HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi all, I am new to the hermie world and, unfortunately, I was initially misled by the information, as well as the lack of, given to me by petsmart and since then I have gone down rabbit holes researching proper care for hermies. I have learned a lot but still have a ways to go. It all started by my son begging me for a hermit crab, and now I have become invested. Many of the sources I read online tend to contradict one another, so it is frustrating trying to find reliable information at times.

I currently have a 10 gallon tank. We have a medium hermie (shelly) that is currently molting, as well as a large hermie (shelby) who we added about a week and a half ago. As it would be unfair to keep hermies of that size in a 10 gallon tank, I just purchased a 40 gallon (I skipped over a 20 and 30
gallon just to be safe, and I'd also like to add another crab in the near future). I prefer heating mats that can be mounted on the side of the tank. So my questions are, how many watts should the heating mat be for a 40 gallon tank, how much of the wall of the tank should the mat cover (I know it should be above the substrate), and which brand is most efficient? I initially bought heating mats from thrive and they were so awful that I am now leery of which brands to trust, but am currently using Zoo Med. Lastly, which brand makes the most reliable thermostat? Thanks in advance

Welcome to crabbing and to the site!
I also noticed the contradictions in care instructions when I got my crabs - so I decided to stick with just one. That's over 14 years ago, and HCA advice has kept my crabs healthy all these years.
Don't look at the watts when choosing a heating mat, look at the size. We use them 'off label' for hermit crabs, so the wattage isn't the important part. Get one that fits across the back of your tank. It's okay if it goes a bit below the substrate line - the sub will dry out a bit quicker, but just keep an eye on it and add water as needed.
The Zoo Med UTH aren't harmful, but they don't put out a lot of heat, and you can't insulate over top of them. If you can get an Ultratherm, or Reptile Basics, those are better. They are not sticky, you attach them with tape.
I have never used a thermostat, so can't comment on that.

Thank you so much for the helpful info! Also, how do you maintain the ideal temp without using a thermostat?

coleycoles777 wrote:Thank you so much for the helpful info! Also, how do you maintain the ideal temp without using a thermostat?

I know Curly said she plugs/unplugs her uths as needed. I'm too lazy for that lol, so I use thermostats. Here's the brand I've been using for years, and it works well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01I15S6 ... asin_title

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CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 11, 2024 1:20 pm

I know Curly said she plugs/unplugs her uths as needed. I'm too lazy for that lol, so I use thermostats. Here's the brand I've been using for years, and it works well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01I15S6 ... asin_title

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Ooooh nice, I just looked it up. I think I’ll get that one, thank you! I too would be too lazy lol.

Yw!

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coleycoles777 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 11, 2024 2:12 pm

Ooooh nice, I just looked it up. I think I’ll get that one, thank you! I too would be too lazy lol.

Another thing, I’m pretty sure I ordered the incorrect terrarium so I’ll be returning it. I thought that I could just not use the sliding tray at the bottom and it would be fine, but I’m worried it may affect the humidity. Like I said, I’m new. Go easy on me lol. Its called thrive easy clean reptile terrarium.

coleycoles777 wrote: Another thing, I’m pretty sure I ordered the incorrect terrarium so I’ll be returning it. I thought that I could just not use the sliding tray at the bottom and it would be fine, but I’m worried it may affect the humidity. Like I said, I’m new. Go easy on me lol. Its called thrive easy clean reptile terrarium.

I've never heard of that one before, but just looked it up. You def don't need the sliding tray. So if you return it, you can grab a regular 40 gal breeder tank instead. I got my glass lid for my breeder tank online at That Fish Place/That Pet Place.

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CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 11, 2024 2:36 pm

I've never heard of that one before, but just looked it up. You def don't need the sliding tray. So if you return it, you can grab a regular 40 gal breeder tank instead. I got my glass lid for my breeder tank online at That Fish Place/That Pet Place.

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Even though the tray isn't useful, do you think I could keep it, or could it be harmful?

coleycoles777 wrote: Even though the tray isn't useful, do you think I could keep it, or could it be harmful?

I think it might be more of a hindrance than anything. It creates air flow at the bottom, which might dry your sand out, or let the sand leak out. I'd stick with a regular aquarium.

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CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 11, 2024 3:47 pm

I think it might be more of a hindrance than anything. It creates air flow at the bottom, which might dry your sand out, or let the sand leak out. I'd stick with a regular aquarium.

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Makes sense, I'll return it and check out the website you sent me. One of my crabs is borderline jumbo so he is going to be so stoked about his upgraded home Thank you for your help! Y'all have been great, I may need to bother you again in the future lol

coleycoles777 wrote: Makes sense, I'll return it and check out the website you sent me. One of my crabs is borderline jumbo so he is going to be so stoked about his upgraded home Thank you for your help! Y'all have been great, I may need to bother you again in the future lol

Aw glad I could help! Keep an eye out for $1/gallon sales at Petco and PetSmart. There's none going on here right now, but they do them here and there throughout the year. Looks like Petco has a 40 gal breeder for $64.99 right now. I've noticed some used tanks on Craigslist in my area recently too if you're ok with a used tank. Happy crabbing!!

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Ps- if you do get a 40 gal breeder, don't buy the Aqueon glass lid for it. It doesn't fit! It's like a cm or two too big. I read in reviews that's happened to a lot of people with that lid. So weird!

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CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 11, 2024 5:27 pm

Ps- if you do get a 40 gal breeder, don't buy the Aqueon glass lid for it. It doesn't fit! It's like a cm or two too big. I read in reviews that's happened to a lot of people with that lid. So weird!

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Great, thank you! I will definitely be buying the tank in store from petsmart this time around lol. I have spent an embarrassing amount of money on these guys in the process of trying to figure everything out!

coleycoles777 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 11, 2024 6:05 pm

Great, thank you! I will definitely be buying the tank in store from petsmart this time around lol. I have spent an embarrassing amount of money on these guys in the process of trying to figure everything out!

wow!! My other crab just came up from molting as we speak! I am so relieved but feel even more pressed to get the tank ASAP. Should I isolate him right away?