HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So, a few weeks ago I got two smallish hermit crabs. I’ve been doing a lot of research on these little guys and learned that my tank set up, although beautiful and temp/humidity are perfect; but it’s only 10 gallons.

I asked around to my reptile friends if they had any old terrariums or tanks and I totally lucked out. A good friend of mine was getting rid of a 120 gallon tank. I jumped on the opportunity!

After dragging the tank back home, I talked to my husband and we found the perfect place for the larger tank. I’ve been tasked with making a list of supplies for the tank; but I’m coming up short because I know I’m forgetting something!

Here’s my list so far:
50 lb play sand
2x coconut fiber substrate
Large ceramic heat bulb (I already have a smaller one.)
Natural cork bark
Artificial terrarium plants
Orchid potting mix for humidity
Large cork hideout
Ultra fine mister
Driftwood x2
2pack soaking dish w ramps
Extra shells,cholla wood
One extension outlet strip

What type of heating pads should I get?
How many?

I know there’s a lot of great crab keepers here at HCA- I appreciate your input and advice in advance!

Ideally you want as large as possible to cover the back of the tank. Ultratherms or Fluker’s heaters available online would be ideal, but for a tank that large you may need more than one

You may need a little more sand and coconut fiber for a tank that large, depending on how deep you want it

Be careful with orchid substrate, I’ve seen some brands add synthetic fertilizers to it


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Hello, thank you for your reply, I'm appreciative.

After mixing sand and coconut fiber substrate together today and placing it in the new 120 gallon tank, yes, you're right, I'll need at least 50 more lbs of sand/coconut fiber mix. (I'm using the 5:1 ratio, sand to substrate, Its looking pretty good.)

I will certainly be careful when choosing any substrate for my terrarium; i appreciate you reminding me about the fertilizers and other chemicals that might be added.

Again, Thank you for your reply!

-Charlotte

Depending on how deep you want your sub, you may need quite a bit more LOL. My one crab is a jumbo now, and I probably have 300 pounds of play sand mixed with coco fiber in my 40 gallon tank! You also may notice that the sand and coco fiber hold the moisture and your humidity will be good without the potting mix (I don't use anything other than sand and coco fiber).
Also be cautious with a mister - introducing too much water into the tank increases risk of flooding.
I didn't see a hygrometer/ thermometer on your list - but you might just be moving the one from your current tank and don't have it on your shopping list.

So for a standard 48x24 inch tank, it's roughly 1 inch of substrate depth per 50 pound bag of sand. With most tanks the formula isn't this easy!

Hello!

I recently learned that my eyes are bigger than my tank; as this new larger tank is a 60 gallon, not a 120. That being said, Ive already used a 5:1 sand to coconut fiber ratio with 50 lbs of sand. I have about two inches... I have another bag of sand to add with coconut fiber as well. (MY husband calls it "dirty sand", even though it straight out of the bag and into the tank. LOL)

My crabs are roughly 1-1/4". So they are still fairly small little ones. I think that four to six inches of substrate will be enough for these particular sized crabs.

I'll certainly be sure to not overload the tank with moisture; yes, I do have a humidity and temperature gauge for the tank. I will be moving it from the smaller tank as you assumed.

Thanks so much for taking the time to write to me and help me figure this all out. You've been a great help and I appreciate your kindness.

-Charlotte