HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello! I am getting ready to switch out 2 crabs from their temporary 10 gallon and to a 29 gallon. One thing I wasn’t sure of when I set up the 10 gallon was where to place the heat mat. I put it in the center of the side panel so it’s partially on the sand. Should it be above the substrate? I was also thinking I might need 2 for the bigger tank and I thought I would place one on the side and one on the back. Would both on the back be better?
Also, I wanted to make sure the crabs would be ok with a switch. One was very active at first but now burrows all day and comes up to eat at night. The other is active at night and sleeps in the moss pit all day. I think he was trying to find the burrowing one a few times but just kind of does he own thing now. I thought switching at night would be better so not to disturb them as much. Should I leave the burrowing one alone and wait to move him until I see him up and active? This will be a 3rd switch since we got them early September. We had them in a plastic tote to a 10 gallon and now I’m getting the 29 gallon. Im definitely excited to make the upgrade ( it’s cramped in there) but I don’t want to rush it and put stress on them. Also, do they need a night light? Lastly, I would like to find 2 more to adopt. Should I wait until they settle in or would it be better to add them sooner so everyone gets establish who is who. The one that is burrowing is the boss and I’ve seen him being a jerk to the other one. He would climb on and push him out of his hiding place. Eventually I caught them sleeping together but you can still tell who the dominant one is. Thanks in advance!!


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The heat mat can go either above or partially above the substrate. You’re trying to heat the air but heating the substrate will increase evaporation and thus humidity.

Placement along certain sides isn’t super important since you’ll have a gradient regardless.

Switching tanks won’t stress them out. Don’t worry about timing, just pick them up and place them when it’s convenient. Don’t dig up your crab but if it’s moving around on the surface at night you can just grab it when you see it.

A regular day/night cycle is sufficient (light during day and dark at night). They don’t need a nightlight.

As for stocking, check out our stocking guide. You can add newbies whenever you’re ready. If you’re worried about aggression, dipping everyone in the freshwater helps by making them smell the same. It’s weird but it works.


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Thank you so much for the helpful information! I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out as new crab parent. It helps out a lot. Thanks again!!


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