I just got 2 hermit crabs and need some help.

[Newhermitcrabber]

Ok, so I got 2 hermit crabs from a boardwalk store (I know, not a great idea) I have done some research and understand the nocturnal, molting,crabitat, and substrate needs.
However, my mom will not allow me to get a 10 gallon tank or heater/heat lamp. I talked her into letting me use a small-ish sterlite plastic storage bin with pretty much the needed room.(she originally said use my one gallon fish bowl, and only getting one) Is this ok? I know it's not the best idea, but I did read it's ok in dire situations. I also know they need a LOT of humidity 70-80% right? Can I provide this by misting every day? I plan on investing in a hydrothermometer too.

I am thinking of using a desk lamp with a regular non-LED bulb to provide some heat. Ot is getting to be summer where I live and my room is at a constant at least 70°F. I just want a heat lamp for winter, as it gets well below 60° in my room then. Is it true that calci-sand is bad? Can I really use only eco-earth? Is that ok? I plan on providing cholla wood chunks, nets, and coconut hull hides.

We also got a little cup of hermit crab food with this purchase... it's not sufficient I know. I will get calcium supplement and feed them fruits and veggies. There will also be a freshwater and saltwater(salt for aquariums) dishes.

Did I miss anything?

[mool]

I know that people have successfully kept crabs in plastic totes before. You really do need a reliable heat source that isn't going to melt your tote and/or risk a fire.

Please read through these links that provide info on basic (minimal) crab care and safe foods.

viewtopic.php?f=120&t=119273
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92557

[Newhermitcrabber]

Update, a couple months later. I got a ten gallon tank in July, Lilo (their names are Lilo and Stitch) changed into a bigger shell and is growing. Neither have molted yet.

[Newhermitcrabber]

My one Purple Pincher, Stitch is getting paler. I read that this is a sign of molt ready to happen. Is this true? Or is my crab just sick?

[DragonsFly]

Could be getting ready to molt; are there signs of digging? Is your substrate at least two times (preferably three) deeper than the largest crab?

And if you did not find this info elsewhere, yes, calci-sand is BAD. But you don't have to just use EcoEarth: regular playsand from the hardware store is fine, too. Make sure it is playsand, not sand for construction; and whatever your substrate is, it should be "sand castle moist"--if you stick your finger down in it, the hole your finger makes should stay well-formed, but there should NOT be any water pooling at the bottom of the tank.

Best wishes!

[Newhermitcrabber]

Yes the eco earth is like 6 inches deep, I Used a whole 8 quart bag, and it's in a 10 gallon tank. He has been digging quite a bit, bit my eco earth won't stay sand Castle consistency no matter how much I mist, it always dries up. Do you have any tips on this?

[aussieJJDude]

It's common for the top layer of substrate to be drier than the rest of the substrate, as long as the majority is moist (sand castle... not wet) it should be fine.