Recommended items for hermit crabs?

[zylvezter]

Hi. I am a beginner hermit crab owner and I would like to know recommended supplies for my hermits. Right now, I want to replace the sand, their bowls, and heating system. I also want to get authentic shells because I heard painted/fake shells are bad. They have calcium sand (which I heard isn't good). What are some recommended play sand brands? their bowls are very shallow and they can't submerge themselves. What's recommended size for bowls? And for heating mats, which specific brands? For needed information, my tank is a 10 gallon with 4 hermits (my family will help me get a bigger one soon). 2 small ones and 2 bigs ones. I would also like to know where to get authentic hermit crab shells so that they can use real ones. Thanks!

[zylvezter]

Oops. Just saw the new owners forums. Is that able to be switched?

[JoeHermits]

Your post has been moved.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wodesorel]

Hi!! Sorry this took a few days to answer.

- What are some recommended play sand brands?

Anything for children that has been washed and sterlized is safe. Sakrete and Quikrete are two major brands that are easier to find.


- their bowls are very shallow and they can't submerge themselves. What's recommended size for bowls?

Something where they can fully submerge, for the enrichment. Tupperware/gladware can work well with plastic needlepoint canvas as ramps so they can get out safely. They will drown if trapped. Some of us do use shallower bowls where they can wade around instead of swim, it's really a personal choice but when in doubt go deeper.

- And for heating mats, which specific brands?

Ultratherm or Flukers, they can be safely insulated in case you ever need a heating boost.

- For needed information, my tank is a 10 gallon with 4 hermits (my family will help me get a bigger one soon). 2 small ones and 2 bigs ones.

That's good! If they are too big they can cause problems for each other if they don't have enough space to themselves.

- I would also like to know where to get authentic hermit crab shells so that they can use real ones. Thanks!

Any kind of natural sea shell is safe for hermits, and the best kind are Turbos as they are their favorite kind. There are many stores online that sell them, like Richard's Shells or Naples Seashells. There are also sellers on etsy and amazon. You may even be able to find bags with usable shells in the craft section at Walmart, dollar stores, and craft stores.