A Guide to Land Hermit Crab Pools
2019-02-11
Welcome to Hermit Crab Pool Boy Training 101! We hope the following information will cover hermit crab water pools from a-z. If we didn’t cover something here please feel free to comment or contact us. Let’s dive right in, the water is fine! Your tank should have two types of water bowls or pools: ocean water made from marine-grade salt and freshwater. Tap water contains beneficial minerals and metals so we discourage the use of distilled or otherwise purified water. Tap water must be treated with a product like Seachem Prime to make it safe for use. Prime also binds ammonia. In our testing, ammoniaRead More →
2019 January Voting Polls
2019-02-01
**VOTING IS NOW CLOSED** Please vote ONE time in both contests. Due to the photos being different dimensions it’s challenging to get them to show up without distortion. For best viewing click the links provided below to view the original photos. Original photos of Calendar Crabs are here. To view more photos for each of the Crabitat of the Month entries click here.Read More →
Coenobita clypeatus mating video and egg fertilization photos
2018-07-26
(Click the link to view the video and photos) Stacy’s hermit crabs are mating again!Read More →
Land Hermit Crab Shell Guide
2018-02-11
A hermit crab’s shell is his home and his protection from predators and desiccation. Hermit crabs take up residence in discarded shells and can not make their own shell. When kept as pets it is important that you choose suitable shells for your hermit crab. Provide 3-5 suitable shells per hermit crab. Shells can be placed directly on the substrate or in a designated bin that we call a Shell Shop. This helps keep the shells clean and reduces the chances of them being buried. In semi-terrestrial hermit crabs a well-fitting shell is essential for maintaining low evaporation rates and carrying ample water. An appropriatelyRead More →
Correction: Feeding Guide
2018-01-22
Please be advised that there is an error on the printable feeding guide. The version on the website has been updated. Please update your copy. REMOVE CANOLA OIL. Canola oil is not safe. We apologize for the error.Read More →
Airborne Irritants and Hermit Crabs
2018-01-19
Land hermit crabs breathe through a modified gill. It is important to protect the gills from strong fragrances, essential oils, candles, household cleaners, chemicals, smoke insecticides and other airborne irritants. Be mindful of what you spray or use near the crabitat even if your tank is fully sealed. Residual product may still be in the air when you open your tank. If you are forced to have your home sprayed for insects ensure your tank is fully sealed with saran wrap or something similar. Allow the house to air out at least 24 hours before unsealing your tank.Read More →
Humane euthanasia for hermit crabs
2018-01-16
There may come a time when you find it necessary to euthanize your hermit crab to end it’s suffering. I’m providing the information that I found to be reliable. Please ensure that you are not confusing a surface molt with death. https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_least_drastic_method_to_kill_decapod_crustaceans_for_subsequent_preservation http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-the-most-humane-way-to-kill-crustaceans-for-human-consumption_625.htmlRead More →
FAQ-Are there other pets that can live with hermit crabs?
2018-01-10
The list of critters that can safely exist with hermit crabs is fairly short. Yes Isopods – beneficial tank cleaners Springtails – beneficial tank cleaners Food/soil mites – harmless No Fiddler Crabs/Halloween Crabs – aggressive diggers and are likely to eat molting hermit crabs. Earth worms, beetles, centipedes, crickets, praying mantis, roaches: May stress each other, over populate, disrupt/harm/ kill/ eat molters. Crabs may harm /kill them. May carry/spread disease/parasites, especially with over population. Centipedes – venomous Millipedes – poisonous Snails – Hermit crabs can kill snails Frogs/Lizards – could harm each other, different habitat needs Fish – inappropriate water for a fishRead More →
Updated method for treating water with Prime
2018-01-09
A member of HCO on FB (not affiliated with LHCOS/CSJ) raised an issue regarding the use of Prime. After doing some research of our own we are in agreement with their conclusion regarding Prime treated water and pre-mixing. Please note: As we do not have the necessary information to determine how land hermit crabs are affected by ammonia build up in the water and to what degree we err on the side of caution and treat our water as we would for fish. All information regarding Prime is based on the assumption it is being used in a stable fish tank. Our use is muchRead More →