Crabitat Feeling Cramped

[geckfam]

Below is a picture of our first Crabitat, 10g terrarium for two medium hermi's. We feel we have the essentials but it's a bit cramped. We would like your recommendations on making it more suitable for them. The right side of the picture was cut-off (this is not my strong point), the dish on the right is their salt water dish for soaking, two more shells and they have minimal room to walk and enter the half log from the right side s well. We have a brown towel over the top to help keep the humidity levels up and to provide a more secure area for one of the crabs that is molting under the igloo in the substrate. At night we add the green dish with fresh food directly in front of the water dish. Again, it just doesn't seem like enough room and would love your recommendations.

[randoswife]

That's a really good start! Unfortunately, a 10 gal really has just enough room for the necessities and leaves little room for extras. It's just too small. Half of the height should be all substrate, which leaves little climbing height. The footprint is pretty cramped, so the 2 pools, a hide and all the extra shells they need (about 5 each...but not painted ones, they aren't safe) take up most of the room. But you really are off to a good start

Edit: I don't see a gauge, am I missing it?

[singlemomwithcrab]

The substrate looks a little shallow, should be at least 6 inches deep.

[Crabinski]

As @randoswife said, the tank is a really good start; however, you do need more substrate (at least 6"), especially if you have medium-sized crabs. Also, as she noted, a themometer/hygrometer combo will help you keep the heat and humidity levels you need.

That said, even in a 10g, you can add second levels to free up "floor space" for the crabs to walk around. It's easy to elevate a shell shop or add a moss pit using suction cup soap dishes or small shower caddies. Having a second level also gives the crabs more to do and is stimulating for them. Items for hiding and climbing don't have to be separated. For instance, that large bulky climbing log is taking up a lot of room and can be replaced by a smaller, "slimmer" piece of wood that you could lean over the coconut hide, thereby freeing up more walking area. Another cheap fix is to get some plastic vines at a pet shop (reptile section) or a dollar store and loop them around the top of the tank with suction cups or attach them to the mesh lid (sounds like that's what you have) with small zip-ties.

Hope this helps !