Keeping your hermit crab’s habitat clean is essential for their health and happiness. A dirty cage allows bacteria, molds and fungi to grow, which can make your crabs sick. Hermit crabs are also quite sensitive to chemicals so special care must be taken when cleaning their enclosures. Follow this guide to learn the best practices for cleaning your hermit crab’s cage.
Preparing for the Cleaning
Before getting started, you’ll need to remove your hermit crabs from their habitat temporarily. Place them in a separate container with high walls so they can’t climb out Give them things to climb on and hide under so they feel secure
Then, remove all decorations, shells, dishes, and substrates from the tank Having an empty cage makes it easier to thoroughly clean all the surfaces
Cleaning the Tank Itself
Give the glass walls of the tank a good scrubbing to remove dirt, grime, and salt buildup. Use a sponge or soft cloth with warm water and a small amount of white vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits without harmful chemicals.
Rinse the tank walls well with clean water once scrubbed. Then use paper towels to dry the glass completely. Any moisture left behind can allow mold to grow back quickly.
For a deeper clean, make a dilute bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Wipe down the tank with this solution using paper towels or a cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water several times to remove all bleach residue. Let the tank air dry fully before returning your hermit crabs.
Disinfecting Decor and Accessories
All decor items, shells, and dishes need to be cleaned and disinfected outside of the tank.
For plastic decor and dishes, wash them in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry. Then wipe them down with a disinfectant like a 50/50 vinegar water solution.
Shells can be scrubbed with a soft brush and warm water to remove grime. Rinse them and then soak for 10-15 minutes in a 50/50 vinegar water mix. Remove shells and let fully air dry before returning them to the tank.
Natural wood and rock decor can be scrubbed with warm water and dried completely. Then place them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to kill bacteria and fungi spores. Remove and let cool before putting them back in the cage.
Changing the Substrate
Hermit crabs burrow in their substrate and can contaminate it with bacteria. It’s recommended to fully replace all substrate every 4-6 months. Scoop out all existing sand or coconut fiber substrate and discard it.
Wipe down the empty tank to remove any remaining particles. Then add new substrate that is safe for hermit crabs. Good options are coarse sand and coconut fiber. Mix both together in a 5:1 ratio.
Adding new substrate more frequently than every 4 months can stress crabs. They won’t have time to rebuild their tunnel systems. Spot clean waste in between full changes.
Cleaning the Water Features
Both fresh water and saltwater pools or bowls need regular cleaning and water changes. Empty, scrub, and rinse the bowls every week when changing the water. Use hot water and vinegar to remove biofilm buildup.
Salt water pools tend to get cloudy from organic waste. Empty and refresh the salt water 2-3 times a week. Use instant ocean salt to re-mix the water.
For fresh water, dump and refresh it daily. Use dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water before adding it to your crab’s habitat.
Establishing a Cleaning Schedule
- Daily: Spot clean waste, refresh food, empty and refill fresh water
- Weekly: Scrub and disinfect water bowls, spot clean substrate
- Biweekly: Vinegar wipe tank walls, scrub decor
- Monthly: Deep clean decor and shells
- Every 4-6 months: Replace all substrate
Sticking to this schedule will keep your hermit crab’s home clean and safe for them to thrive in. Always wash your hands after cleaning or handling your crabs to prevent transmitting bacteria or viruses to them. With proper care, your crabs can live happy, healthy lives in a clean environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Hermit Crab Tanks
How do I clean my hermit crab tank without harming them?
Always remove crabs from the tank before cleaning. Use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and hot water rather than chemical cleaners. Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning. Completely dry the tank and decor before adding crabs back in.
What should I not use to clean a hermit crab tank?
Avoid bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. These can leave toxic residues that harm crabs. Also don’t use soaps, detergents or scented cleaners as these contain chemicals that can irritate crabs.
How often should I completely change the substrate?
It’s recommended to do a full substrate change every 4-6 months. This prevents long-term buildup of waste, bacteria, and ammonia from burrowing crabs. Spot clean in between full changes.
Should I clean decorations and shells?
Yes, you should regularly clean decor and shells to remove organic waste, bacteria, and algae. Use vinegar solutions, boiling water, and scrub brushes. Rinse and dry fully before putting items back in the tank.
What’s the best way to clean a hermit crab water pool?
Empty, scrub, and rinse water pools weekly. Use hot water and vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup and biofilms. Completely replace and remix salt water 2-3 times per week. Dump and refresh fresh water daily.
How can I keep my hermit crab tank clean in between scrubbings?
Spot clean debris daily, remove uneaten foods, and change water frequently. Use substrate mixes that burrowing crabs won’t saturate with waste quickly. Add clean up crews like springtails. Their waste helps fertilize plants instead of fouling water.
In Conclusion
Regular cleaning is imperative for your hermit crabs’ health and happiness. By using natural cleaning solutions and establishing a routine schedule, you can maintain a safe, hygienic home for your pets. Always remove crabs before cleaning, use dechlorinated water for rinsing, and completely dry all items before returning them to the newly cleaned tank. With the proper care, your crabs will thrive in a clean habitat.
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To clean a hermit crab, choose a container that your crab can submerge itself in completely, such as a small bowl or food storage tub. Fill the container with a mixture of aquarium salt and dechlorinated water at a ratio of half a cup of salt to each gallon of water. Let the saltwater mixture reach room temperature before putting your crab in it. Once you put the crab in the water, don’t try to scrub it. Instead, just let the crab sit in the water and clean itself. After the crab seems to be done with its cleaning routine, move it back to its regular habitat and dispose of the bathwater. Keep reading for more tips from our Veterinarian co-author, including how to keep your crab safe during a bath!