HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi! I’m New here and if I’m posting this In the wrong area or am doing this wrong just delete it or let me know to delete it. My name is Alexa and I’m new to owning hermit crabs. I have a heck of a story (as most if not all of us do) considering the horrible industry and lack of knowledge from pet stores. I got three hermit crabs about a month ago. Of course I listened to the pet store, since I didn’t know any better, who told me a 10 gallon would be enough calcium sand, the whole debacle. Anyways, obviously I got home that day and did more research and figured out we were not equipped, so I immediately went and got a 20 gallon and transferred over with eco earth and fixed everything. Now. I know that’s way to small so I got a 40 gallon breeder for them now The current tank is fine aside from being two small. I have researched everything so much that I feel like my head will explode. BUT, I’m transferring everything into the 40 gallon breeder next week after we move and I need to know how to sterilize everything… I have no clue what will work for some stuff as I haven’t ever had it before. Can anyone help me?

The stuff I have:
-Coco hut with ladder (not pine I checked)
-cork round
-cholla wood
-the repti hammock
-some shower caddies (all plastic)
-some ladders of wood and rope.

How do I sterilize these things? I normally boil all the other stuff because it’s safe fish tank equipment, but this stuff I’m lost on. HELP please!

Anything plastic (ie- shower caddies) can be rinsed in vinegar and water.
Things made of wood and rope can be soaked in some salt water and allowed to dry. Or boiled if they are really dirty. You can use plain salt, you don't have to use Instant Ocean for that.
Remember that things don't actually have to be sterile. The salt water will both clean and help prevent mold.
Also, no matter what size tank you have, you will always want larger! LOL! I had my two crabs in a ten gallon for 2 or 3 years, then a 20 for another 2 or 3 years, then lucked into a free 55 gallon.

Okay so I don’t have to like.. bake all the wood? Because I didn’t want the things with rope on it to catch fire. Lol. The tank thing is so true! Got the 40 gallon breeder, I don’t even have it set up yet and I already want a 75 gallon with a 40 gallon tank topper The obsession is real.

Baking is personal preference. I honestly just add wood (for aquariums) by hosing it down to remove dust and dirt and add to the tank.

Okay awesome! I’m paranoid about bugs and stuff. Lol but knowing it Probly won’t hurt them if I don’t makes me feel better


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