Ask Milo – What size tank do I need?

Mattiesse ask:

I am the proud owner of 4 beautiful crabs in Brisbane. the problem is, is that I live in NSW so my other parents in queens land need to take care of them. luckily im bringing them down here but I cant bring the tank, so im gonna have to make a new home. im planning on getting more hermit crabs as well so I need to know how to make the best sized and equipt tank for soon to have not 4 but 6-8 hermit crabs. how big should the tank be and what is the best stuff to get for them so they live a long healthy life!!!

How exciting! The amount of space you need depends on the size of crabs and the number of crabs. Long term you should have 10 gallons of space per crab so you would need at least an 80 gallon tank if you are going to keep 8 hermit crabs. That will give them plenty of space in your crabitat as they grow. You will need a lid that can hold in the humidity, a proper heat source, a day time light and about 12 inches deep substrate (mix of play sand with a bit of cocofiber mixed in). Also food dishes, saltwater and fresh water ponds (deep enough to submerge in), gauges, places to hide and things to climb. Oh and yes a bunch of shells!

For more details check out some of our articles:
Hermit Crab Essentials Shopping List
Newbies Guide to Hermit Crabs