HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi all

quick question, I have had 5 PP, size small all under 1" shell size opening since November. I have them in a 10g, which yes I know this is not big enough, keep reading. I have plans for a big move out of state, so I do not want to go an aquire say a 90 gallon or bigger right now, but I have a 29gallon I am breaking down from freshwater fish and have no problem moving with this size tank. Would a 29g be ok for 5 crabs for a few years? How quickly can they grow?

Yes I think so. They do grow quite fast when they molt but just for a little bit it’s ok. Just make sure you have lots of sub and shells


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Hermielover121 wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 1:40 pm

Yes I think so. They do grow quite fast when they molt but just for a little bit it’s ok. Just make sure you have lots of sub and shells


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Thanks, I thought it may be fine but wanted opinions. Sub is now at 6" an will be going to 8-10" in the 29g and I have tons of shells littered throughout their tank now. Not much surface space due to all the stuff I have in there for them. Excited about the taller 29g as I can try to raise most stuff to a 2nd level.

I would have no issues keeping 5 crabs under 1" openings in a 29 gallon. Honestly the 29 is one of my favorite sizes for a few crabs. To me the size is perfect to fit most places compared to say a 55 or larger! Plus 29's have a good height so you can add 6"-8" of substrate and still have a lot of room for climbing! We are actually using two 29's for crabs now!

The crabs should really be sized out, because 1 inch openings can be anything from small to extra large. So long as they all get along it should be okay, but bigger crabs can get to bothering each other.

I agree with Motörcrab and wodesorel, great advice from some amazing crabby keepers.


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I have four small purple Pinchers and a 29 gallon and they are loving it! It works absolutely perfect for them! I have nine in of substrate and still have room for them to climb around!

Thanks everyone for your comments. I cleaned out my 29g and now I'm just waiting for a restock of the Ultratherm heater I want.