HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I’ve been thinking about setting up my 55 gal and what I’m going to do. I love the look of natural environment, especially the look of cork bark backgrounds. My concern is if I siliconed cork bark to the sides that there would get mold or build up (plus it’s a pretty permanent thing unless I heated the sides to melt the silicone).

Would love to hear your opinions and see pics on this and from those who have already done this sort of thing . Thanks!


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You wouldn't need heat to remove it, trying that would crack the glass. Just pry the cork off and use a razor blade to completely remove the silicon.

wodesorel wrote:You wouldn't need heat to remove it, trying that would crack the glass. Just pry the cork off and use a razor blade to completely remove the silicon.

That’s good to know. Thanks.


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That would look pretty! The down side to it is after time, the hermits will pick at it and it will get plain looking. I switch my cork bark out at least once a year. That is just me though. I think my isopods help make it look pretty dull too!

GotButterflies wrote:That would look pretty! The down side to it is after time, the hermits will pick at it and it will get plain looking. I switch my cork bark out at least once a year. That is just me though. I think my isopods help make it look pretty dull too!

Another fear of mine. Do you attach yours to the tank or use another method? I just love how natural it looks!!!


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No, I don't attach mine using silicone. I usually prop them up, or drill holes and use zip ties.

In vivarium building, some designers use eggcrate (plastic light diffuser panels) cut to fit the back of their tank, and then will zip tie bark and shelving onto that. So long as it was snug the crabs shouldn't be able to get behind it. Would make it easy to swap out pieces, and you can order zip ties in shades of brown.

wodesorel wrote:In vivarium building, some designers use eggcrate (plastic light diffuser panels) cut to fit the back of their tank, and then will zip tie bark and shelving onto that. So long as it was snug the crabs shouldn't be able to get behind it. Would make it easy to swap out pieces, and you can order zip ties in shades of brown.

We have some of that.... Do they silicone the egg crate to the tank or just fit it snugly?

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ciaraalston wrote:We have some of that.... Do they silicone the egg crate to the tank or just fit it snugly?

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Most of the time its just a snug fit... but if you prefer, silicone could be used - quite liberally! - and hope it sticks. Of course, make sure the crabs are out of the tank...

Maybe something like magnets would suit better?

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aussieJJDude wrote:

ciaraalston wrote:We have some of that.... Do they silicone the egg crate to the tank or just fit it snugly?

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Most of the time its just a snug fit... but if you prefer, silicone could be used - quite liberally! - and hope it sticks. Of course, make sure the crabs are out of the tank...

Maybe something like magnets would suit better?

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The magnets would be much easier and safer for the crabs.

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GotButterflies wrote:No, I don't attach mine using silicone. I usually prop them up, or drill holes and use zip ties.

What about using the sticky back Velcro strips? You can buy it at hobby stores by the roll, and would make replacement far easier than using silicone...

Christian wrote:

GotButterflies wrote:No, I don't attach mine using silicone. I usually prop them up, or drill holes and use zip ties.

What about using the sticky back Velcro strips? You can buy it at hobby stores by the roll, and would make replacement far easier than using silicone...

Such an obvious and great idea! Thanks!

LeeHasCrabs wrote:

Christian wrote:

GotButterflies wrote:No, I don't attach mine using silicone. I usually prop them up, or drill holes and use zip ties.

What about using the sticky back Velcro strips? You can buy it at hobby stores by the roll, and would make replacement far easier than using silicone...

Such an obvious and great idea! Thanks!

Glad I could help!

The humidity and heat can cause the velcro to fall off in time.

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