HCA: Hermit Crab Association

My guys have been in their 20gL for almost 3 weeks now and seem to be doing great - a few dug down the first night and I haven't seen them since (no fishy smells so I'm guessing de-stressing or possibly molting) but there are still 2 I see off and on.

Here's a bit of background (or me droning on and on ) ...For temp and humidity "monitoring" I had been using an analog gauge but after reading through everything on here realized I'd be better off with a digital one. I purchased an Acurite from Amazon and realized the analog one had been WAAAY off (according to the analog it was 75-85 degrees and 70-80% humidity - Acurite says its 73 degrees (I currently have 2 little heaters from petsmart attached to the left side and front left corner since winter finally came to NC - my UTH from reptile basics is being delivered today so the temp should go up when I place it)) My question has to do with the fact that its showing the humidity is @ 90-94% - isn't that too high? I have a bubbler in both pools, moss in a coconut hide, and a moss pit. I also have a glass top with plastic wrap (with several air holes) along the back that the glass doesn't cover. To keep them warmer at night I had been covering the top with small towels...

If the humidity is too high, what can I do to lower it?

On a side note I wanted to share that my crab addiction has it me (and my wallet ) full force - I'm hopefully *fingers crossed* getting a 55g this Saturday!

Thanks in advance!

Welcome! I dont have your answer since I'm fairly new as well... Lol but I live in NC as well

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That humidity should be fine. The MINIMUM is 80% humidity so in the 90s is perfect. I don't think the humidity can be too high. Maybe someone like GotButterfiles can verify that. But I am pretty sure that humidity being to high is WAYYYYYY above what you have.

Nice! I think Daws409 mentioned that - she's how I found this wonderful place! I'm from eastern NC - born and raised. I purchased one hermit crab when I was in Corolla a year ago and now I'm addicted lol

Thanks HeyItsEggs - everything I was finding mentioned the minimum but I didn't see anything about too much - glad to have a bit of verification on that!

NCgirl19 wrote:Nice! I think Daws409 mentioned that - she's how I found this wonderful place! I'm from eastern NC - born and raised. I purchased one hermit crab when I was in Corolla a year ago and now I'm addicted lol

Thanks HeyItsEggs - everything I was finding mentioned the minimum but I didn't see anything about too much - glad to have a bit of verification on that!

No problem! Glad I could help! I remember when I wasn't sure about everything too!

No max for humidity. Only downside is sometimes there is mold growth which will not hurt the crabs. I would also recommend raising your heat to 80.


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Oh yes - there is definitely mold. I freaked out the first night (before they had been moved in) and posted on here about it and was told that it wasn't harmful to them but maybe to me. I took out the moldy items, cleaned and soaked them in saltwater, let them dry and then placed them back in. It was back within a few days but since they aren't bothered by it I'm just letting it be and trying not to breathe too deeply when I change out their food and water

Also my UTH is being delivered today and will be placed tonight when I get home so they'll be nice and toasty in no time! Thanks for your help!

Sounds like you got all the info you need! Sounds good.


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NCgirl19 wrote:Nice! I think Daws409 mentioned that - she's how I found this wonderful place! I'm from eastern NC - born and raised.

Yep that was me lol. Glad I helped you become a better crab momma!

I know it's been mentioned but I'll mention it again: Humidity can never be too high! Higher is better IMO; it just causes mold which is unsitely. Mold is also harmful to us but not to the crabs.

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I popped in to check my humidity (my ultratherm is supposed to be delivered today too.. Lol) and it was at 99%, temp was really low tho so I can't wait to put it on there and maybe see some more movement in there!

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My humidity sits at 99% all of the time on both of my tats. Love my accurate gauges! Congrats on the upgrades!!


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Thanks for all of the reassurance everyone! My UTH was waiting for me when I got home. I attached it to the front (using duct tape (I think I read that that was okay?) I wanted to place it on the back but the tank is on a dresser against a wall and there was no way of moving either of those heavy suckers lol

Quick question about the UTH though - does it need to be insulted/covered by anything? Also is duct tape okay to attach it with?

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Only insulate if the heat is not enough. For most it's the winter months. Duck tape is perfect to adhere it.

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Nachoqtpie wrote:I popped in to check my humidity (my ultratherm is supposed to be delivered today too.. Lol) and it was at 99%, temp was really low tho so I can't wait to put it on there and maybe see some more movement in there!

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I didn't realize reptile basics was in High Point! It only took it 2/3 days to get here.
I'm hoping for some more activity too - the 3 that are topside were super active during the warm weather the last few weeks but have hunkered down the last couple of days - in the opposite corner of the heat

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Me either! I ordered Sunday night and got it today! I popped it on the back of the tank and its already up about 6 degrees and 3 of the 4 are up and active running arou d the tank.

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