Next size up...

[RAHermits]

Hey all!

Shells are so confusing to me. I'm looking to order from Naples, but can't figure out how exactly shell sizes work. I've never ordered shells online before. I measured one of my guys shells and it looks like it's .80" inside dimensions. What exactly would the next size up be?

Thank you!

[Motörcrab]

.80" works out to about 13/16". Basically between 3/4 (.75") and 7/8" (.875").

7/8" would probably be the next full size that would be avaliable. About 1/16 larger than your shell.
1" opening would be the next one after that.
Either of those would probably work for your crab.

It takes some practice to get good at measuring shells. Everyone measures slightly different. With our crabs most crabs in shells at 1-1/4" and under seem to be ok with changing is 1/8 increments. Some will jump 1/4" sizes. Every crab chooses differently so it's impossible to say for sure.

Some places call out shells down to 1/32 even 1/64. I personally think sorting shells to 1/8" is fine. Dealing with megalopa and captive bred is a different story. Then you need to be more critical.

It's kinda like what Carpenters say? Measure twice, cut once. The same applies for ordering shells. Measure 10 times and hopefully order once! I'm a bad carpenter so I have to cut two or three times anyway!

Also if you Google "fraction to decimal graph" in images that is an ideal cheat sheet for reference. Most tape measures will measure down to 1/8 increments, some down to 1/16".

[RAHermits]

.80" works out to about 13/16". Basically between 3/4 (.75") and 7/8" (.875").

7/8" would probably be the next full size that would be avaliable. About 1/16 larger than your shell.
1" opening would be the next one after that.
Either of those would probably work for your crab.

It takes some practice to get good at measuring shells. Everyone measures slightly different. With our crabs most crabs in shells at 1-1/4" and under seem to be ok with changing is 1/8 increments. Some will jump 1/4" sizes. Every crab chooses differently so it's impossible to say for sure.

Some places call out shells down to 1/32 even 1/64. I personally think sorting shells to 1/8" is fine. Dealing with megalopa and captive bred is a different story. Then you need to be more critical.

It's kinda like what Carpenters say? Measure twice, cut once. The same applies for ordering shells. Measure 10 times and hopefully order once! I'm a bad carpenter so I have to cut two or three times anyway!

Also if you Google "fraction to decimal graph" in images that is an ideal cheat sheet for reference. Most tape measures will measure down to 1/8 increments, some down to 1/16".

Thank you for such a great detailed reply! Shells are so confusing to me and I have no idea why haha

I'm going to search and try to order from Naples today, hopefully it's not too difficult. I know they've got a section of their website specifically for hermit crabs.

[RAHermits]

Are there any issues with using polished shells?

[Motörcrab]

You're welcome. Also on Naples website they have a section where they explain how they measure shells. That way you can double check to make sure you are ordering the correct size.

http://naplesseashellcompany.com/sizematters.html

[curlysister]

I have found Naples to be easier to order sizes than some of the other sites. There was one I was on that I thought I was going to have a stroke trying to figure out the fractions!

[RAHermits]

I've got a bunch of 1" turbos in my cart as well as a few apple murex and some polished shells as well. Hopefully they'll be happy with the selection.