HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello Everyone!

I'm a new member of the HCA and I can say that I have learned A LOT[from reading forums and articles on this website . I've recently purchased a 10 gallon tank and has set it up with 6 inches (at the highest) of a 5:1 ratio of playsand and eco-earth, (5.5 at the lowest). I have a treated piece of mopani wood in there (11 inches, shape of an arch with a hole at edge, little cave.) I would like to add a moss pit, other stuff. I have a digital thermometer/hygrometer and a heating pad. ******NOTE no crabs have been placed yet. I have two in a smaller tank right now.
Any suggestions and tips on where and what to buy that is crab safe and cheap.. like shower caddies, or nets. (that is not in a petstore)

****No hobby lobbys near me
Shops that ARE near me

Home Depot
lowes
Walmart
dollar tree

I do know that 10 gallons is small.. hoping to upgrade. maybe not soon but in 5 months or so

Things I have
Mopani wood (mentioned above)
Cocnut hut (Iconic ones from petsmart)
3 dishes(food,water)

Any suggestions about second levels arranging decorations for best use of space and ideas that are cheap and crab safe please leave!

First off, great job on researching prior to purchase!! And welcome to the HCA!
I have a 10 gallon. You can get a plastic shower caddy at Walmart, but I just used a tupperware container and placed it in the sub, due to limited air-space I got Mosser Lee sphagnum moss from Home Depot (you can get a pretty big bag). I bought a sea-net or something from Michael's, and shells from Joanns, but never ended up using it much. I got my fake plant from Petco, but you can get fake flowers and plants from Michael's or Joann's as like as they are unscented and clean, etc. In terms of a second level, there isn't much you can do with the six inches height above the substrate, excluding a shower caddy. My cholla and plant sort of lead up to the lid, and when he was up he'd climb all over it! Be sure to get lid clips, though. If you do want a slight 2nd lvl, I'd do a short-sh shower caddy, and lead up to it w/ plants, netting, etc.







^^this pic is old, I now have a piece of cholla along the back wall.
Sorry for all the pics and bad quality, haha..... Hopefully this inspired some ideas!

Thank You so much for the suggestion. I have fallen in love with this forum and its helpful, friendly and fast responses from members. Thank you so much for the fast response and great ideas! My one question would be How you would treat Nets? (I know to get natural and no "off" smells or glitter).. Simple Salt water soak and Bake or air dry? Hoping to post pictures soon after complete.. My crabbies are getting impatient. Thanks for the pictures. Very Helpful!

I first rinsed off my net completely with hot water under the tap because many have found them to be very dirty, until the water ran clear, and then I gave it a soak in saltwater. I put it in the tank after drying, though I doubt it matters. Good luck!