HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I was given the chance to adopt two more hermit crabs for a Christmas present! The only problem, is I am not sure what type of crabs to get. I currently own a small and a medium PP in a 29 gallon tank. Since they have so much room in their crabitat, I thought it would be nice for them to have some more friends. My local Petsmart sells PPs and Es, and I need to choose which types to get. So far I am thinking of adopting one more small PP and a small E. Would it be okay to have three PPs and only one E? Would there be any problems with that? I have done a little research on Es, but I am planning on doing some more, to learn about this type of crab. Would the conditions in the crabitat stay the same, or would I need to add anything for an E, that a PP would not need? What are your opinions on the type of hermit crabs I should get? Does anyone have only one E, mixed with PPs, and has there been any problems? And lastly, is there anything I really should know about Es, before adopting one? Thanks in advance for any responses!

Personally, I wouldn't keep Es in anything smaller than a 40B. They're super active, climbing and digging, and really need the space with tons of substrate. They just don't do well with even a little overcrowding. They also need temps 80-90F. Humidity is the same at the recommended 70-80%, with 80% being where most crabbers see more activity. As always, having at least one species buddy is best. Go ahead and look through posts on Es. Some crabbers have had no problems keeping them, others have had a lot of heartbreak. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Thanks for your input, it helps a lot! I may just stay with PPs then, I just thought it would be cool to have another species. I will take your advice, and research more. But it probably is a good idea to stick with just PPs. And I would hate to make a crab feel over crowded. Like I said, I will do some more research when I find time. Then the decision will be made.

I would stick with PP's if I was you. I have had a really hard time keeping E's alive.

Are you adopting or buying? If you're adopting, it's pretty much pure luck which species come up for adoption near you!

I'm buying from Petsmart, but from what you guys have recommended, I will probably just stick with PPs.

Hey, so I ended up buying two small PPs from my local Petsmart. I was so excited when I brought them home, and after giving them a quick bath, I introduced them into my crabitat with my other two crabs. One I named Phil, and the other one, well let's just say I didn't have a chance to name him/her. Today was a very sad day for me, as I saw my other crab, Sebastian on top of this new crab's shell, which she changed into the first day. His/her shell was WAY to small, when I bought him/her. But back to what happened, I didn't want any bullying going on, so I pushed Sebastian off this new crab. I then picked them up, as I saw that she was out of her shell. She barely moved or came out of her shell since I got him/her. But the tragedy is she came too far out of him/her shell. Today, s/he passed away, and I buried him/her in my backyard, and made a cross.
I just hope my other crab, Phil, will make it. He has been sitting next to his friend's old shell since this morning. And no one seems to be eating, and I don't know why. But does anyone have any suggestions on any good ways to introduce new crabs to your crabitat and crabs? I will want to know this, if I get another one. But my biggest concern is for Phil, I hope he will be okay.

I'm so sorry for your loss. When I introduce a new crab, I just give it a quick dip in the freshwater that's in the tank so he/she will smell familiar to the others. I've never had any issues, but always keep an eye on everyone for a while. I hope Phil is okay; keep us updated on him. Since he came from a pet store, I'm guessing he's suffering from PPS, so the best thing to do will be to leave him alone in good conditions and keep offering yummy, healthy foods