Hermit crabs make for fascinating pets that are relatively easy to care for. With their quirky behaviors and active nature owning a hermit crab can be an enjoyable experience for people of all ages. However, there are some key things you need to provide for your hermit crab to keep it healthy and happy. In this complete setup guide, we will go over everything you need to house a pet hermit crab.
Choosing an Enclosure
The first thing you need is a suitable enclosure. Hermit crabs are active creatures that require adequate space. The minimum recommended size is a 10 gallon aquarium or plastic container for 2-4 small crabs As they grow, aim for at least 5 gallons of space per crab.
Glass aquariums or plastic storage bins work well since hermit crabs need high humidity. Make sure the enclosure has a tight fitting lid with some ventilation. Wire cages or tanks with mesh lids should be avoided as they don’t retain humidity.
Proper Substrate
Hermit crabs need a deep substrate they can burrow and molt in. Aim for at least 3 inches of substrate. Popular options include play sand, coco fiber, or a mix of both. The substrate should be kept moist but not soaked.
Avoid gravel, calcium sand, or wood shavings as these can be harmful. The substrate will need to be changed periodically as it becomes soiled.
Stable Temperature and Humidity
Hermit crabs require warm and humid conditions to thrive. The ideal temperature range is 75°F – 85°F. Humidity should be maintained between 70% – 80%.
You’ll likely need a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions. Using an under tank heater on the back of the tank along with a humidifier or misting can help achieve proper conditions.
Freshwater and Saltwater
Hermit crabs require both freshwater and saltwater. Provide two deep dishes – one with dechlorinated freshwater and one with marine saltwater mixed specifically for saltwater aquariums.
The water should be dechlorinated and free of heavy metals. Change the water frequently to keep it clean.
Proper Diet
Hermit crabs are omnivorous scavengers. Feed them a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, nuts, seeds, and commercial pellet foods. Calcium supplements are also important.
Remove uneaten fresh foods daily to prevent spoilage. Use shallow dishes that are easy to clean.
Climbing Structures
Hermit crabs love to climb! Give them driftwood, cholla wood, cork bark, rocks, coral, and plastic plants to climb on. Rotate decor items to give them variety.
Hides and Plants
Provide plenty of hiding spots like hollow logs, caves, and live or silk plants. Each crab needs multiple hiding places to feel secure.
Extra Shells
Hermit crabs change shells as they grow. Always provide 3-5 natural, clean shells that are empty and slightly larger than their current shells. Avoid painted shells.
Tank Mates
Hermit crabs are social and should be kept in groups of 2+. Do not house them with other species. Monitor for aggression and discourage fighting.
Heating and Lighting
Use under tank heaters, ceramic heat emitters, and low wattage bulbs to create a temperature gradient. Crabs are nocturnal but a low light can allow viewing.
Handling
Hermit crabs are fragile. Handle gently and briefly, and do not pull from objects or their shell. Give them supervised playtime out of the tank.
Habitat Maintenance
Spot clean daily, change food/water as needed, and monitor temperature/humidity. Disinfect decor and substrate as needed. Deep clean periodically.
Caring for hermit crabs requires setting up a suitable enclosure with proper humidity, temperature, substrate, nutrition, water, and ample climbing opportunities, hides, shells, and tank mates. Monitor their health and habitat conditions daily. With the right setup, hermit crabs can thrive in captivity.
Do hermit crabs recognize pet parents?
While hermit crabs won’t typically recognize individual people, they can associate people with food and time outside their enclosure, and they can react either positively or nervously to people approaching them.
When to Call a Vet
- Lethargy outside of molting
- Staying out of a shell
- Stuck molts
- Missing limbs or claws
- Strong odor
- Anorexia (not eating)
- Visible parasites
Basic Hermit Crab Care – How to Have a Happy Hermit Crab | By Crab Central Station
FAQ
What equipment do you need for a hermit crab?
Choosing the Right Enclosure
At a minimum, up to two adult pet hermit crabs can be housed in a 10-gallon glass tank. If more hermit crabs are added to the habitat, each crab should have at least 5 more gallons of extra space in the tank. All habitats should be secured with a tightly fitting lid to prevent escape.
What do you need for a hermit crab for beginners?
Get six inches of playsand ecoearth mix, a bowl of saltwater and a bowl of freshwater. Use a glass lid with holes to keep humdidty and get some climbing. Crabs like hamster wheels and cholla wood. Josh’s frogs has captive purple pinchers from time to time and LHCOS has adoptions.
What do hermit crabs need in a tank?
What are the requirements to own a hermit crab?
- Temperature no lower than 75°F. …
- A constant humity level of at LEAST 70% humidity. …
- Substrate deep enough that the crabs can bury but not so deep that it negates the effects of your undertank heater. …
- Food, water, shells and other tank decorations to keep the crabs engaged and active.
Do hermit crabs need a home?
This is important to consider when building a habitat for your pet crab. Hermit crabs do not require an elaborate home, but the right temperature and humidity are essential for their health. Land hermit crabs, the most common type of pet crab, come from warm, tropical climates and need a warm, humid environment to survive.
How do you make a hermit crab habitat?
Create a habitat that you enjoy as much as your hermit crab pets. Ideas include creating themes like beach, forest, fairy garden. Add small houses, signs, ladders and hanging coconut huts. The basics are easy and inexpensive to set up. The absolute minimum size for a hermit crab habitat is a 10 gallon tank.
How do you feed a hermit crab?
You should provide your crabs with extra shells, climbing toys, and places to hide. Place one dish with freshwater and one dish with saltwater in the tank, and feed your hermit crabs a varied diet of seafood, fruit, veggies, and meat. For tips on keeping the substrate clean, read on!
How do you care for a hermit crab?
Hermit crabs need to balance the salinity of the water in their shells; the dishes should be at least deep enough that your crab can get water in its shell. A good way to do this is to provide them with a sloping water area, where one part is shallow and easy to climb out of, while the other is deep and they can submerge themselves in the water.
How much substrate does a hermit crab need?
All habitats are going to require slightly different logistics. Example: for a horizontal 10 gallon starter-aquarium for very small hermit crabs, there should be 4-6″ of substrate. However, for larger hermit crabs or a larger vertical enclosure there may be a need for substrate to be as deep as 8″.
Do hermit crabs need a separate food dish?
Hermit crabs require a separate food dish to hold a variety of foods. Having a large enough food dish is essential for providing a varied diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein sources, such as shrimp or crab. Having separate dishes for each type of water can help prevent contamination and ensure optimal health for your hermit crab.