Checklist for Regular Care and Maintenance of Your Hermit Crabs and the Crabitat

Originally written by Vanessa Pike-Russell

After your crabitat is set up you will have to maintain it and your crabs. Below you will find a list of what tasks should be done daily, weekly and monthly.

Daily

o Refill fresh water dish and the ocean water pond
o Empty and clean the food dish (no chemicals)
o Offer a different food each day
o Check the relative humidity level is 70- 80%
o Check that your temperature zones are 75F on the cool end and 85F on the warm end (or within this min/max safe range).

Weekly

o Clean the bowls and dishes (without chemicals)
o Pick through the substrate for food and feces (isopods and springtails can help with this)

Monthly

o Where needed, remove all items from tank (substrate, wood, toys, dishes etc) and clean by boiling or baking. Usually only needed if you have unwanted mold or mildew.
o Wipe down walls of tank with vinegar and water, or ocean water mixture. (Avoid cleaning chemicals eg. bleach)
o Sterilize (boiling) seashells and re-offer them to crabs

Photo Credit:

Heather Sutton