Is this a good crabitat

[crabsarecute]

Hi so I'm getting hermit crabs either the 10th or 17th of August and I would like you guys to critique my tank just so if there is any thing else I need I can go get it when I get them.
A couple of things first cause I know you can't tell through photos. It is a 29 gallon tank for 3 crabs I plan on getting at least one purple pincher and one E I will only have a combination of the two. I have not got the water dishes yet and I will have both salt and fresh water. And I currently have 7.5 inches in dirt. All the stuff has been boiled or cleansed in salt water and I just added alot of dirt so the lid was off so the humidity and temperature levels will be higher.
One last thing I need to get higher temperatures in my tank I All Ready have a tank heater so any other tips and tricks from you longer time crabbers would be greatly appreciated I only need to raise it between 3-4degrees F.

Thank you

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[Motörcrab]

First off welcome to HCA.
When purchasing your crabs it is always recommended for them to have a species buddy. I normally try to acquire 3 at a time so if one passes due to PPS (post purchase syndrome) there are still 2 of the same species. I have been searching locally for another E locally for several months now with no luck.
I am unsure of what type of burlap you have on the back of the tank. It may have been bleached and dyed. I personally would change that up with either fishing net or other type of animal safe animal product such as jute, or hemp mat.

Your substrate looks a bit dry. Is your heater on the bottom of tank? if so it is recommended to attach it to the rear of the tank instead.With the heater on the back of the tank It will heat the air rather than the substrate. It will also help from drying out the substrate too.

When you get your water dishes it helps a lot with changing them out when you use two containers for each type. The second container hold the shape of the substrate and also helps to not disturb hiding crabs that may have dug underneath them. Depending on the size crabs and how deep the dishes are you may need to add some way for them to get in and out of the dish. Craft mesh and zip ties work very well for that. the last thing you want is a crab that has drowned not being able to get out of a water dish.

What type of lid do you have for the tank? In order to hold the humidity in you will need either a glass, plexiglass, or saran wrap and screen lid covering the top.

Not necessary but most crabs enjoy hampster/mouse wheels. Ours spend hours at a time on them as do others.

That should get you started. I'm sure others will add other things I may have missed. Welcome aboard again.

[curlysister]

What are you using for 'dirt' aka- substrate? It looks like EE in the pictures?

Also what brands of dechlorinator and salt do you have?

[crabsarecute]

First thank you for all the tips
I am using eco earth as the substrate
I assure you it is not dry as I just made the top layer today from bricks with about a gallon of salt water per brick
I use API water conditioner and instant ocean salt water.
And I will definitely get all E's if possible.
I have a plastic tank lid the one that came with the tank (I bought it in a fish tank kit) with all holes covered in duct tape to help keep humidity in. Side note humidity is not really an issue for me as my humidity tends to stay in the 90's.
My tank heater is above substrate on the side of my tank and that's why from the long angle that side of my tank looks black.
And it is all natural burlap.
I just started looking into a wheel for my tank as well and I will probably get one when I go get my hermit crabs.
I plan on using a sponge in the dishes if they are too deep and I will definitely try to get extra dishes to keep the shape.

I know this is allover the place but it's a mess like my brain.

[aussieJJDude]

Sponges are just bacteria factories, so your better off using fake plants, rocks or plastic canvas as a ramp to get out of the bowls


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[curlysister]

I love when people are able to plan and research and set up a tank prior to actually getting the crabs. Many of us got our crabs, then stumbled on this site when looking for info on proper care....and then scrambled to get everything set up asap. You are doing great!

[ciaraalston]

For the pools, i recommend craft mesh to help the crabs get in and out. It's about $3 at walmart for three large sheets of it. and i definitely recommend doubling up the bowls, it helps with water changes!
If you want something to replace to burlap, try nets, cocofiber lining, or even aquarium plant mats. I bought some from amazon and hung them with command hooks to line the back wall.


Other than that, the tank looks great! and welcome to the HCA!