HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I was wondering if there was a way to possibly black out your tank during the day to make your crabs more active during the day and possibly turn on lights in the evening so that they would basically reverse their days and nights. Has anyone done this or do you think it’s safe to do.

My crabbies are so active at night and it’s fun to watch them on camera but I would love to see some of their activities in person.


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If you black out the tank, you won't be able to see them anyway. Messing with something's circadian rhythm generally causes problems of some sort, I know, worked nights for years. Nocturnal is what they are. Wild caught each and every one of them is. They are at the bottom of the food chain. Trying to change that would cause mega stress. Some are a bit more active at the beginning and ending of the day, just depends.

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^^

Yeah unfortunately being able to watch your crabs is not one of the most reliable pros of this particular pet

If you keep 15 crabs and are longing for activity, you should try it with 6! LOL I hear you. I'm lucky to see 1-2 of mine out during the day or even at night via my wyze cam.

I have one little guy that came up from a molt that loves to prop himself in a spot up in a branch during the day.

If I watch the cameras they are so active at night but like on the weekends when we are home. They are like nope let’s hide


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Two ideas here. One, maybe increasing the temperature a little (within crab range) might stir up a little more action. Two, I wonder if putting out a favorite food only in the daytime could tempt them.

I have only one crab, and other than the months she spends underground, I have been privileged to see her walking around quite a bit in daytime (not always though). But probably if I added more hiding places, I wouldn't see her quite so much.

Evening seems a good period of overlap between most people and their crabs' circadian rhythms.

I've found that the more hiding places I have, the more the crabs come out during the day. I think it makes them feel safe if they have many places to retreat to when they feel the need.

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Ooh I knew about the temperature thing but never noticed any relationship with the hides. Very interesting observation!!