HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Our family is new to hermit crab care- we have one medium and one small PP in a 10 gallon tank. After hours of research I thought we had everything just right but now I’m concerned we don’t have proper water dishes. Should I be doing deeper “pools” of each fresh and salt water dug into the substrate? Not sure how to attach pictures but right now the fresh water is in a kidney shaped dish about 1/2 inch deep and the saltwater is maybe 1-1.5 inches deep (round)

Here are a couple pictures of our crabitat - concerned about the water dishes being too shallow


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I would say the saltwater one is too shallow, it is best if they can completely submerged to balance the salinity level in their shells. Great for a food dish though also, are you using instant ocean? The hermit crab "saltwater conditioner" is really not a good salt source, unfortunately.

Right now we are using bottles of saltwater from Petco. We also had bottles of dechlorinated water but bought the ZooMed conditioner today... I’ve heard mixed reviews about all things ZooMed so I’m slightly concerned about that as well. Somehow my 7 year old has sent me down a black hole of hermit crab care and I can’t get out! I’m now incredibly invested in their survival


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This saltwater mix is not great.

I'd suggest getting a small bottle of Seachem Prime and a box of Instant Ocean marine salt mix.

The products recommended by petstores are typically inadequate and expensive.

They need to be able to fully submerge, with a way to climb out.

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kaykmerr wrote:Right now we are using bottles of saltwater from Petco. We also had bottles of dechlorinated water but bought the ZooMed conditioner today... I’ve heard mixed reviews about all things ZooMed so I’m slightly concerned about that as well. Somehow my 7 year old has sent me down a black hole of hermit crab care and I can’t get out! I’m now incredibly invested in their survival


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Lol! I went down that very same hole in late July! I am completely addicted to these strange creatures haha. This site is a wealth of great information...definitely get some Instant Ocean...you can get in most pet stores but I found it to be cheaper on Amazon and Chewy. I also use Seachem Prime for the dechlorinator...I think I got that from Chewy also. I already get my dog & cat food there so I just added it to my regular shipment. There are definitely a lot of better products than the ZooMed from what I have found. Welcome to the forum!

try plastic tupperware bowls. they're cheap and make great pools! Just make sure to have a way for the crabs to climb in and out. Like craft mesh, cholla wood, etc.

kaykmerr wrote:Right now we are using bottles of saltwater from Petco. We also had bottles of dechlorinated water but bought the ZooMed conditioner today... I’ve heard mixed reviews about all things ZooMed so I’m slightly concerned about that as well. Somehow my 7 year old has sent me down a black hole of hermit crab care and I can’t get out! I’m now incredibly invested in their survival


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In the same boat as you. Went down the black hole early July and now I’m totally invested.

Also, because I'm a new crab father, does MSW (in reference to water) mean "mineral salt water" or something else?

ApePlanet wrote:Also, because I'm a new crab father, does MSW (in reference to water) mean "mineral salt water" or something else?

Marine salt water, made for saltwater fish aqauriums.

As opposed to freshwater salt or hermit crab salt, both of which are inadequate.

Here is a link on water bowls One of our moderators made it.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=double+dish+yo

You all are the best! Thanks for all of the ongoing advice and reference links!

GotButterflies wrote:Here is a link on water bowls One of our moderators made it.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=double+dish+yo

I’m learning new things I can do in this tank every time I get on here will the air pump help with humidity? our first two days humidity was perfect but the last few days the whole tank has been fogging up and getting to that 80% humidity level has been a struggle


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Yes! The air pump will help with humidity. The fogging has to do with the temperature difference from inside the tank and the room that it is in


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I just got a air pump for mine and it has helped with the humidity. Going to add a second air stone for the freshwater as well.