HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello, everyone!

I've been considering becoming a hermit crab owner, but I want to make sure I have everything right before I buy them. Thanks in advance!

1.) Will hermit crabs do well in pairs?

2.) What kind of diet should they have? I've heard that they can have various fruits/veggies, as well as pellets. Is this correct? If so, which brands are the best?

3.) If I get two crabs, how big should my tank be? I've heard 10 gallons, but is this correct?

4.) What kind of sand should I get? And how deep should I fill my tank?

5.) Do crabs like toys? If so, how many should I have and what type should I get?

6.) I've read that hermit crabs need saltwater to bathe in, but I can't use table salt. What do you suggest?

7.) What's the best way to keep the tank humid? And warm? (I assume a heating pad, right?)

8.) Where in my room should I place them? Just out of the way of direct sunlight, right?

Thank you for your help!

I've been considering becoming a hermit crab owner, but I want to make sure I have everything right before I buy them. Thanks in advance!
Curly - All the info you need can be found in the care sheets. Read through them, and ask any further questions that you have!
I will provide the links below.

1.) Will hermit crabs do well in pairs?
Curly - Yes, they like to have at least one friend.

2.) What kind of diet should they have? I've heard that they can have various fruits/veggies, as well as pellets. Is this correct? If so, which brands are the best?
Curly - COmmercial food like pellets are not safe.
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 25&t=92555
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 25&t=92554
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 25&t=92557
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 25&t=92556


3.) If I get two crabs, how big should my tank be? I've heard 10 gallons, but is this correct?
Curly - It depends on how large the crabs are. Here is the HCA guide for crabs/ numbers/ sizes/ tanks:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... d=newposts


4.) What kind of sand should I get? And how deep should I fill my tank?
Curly
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... d=newposts


5.) Do crabs like toys? If so, how many should I have and what type should I get?
Curly - Many people use things like plastic hamster wheels. Motor and Xena have made all kinds of neat toys and enrichment items - search through their posts to find them. The basic care sheet (link below) talks about what is needed in the tank.

6.) I've read that hermit crabs need saltwater to bathe in, but I can't use table salt. What do you suggest?
Curly - They need both dechlorinated fresh and salt waters:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... d=newposts


7.) What's the best way to keep the tank humid? And warm? (I assume a heating pad, right?)
Curly - We call them Under Tank Heaters but they go on the back or side of the tank, never under.
This is the basic care sheet, it talks about heat as well as many other topics:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... d=newposts

This addresses humidity:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... d=newposts


8.) Where in my room should I place them? Just out of the way of direct sunlight, right?
Curly - Yes, direct sunlight can heat up the tank too much. Indirect light is good.

Wow, thank you so much for your thorough answer!

No problem! I have had my two crabs for 9 years, and the HCA is the only source I have used for information about their care. I still frequently refer to the care sheets, the admins have put a lot of work into them and the information is excellent.

For sure; I've been doing non-stop reading of the care sheets to make sure I have everything right. The one thing I had trouble with is finding a good thermometer and humidity gauge. What do you personally use/recommend? TIA!

Many people use the digital Acurite ones. Digital is considered more accurate than analog. And even here in Canada, I found a digital Acurite at the local hardware store for less than $10 on sale (I think regular was only $15), so not a huge expense!

Wow great job Curly at answering these questions!!! I was prepared to have to sit at my desk for awhile on type all that out!!!