HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello everyone! Today I just got two new hermit crabs and I want to make sure I give them the best care possible. I’ve already read through a lot of the articles here and they’ve been very helpful, but I want to know from the experienced crabbers here if the following setup is good:

My current setup is a 10 gallon tank, with a metal/wire lid, coconut and sand substrate mix, two pieces of driftwood, 3 bowls (one for food, one for freshwater and one for saltwater), blonde moss and various larger shells for molting.

My house typically stays in the 72-80 range (the later end of that in the summer), do I need a heat lamp and humidity beyond a few splashes of freshwater?

I genuinely appreciate anyone’s help in advance!

How deep is the substrate? It should be 2-3 times as deep as your largest crab. Also the humidifty should be above 80% if you are struggling to meet that, i would cover the lid with saran wrap temporarily and then later get a plexiglass ir glass lid to help retain moisture. The temp should be fine but 72 is a but low, i would go for 74 or sometimg a bit higher. Hope this helps a bit

It’s about 4 inches deep…there may need to be some more substrate.

Should I fix my tank today since I just got the crabs yesterday evening or should I wait? I think I will need to change their food and water this morning…I’m not really sure because I’d rather not disturb them more.

I would change their food and water, but for the substrate make sure they are all above ground before adding more. The lid/saran wrap you can do whenever because you dont really need to disturb the crabs much

Hermitsandplants wrote: ↑

Tue May 20, 2025 2:02 pm

I would change their food and water, but for the substrate make sure they are all above ground before adding more. The lid/saran wrap you can do whenever because you dont really need to disturb the crabs much

Perfect! I did both.

Quick question regarding decor, can hermit crabs be with live plants? Specifically with air plants?

yes! i have lots of plants in my tank. air plants should be good, but sometimes they die. also the crabs might destroy them.

Hermitsandplants wrote: ↑

Wed May 21, 2025 7:31 am

yes! i have lots of plants in my tank. air plants should be good, but sometimes they die. also the crabs might destroy them.

Awesome! What species specifically, or does it matter?

I dont think it matters, but some might do better than others. Im not sure which because i have only kept one in their tank and i am unsure of the type. Sorry

If you haven't already looked at our care sheets, be sure to check them out! There is an entire care sheet about plants and hermit crabs, it is very comprehensive. And tons of other info there too.
You can add more substrate when crabs are underground if you need to, just don't drop it in from a height or pack it down.
What's your current humidity reading?

curlysister wrote: ↑

Thu May 22, 2025 10:48 pm

If you haven't already looked at our care sheets, be sure to check them out! There is an entire care sheet about plants and hermit crabs, it is very comprehensive. And tons of other info there too.
You can add more substrate when crabs are underground if you need to, just don't drop it in from a height or pack it down.
What's your current humidity reading?

Thank you! I will find that care sheet and check it out . My humidity stays between 60-80, I try to keep to the higher end of that but unfortunately it’s proving to be a pain to keep up.

Sealing up more of the lid, adding moss, adding bubblers in pools, making sure your sub is moistened - these are some ideas to help boost humidity. Also be sure that your hygrometer is accurate (there is a care sheet about how to calibrate it), and that it isn't sitting right up against the wall with the heat mat.