A crab who emerges from a dig shell-less has got its shell stuck, or is streaking. That crab needs to re-shell ASAP.

Offer shells to shell-less crabs or they will dehydrate rapidly.

Wow. Ok. Thanks. So if they molt in their shells, why can't they carefully be moved, in the substrate surrounding them, to a new crabitat? I know they get stressed easily.