HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello everyone. I am a new member here and very new to my little crab friends. I have had someone walk me through the basics of crab ownership and have my 2 guys set up in a 10 gallon tank, 6 inches of sand and eco earth substrate, a fresh and salt water pool, with 82 degrees and 85% humidity. Everything is looking good.

Except, as we both predicted, I'm already looking to upgrade their home. With the two water dishes in there and a hide, it looks way too crowded. I know that tote crabitats don't seem nearly as popular as regular tanks, but I would like to learn more about them. I am most concerned with proper heating of the tote, as right now I'm using heat lamps instead of a UTH. Is it impossible to use heat lamps with totes? If so, what size UTH would be needed? Should it cover almost the whole backside of the tote, as long as it's above the substrate? I wouldn't want to get one too large or too small and then be unable to use it.

Any other information would be lovely, as would be any pictures of set up totes that you guys all have. Thank you!

Ha! The "Call of the Upgrade"...we've all heard it and no one is immune .

Check out this thread for some excellent tips on creating a tote crabitat. Lots of step-by-step pix, too.

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=94562

Crabinski, I couldn't get that link to work. I think this is the one you were referring to? viewtopic.php?f=39&t=94562
Totes are nice. I have one

Some people get worried that the heating for hermit crabs would cause chemicals to seep into the substrate. It's mentioned here viewtopic.php?f=28&t=108987&p=989934#p989934 you have to decide if you want to take the chance or not.
Heat lamps would melt the plastic. You can use UTHs, they work really well if you get a nice brand. You'll want one that covers the entire back of the tank (or tote) above the substrate (it can overlap with sub but it can dry it out if you don't keep an eye on it)
Good luck

Personally i would only use a tote temporarily, but that's just because I like the look of glass tanks better.
I wouldn't worry too much about the chemicals seeping out.. When you think about it reptiles are kept in plastic totes long term for breeding with heat mats and heat tape and I don't think they suffer ill effects from it. However it may be different for crabs, but as a temporary home I would definitely get one..


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I'm not worried about it. I looked into it, even contacted Sterilite. I don't think there's enough evidence to prove it. But I thought I'd still point it out .

Do you guys have any trouble making sure the crabs get enough light in the tote during the day?

I don't think most people use lights with totes. So I'm not sure how to answer that one, sorry.

Lennyk162 wrote:Do you guys have any trouble making sure the crabs get enough light in the tote during the day?

Well if clear, I sure that some light does go through. However, if you worried about light I don't see why you couldn't modify the tote to hold LED's (across the lid) like the LED light bars designed for fish tanks (which are waterproof, so they should withstand high humidity). However if your talking about specialty bulbs, I'm sure a small notch cut out from the lid should be fine (enough) for the light to stick through, and the cap is in the socket on the outside. As long as the bulb doesn't get too hot (like a night light, or a UVB bulb) it should be fine IMO, those bulbs don't really get the hot.

Oh yeah, those are terrific ideas! Thanks so much for the help guys. I bought a 30 gallon tub tonight so now I just need to start setting it up!

Anyone use these

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How do you get air flow using a tote do you punch holes in it?? just heard of this now never heard of this.
Can you use a ultra therm heater on the back of it? does it hold in humidity good?
is it safe? or is this just a 'temporary holding place' until you get a bigger tank?
do people do this long term? where can you buy a tote that won't make your guys sick?

Yep, pretty much. Just a few holes should do - like 4 or so each side - and maybe an airstone in the pools, and there should be airflow. As long as your not crazy with the holes, it does hold humidity well. However you do want enough holes that they can breathe (or at least, some airstones)...
Yep, most UTH's should work fine. In fact, anything else (like a heat lamp) could burn or melt the tote... A heat mat is fine, it should be warm but its not warm enough to cause damages.
And yes its safe, a few crabbers use totes only. Just look for a tote at any store, they all should be fine. A quick wash out to remove chemicals from the factory and you should be good to go. Like any tank, set it up (deep substrate of sand/ee, bowls, shells, climbing places ect)

Thanks for the info may end up doing this for a bit before i can afford a 55 gallon or larger

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