New crabitat

Originalcookie · Post by **Originalcookie** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 1:35 am

I'm brand new to hermit crabbing. I have 4 purple claws. I was told to never put in substrate as it breeds bacteria but to keep the crabs in a wire cage and take them with me to work etc. I don't want my crabs to get sick. can someone advise me?

Zeblonite · Post by **Zeblonite** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 3:19 am

Unfortunately, you have been given some misinformation. I would refer to this page for more accurate information. http://home.comcast.net/~JediM...icHermitCrabCare.htm For starter though, you need to get them a terrarium that can retain humidity (80% is ideal) and 6 + inches of substrate. Either play sand or compressed coconut fiber or a mix of the two, wetted to sand castle consistency. Definitely read the guide I linked to. It has a lot of detailed information on how to provide them the best habitat possible. I am new to hermit crabs as well, so I am still trying to perfect my little habitat.Good luck!

crazycrabber · Post by **crazycrabber** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 3:48 am

good job, zeblonite! You are really expanding your crabbing knowledge fast! It is rare for a newbie to be post advice on somebody else's post! Only thing i will add is you don't need to bring your crabs to work, it will only stress them out more, and they need their heater plugged in and you can't do that in the car!

Originalcookie · Post by **Originalcookie** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 5:13 am

Thank you to both of you. I really liked the link. I am at the ocean for a few days but will get them an aquarium as soon as I get back home.

Crabber85 · Post by **Crabber85** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 5:40 am

I agree you were definitely given some erroneous information which is very common and also very sad but hey thats what this community is here for, to give the correct information and make the captive lives of these little creatures better.You are going to need an enclosure no smaller than ten gallons with a uth pad rated for a thirty gallon, either side or back mount the pad never bottom mount it as the depth and dampness of the substrate required by our hermitcrabs acts as an insulating barrier effectively trapping the heat at the bottom of the tank where it will build up to well in excess of 100 degrees this will either result in a burrowed hermit being cooked to death or burning itself, the heat generated by the pad will cause the pane of glass on the bottom to expand and if any cooler water should suddenly find its way to the bottom and make contact with the glass the glass with violently react by trying to shrink while its still expanding which will result in the glass fracturing or completely shattering spilling everything out.Hermitcrabs burrow down in the day time to get away from the heat of the day because the ground tends to stay several degrees cooler so it would be counter intuitive to put a heat source where one doesn't occur naturally.I personally like to keep my substrate about ten to twenty degrees cooler than the air temp of the tank so my sub usually registers around sixty to seventy degrees and my crabs have done just fine with this.Before I forget welcome to the forum here at LHC.com on behalf of the staff.

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 7:59 am

Anything and everything has bacteria there are ways to prevent large amounts of bacteria from building up and there are also good bacteria and bad bacteria. When we set up are tanks we try to make sure that the substrate we use is reasonably free from most bacteria. When hydrating your sub you can use an approved salt water mixture which will prevent/slow down some bacteria and mold/mildew. We also deep clean our tanks depending on size every 4 months to 1 1/2 years and routinely clean every few days cleaning up the crabs every day messes. There is info on this in the archived library section at the bottom of the main forum or if you can't find it or understand simply post your question in the LHC part of the forum for more specific info. Welcome!

Originalcookie · Post by **Originalcookie** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 10:25 am

Thank you I will definitely keep things clean. Do I need the hydrometer/ thermometer? and what is the best kind to get?

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 10:48 am

I suggest getting the slightly more expensive since they usually hold up better but get what you can afford. Keep in mind that they are man made and sometimes fail to work properly. My way of checking is by feeling the tank. The air should feel warmer and moist compared to the room temp. If you look in the archived section at the bottom of the main forum page you will find a lot of info and answers to your questions here's a link for your convenience. archived crabitat infoLook at the headings and choose which one you need to look at.

Raxasaurus · Post by **Raxasaurus** » Sat Aug 23, 2014 4:15 pm

I am in sort of a similar situation as Original (aka misinformed upon purchase). I can get the stuff probably in the next few days, but setting up an ideal crabitat will take a bit because I'm on a budget crunch (I just moved states).Is there a way to keep the crabs moist while I get my act together? I don't want to make them sick.