Soon To Be Hermit Crab Owner!

[Emlyx]

Hi there!!!
I am new to the HCA! I will soon be getting some hermit crabs!
I have a 20-gallon long tank without a lid, and I will be using that to house a few (maybe 2-3) Purple Pincher hermit crabs.
I will most likely be purchasing a mesh lid from Petsmart, and tampering with it so that it will hold in humidity. I will be using Coconut Fiber (Eco Earth) as the substrate. I'm actually going to try to own them on a budget which will be hard. I have a few questions:
1. How many hermit crabs can I keep in a 20-gallon long tank? (and what sizes)
2. Can I use only Eco Earth as the main substrate without sand?
3. Any tips on owning these? I've researched a bunch and if you have tips please let me know!

I think that's it...

Thanks for reading my post!

[crabs_lex]

Hi!
glad you decided to make a post!
here this should help you with your first question
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 51#p836451
and yes you can only use eco earth i do that and it works fine
and when you first put it in your tank a recommend dumping some treated water in as well and mix it good with your hands to give it a good we start
also if you are going to use a mesh lid you can use plastic wrap on top or cover the top with soaked paper towels (which is what i do)
also just be sure you read all the care guides on here carefully and dont be afraid to ask more questions!

[HappyHermit0916]

Hi! Welcome to HCA! Hermit crabs have modified gills so they need humidity to breath and without a lid that holds in humidity they may/will die very quickly! So you mention you are trying to save money and a great way to save money is to collect sticks from outside then sanitize them but remember to make sure that they are hermit crab safe. I have a hermit crab youtube channel and have a video with 10 tip for happy hermit crabs, check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0YHkBNE_BQ
to your question about eco earth you can but the substrate is much firmer and better for molting with playsand.
happy crabbing!

[Emlyx]

Hi!
glad you decided to make a post!
here this should help you with your first question
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 51#p836451
and yes you can only use eco earth i do that and it works fine
and when you first put it in your tank a recommend dumping some treated water in as well and mix it good with your hands to give it a good we start
also if you are going to use a mesh lid you can use plastic wrap on top or cover the top with soaked paper towels (which is what i do)
also just be sure you read all the care guides on here carefully and dont be afraid to ask more questions!

Ok Thanks so much!

[Emlyx]

Hi! Welcome to HCA! Hermit crabs have modified gills so they need humidity to breath and without a lid that holds in humidity they may/will die very quickly! So you mention you are trying to save money and a great way to save money is to collect sticks from outside then sanitize them but remember to make sure that they are hermit crab safe. I have a hermit crab youtube channel and have a video with 10 tip for happy hermit crabs, check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0YHkBNE_BQ
to your question about eco earth you can but the substrate is much firmer and better for molting with playsand.
happy crabbing!

Thank you! I will definitely be watching your videos!

[HappyHermit0916]

Thank you! I will definitely be watching your videos!

Thank you!