Basic Tank Setup

 

Equipment List

 

• Large tank or storage tub, secure lid with only a small amount of ventilation. At least 75L (20 US gallons) for up to four small crabs, bigger for larger.

• Heat mat, large enough to cover 2/3rds of the back wall.

• Digital thermometer and hygrometer (not a dial, these are inaccurate). Humidity needs to be at 80% minimum.

• Playsand and coir (coco fibre bricks), enough to provide several inches of substrate at roughly a 5 parts sand to 1 part coir ratio. Calci sand is not safe.

• Two water dishes, deep enough to fill their shells but with escape routes.

• API tap water conditioner without stress coat.

• Marine grade salt. (Instant Ocean or Oceanic, not the commercial "hermit crab" salts or the API fresh water salt as these lack the needed minerals.)

• Spare shells, ideally a minimum of five per crab. Never use painted.

• HidesBark/branches, fake plants and other décor

• Cuttlefish and eggshells for calcium

• Varied fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, proteins etc. Not pellets.

• Plant mister to maintain humidity.

• Sphagnum moss (optional but much loved).

 

Land hermit crabs are highly social and need at least one species buddy. A minimum colony size of three is best. Well cared for crabs can live many years and will reach jumbo size, needing huge tanks and shells, be prepared for a commitment!

 

Setting up

 

Ensure the tank is on a sturdy dresser or stand and is of a good size to allow plenty of room for deep substrate, climbing and the speedy growth of your crabs. Expand the coir block with plain fresh warm water then gradually combine with the sand, mixing well and aiming for a slightly damp substrate perfect for making sand castles. This allows the crabs to form moulting caves easily. Aim for at least 7 inches or 3x the height of your largest crab (whichever is greater), allowing for the substrate compacting over the first few weeks.

 

Check the mat is working then attach it to the back wall on the outside, NOT underneath, above substrate level as much as possible. A thermostat can be used for added security. Heat mats placed under a LHC tank are a hazard and can lead to burnt crabs or even overheated mats. Use electricals safely and check them regularly.

Add the thermometer/thermometer probe to the tank a little above substrate level and the hygrometer partway up the wall. Humidity should always be at least 80% and temperature (species dependant) around 27c.

 

Add the dishes with dechlorinated water, one fresh and one made with marine grade salt.

 

Add pebbles or plastic mesh so small crabs can escape easily.

 

Set up at least two hides, one each end of the tank, then add branches, cork bark, fake plants and other decorations to provide cover and enrichment for the crabs.

A small tub of moss (a moss pit) is great for maintaining humidity and crabs love it.

 

Spare shells can be offered in a basket or pile, boiling in salt water then cooling before they go in the tank will help make them more appealing. Crabs will pick at their shells to eat so offering painted puts them at risk of ingesting the paint.

 

Diet should be varied, natural and include fruit, vegetables, nuts, plant matter, protein and calcium sources. Seaweed in some form should be offered regularly and lots of bright foods will help maintain strong healthy colouring. Leaf litter is also a valuable addition to the tank.

 

 

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