HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Just out of curiosity does anyone know if using strong magnets to hold objects up in a tank is risky to the glass? I'm afraid the magnet pressure would crack or shatter the glass but I don't know anything about it and can't find an answer on the internet.

Magnaturals seem to work fine. They are a type of climb powered by magnets, so I would assume they are okay to use.

Sent from my VS880PP using Tapatalk

Do the crabs pick at the Magnaturals?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't personally have any, they are just a popular terrarium pet acessory. But I imagine it would be like any tank decor, there will be normal wear and tear.

Sent from my VS880PP using Tapatalk

The ones I saw seemed to be made of styrofoam, so I didn't think they were suitable plus they are expensive


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I did learn about magnaturals after posting my question. They seem well protected in hard plastic so no worries with crabs or rust for that matter. They aren't very strong however, holding up foam based products and aren't cheap. I guess my question was more about regular plastic coated magnets which have a much much higher pull force of... 10 pounds or so. Id rather use what I have, cut holes in wood and glue the magnet to the wood where the crabs cant reach the magnet.

Reper1210, I think it would be fine. My advice is not worth much though. You gave me an idea to try! I would love to have more natural stuff and less plastic.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Cool! if you do it let me know how it goes. I'm getting a new tank so I wont be able to try for awhile.

I have used Magnaturals before with our hermies. No problems with it . I know of a few other HCA members who have used them in their tats as well:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good to know, thanks, Kermie16


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I didn't mean you had to use magnaturals, I just meant that they use magnets and seem to work fine. I'm not sure of the effects of magnet force on glass, but I don't see a magnet having a force strong enough to break glass. I could be wrong though. I'm not an expert by any means. XD lol

I use Magfloats in my aquariums all the time. Those are strong enough to smash a finger if you get one caught.

Where can one get these magnaturals

Sent from my C5215 using Tapatalk

kieagcarm wrote:Where can one get these magnaturals

Sent from my C5215 using Tapatalk

I got mine off of amazon. Pricey ($25-30 minimum).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

reper1210 wrote:I did learn about magnaturals after posting my question. They seem well protected in hard plastic so no worries with crabs or rust for that matter. They aren't very strong however, holding up foam based products and aren't cheap. I guess my question was more about regular plastic coated magnets which have a much much higher pull force of... 10 pounds or so. Id rather use what I have, cut holes in wood and glue the magnet to the wood where the crabs cant reach the magnet.

Magnaturals magnets are, actually, very strong. I've used the gecko feeder dish in my overweight adult crested gecko's vivarium for about 6 years now with no issue, and the ledge I use in my crabitat regularly hosts 3-4 large crabs congregating to bask under the heat lamp. It's never budged. My late tree frogs loved their magnaturals vine and hide.

Magnaturals magnets are strong enough to damage the glass, but only if used incorrectly (ie if you hold a magnet on one side and then just let the "magnet lock" slam into place on the other side). Just follow the instructions and they work like a charm.