HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So, I've been building some PVC cages for my reptiles. And I had the idea - why don't I build one for the hermit crabs?

PVC is water safe, resistant to rot, very strong but light, can be sealed with aquarium silicone, and can be drilled into to hang decorations. It also holds heat and humidity extremely well.

The dimensions will be 48" long, 42" tall, and 29" wide with an 18" double walled substrate layer. I will be using 1/2" thick PVC.

That equals over 250 gallons total volume, and over 100 gallons of substrate.

It will be heated with overhead heating, along with LEDs and UVB.

Pictured is an in progress of my corn snake and bearded dragon enclosure, which is 48x29. The bottom cage is 40" tall for reference. Also I am 5'4" for more reference haha.

I'll keep you all updated as I a build, but please let me know if you have any suggestions.

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Would love to see pictures!


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crabbycasey wrote:Would love to see pictures!


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Having trouble posting them for some reason

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I think I got it to work:

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So much room to work with, how fun!! Would love to see it when it’s all said and done, keep us posted!


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Amazing! Any more progress-assuming life and the like haven't

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blackberry75 wrote:Amazing! Any more progress-assuming life and the like haven't

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Unfortunately I can't get started on the hermit crabs enclosure until I finish what I've started, and we've had a series of snow storms that stopped progress. Will update as things happen!!

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The only thing that would concern me is the weight involved, pushing on the seams. Crab tanks are just like building a DIY fishtank in terms of how the pressure is distributed. Reptile tanks never have to worry about that kind of thing, unless it's a specialy paludarium for like water dragons. You may want to consider exterior bracing to help contain the sideways bulge.

wodesorel wrote:The only thing that would concern me is the weight involved, pushing on the seams. Crab tanks are just like building a DIY fishtank in terms of how the pressure is distributed. Reptile tanks never have to worry about that kind of thing, unless it's a specialy paludarium for like water dragons. You may want to consider exterior bracing to help contain the sideways bulge.

That's my biggest concern as well. The substrate layer will have two walls 1/2" thick with their own stainless steel decking screws. If I notice any give on the walls I will further brace then from the outside.

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Im team do it! In fact, would love to build my own crabitat (sigh, I got the exo terra like 2 years ago) once I found a rather reliable and cheap source of pvc!

They seem to be rather easy to work with compared to conventional plywood builds.

aussieJJDude wrote:Im team do it! In fact, would love to build my own crabitat (sigh, I got the exo terra like 2 years ago) once I found a rather reliable and cheap source of pvc!

They seem to be rather easy to work with compared to conventional plywood builds.

It always seems to never be enough haha ill definitely be reading your threads on bioactive once I get there. I'm pretty bad with plants so I'm scared lol

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musicalhermies wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 23, 2021 2:27 am

It always seems to never be enough haha ill definitely be reading your threads on bioactive once I get there. I'm pretty bad with plants so I'm scared lol

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Plants are pretty easy. Its keeping plants alive with crabs thats the hard thing. I think the key is to go big, and fill it full of plants so they take their time in destroying it all.

Even if the pressure distribution doesn't work out this you still be a good idea for custom toppers as an alternative to Exo terras

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