The Newbies Guide to Hermit Crabs
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Have you found yourself an unprepared parent of a hermit crab or two? Are you prepared to give them the proper habitat in which they can survive long term? If so, here’s a very basic list of supplies to get you started.
A glass tank
- go as big as you can afford
- it doesn’t have to hold water
- it doesn’t have to be new (check the newspaper,craigslist, yard sales)
A secure lid for the tank
- a mesh lid with a solid barrier on top to retain humidity is ideal
- you can use saran wrap in a pinch but not ideal long term
- a piece of plexiglass or coroplast is a good cover for the mesh lid
- hermit crabs are escape artists! Place heavy weights or locks on your lid
Substrate for the tank
- 6-12 inches deep or 3 times as deep as your largest crab is tall
- Play sand meant for a sand box is perfect http://amzn.to/1PLQOMu
- Coco fiber which is shredded coconuts http://amzn.to/1KhJaHb
- Mix the play sand and coco fiber together, roughly 5 parts DRY sand to 1 part DRY coco
Heat source
- We recommend Ultratherm heat pads http://amzn.to/2EVPmb2
- Can be insulated with Reflectix Reflective Roll Insulation or other DIY options http://amzn.to/1PLR1zg
- Place on the back wall of the tank to provide gradient heat. (Warm and cool zones)
Light source
- If you have a well lit room that will illuminate the tank during the day you can get by without a lamp. No direct sunlight on the tank.
- Be aware of how the room temperature rises during summer.
- They need a normal light/dark 12/12 hour cycle.
Water conditioner
- We recommend Prime Aquarium Water Conditioner http://amzn.to/1PLRcu9
Ocean Salt Mix
- Not freshwater aquarium salt!
- Instant Ocean is the most common brand and is easy to find http://amzn.to/1SrKxnM
- These other brands are also good and may be available in your particular area: Fluval Sea Salt, Red Sea Salt, Coralife, Oceanic Sea Salt, Tetra Marine Sea Salt and Marinium.
Bowls
- Cheap Tupperware works great!
- Water dishes should be deep enough for your largest crab to submerge.
- Provide exit ramps for small crabs
Gauges
- Skip the cheap, analog gauge at the pet store, go wireless and digital. WalMart carries digital indoor/outdoor Thermometer Hygrometer You can also buy online. http://amzn.to/1KhJDZM
- Hygrometers should be calibrated prior to use
Check out this video on how to set up a temporary crabitat in a storage bin: https://youtu.be/x29JaAr9w9U?list=LLCYR6QkuCDm4MJ8hEDeBqvQ.
Bins are not a permanent home, but may be needed in emergencies.
Crabitat-
Setting up a Proper Crabitat
Why dry substrate?
Humidity-
How do I create and maintain humidity in my crabitat?
Calibrating your Humidity Gauge
Temperature-
Methods for heating your crabitat
Lights-
Can I Use A Light To Keep Them Warm?
Do I need a light?
Molting-
What is molting?
Pre Molt Symptoms
Is my hermit crab dead or molting?
Dropped or Missing Limbs-
Handicapped/limbless/sick Hermit Crab Care
Why do land hermit crabs drop limbs?
PPS (Post Purchase Stress) Minimizing the Impact
Shell-less Hermit Crab-
My Hermit Crab has left its shell! What do I do?
Food-
Hermit crab food guide
Safe and unsafe foods
Water-
How do I mix ocean water?
Why can’t I use tap water?
Shells-
How do I choose suitable shells for my hermit crab?
When do hermit crabs change shells?
Painted Shells
Escaped Hermit Crab-
Locating an Escaped Hermit Crab
Cost Cutting-
Cost Cutting Tips
A guide for setting up a large crabitat on a budget
