HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello, I know I just posted recently but I have run into another question while preparing for this tank that I am hoping others might be able to help with. I'm sorry for the multiple posts in succession.

Does anyone know whether or not wood for aquariums that's labeled tigerwood is safe for hermit crabs? I can’t find anything about it with respect to crabs, although it seems reasonable that if it can go into water with fish and shrimp it should be okay. Has anyone used it? Thank you!

It’s not very common (from what I’ve seen) but if it’s shrimp-safe it’s most likely hermit crab-safe as well.


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I can't find an actual species name to be able to research safety. Tigerwood is a common name for several plants, and it could even be that none of them are what the aquarium kind is! I agree with Joe that if it's shrimp safe, it should be okay.

Do you have access to some maple or oak tree branches? You don't have to get fancy with this at all.

I've got some oak tree branches in my setups. My crabs are seemingly up on the branches more than on the substrate. They truly are tree climbers.

Thank you guys! I’ve asked about the species name so I can try to look it up but I’m not sure if I’ll get a reply. It makes sense that it should be fine if it’s usually okay for crustaceans in aquariums.

Unfortunately I don’t have easy access to clean tree branches of my own since I’m in a city which is why I’ve been going for common driftwood/aquarium/terrarium stuff. Haha I think I am maybe going a bit overboard with it though, I got really excited when I started looking into a how to make a setup with more climbing space and some safe tropical plants to hopefully help them feel comfortable. My crabs do the same thing and they seem to prefer to be up high if they’re not burrowing!

I like that with its branches, tigerwood could help maximize soil and wood surface area if I can stand it up, but maybe I should go for something more well known that could have the same effect.

I appreciate your help!

Cork is a good option - it's usually easy to find, comes in sheets and tubes, fairly mold resistant and nearly completely mold resistant if salt treated, and the crabs love to eat it.