HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi fellow crabbers. I want to take a moment and discuss tank temperature.

Over the years, it seems that the recommended temps in crabitats have risen till they are over 80°F.

The temperature range in a purple pincher's natural habitat is anywhere from 69°F to 89°F.

If someone has a tank of PP's and their temps are in the low or mid 70's, the crabs will be fine. They aren't going to be adversely affected.

If you have species from warmer climates or have a tank of mixed species, sure, make sure you're in low 80's, but PP's will be just fine at 74°.



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What are PP's? Im relatively new here

Sherman12 wrote:What are PP's? Im relatively new here

Purple Pinchers.

Are they different to maintain or care for?

Sherman12 wrote:Are they different to maintain or care for?

They're probably some of the hardiest hermits there are, and I believe the most commonly sold in the US. viewtopic.php?f=51&t=92452 Here's the care sheet.

I’ve been using an UTH, day/night lamps, and a ceramic heat bulb 24/7 that’s set on its own timer to turn off for an hour every 4 hours. The tank maintains a good 77-83 temp. Misting once in the AM and PM, in addition to their sea sponge also seems to be doing the trick with keeping their humidity levels in check.

Sponges can hold unwanted bacteria if you aren't careful about boiling them often.

I can't really control my humidity, any tips?

owilderman wrote:I can't really control my humidity, any tips?

What kind of lid do you have? If it's a mesh lid you can wrap it with saran wrap and seal with tape. You can add bubblers to the pools. That really helps. And a nice damp moss pit.

Thanks I will be sure to try it.

A wet hand towel also helps

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Adding a sponge to the waters helps too or just putting one in the tank and keeping it wet. As well as misting the tank (with fresh declorinated water). And making sure your substrate is wet but not soaking.

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crabsarecute wrote:Adding a sponge to the waters helps too or just putting one in the tank and keeping it wet. As well as misting the tank (with fresh declorinated water). And making sure your substrate is wet but not soaking.

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We don't recommend sponges. They really don't add any humidity and they're not necessary for crabs to access water sources.

They can get gross and the bacteria could make an immune compromised or allergic person ill if they don't use good handwashing practices.

There also often bleached or treated, and offer no nutritional value when eaten.



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I have sponges in the moss pit, the crabs pick pieces off of them.
You can use them, just not in the water, they will grow harmful bacteria.

I have a 10gal tank, nights are getting cooler here in the east coast, what heat source would you recommend and where to get it? worrying about fire hazard..


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