Setting Up Your Hermit Crabs Tank and Making it a Home

As your home is your castle you will want to maketo time you will want to re-wash the sand.
your pet's cage as inviting to him as you can. You areSand is not the only option for substrate for your
correct if you have realized that hermit crabscage. You may use material that is sold for reptile
requirements are less that for other creatures.cages. For example, Coconut fiber-based bedding,
Hamsters and guinea pigs, for example, need a homethat is finely ground and it feels and has the
that is much more complex than what is required forappearance of dirt. This will allow your crab to burrow
your hermit crab.easily. Another substrate choice that you may
Maintaining a healthy environment that will keep yourconsider is coral. However, you will need to steer
pet happy is the most important consideration andclear from wood shavings and gravel as a substrate
will have him feeling 'home, sweet, home".material.
Think "tropical paradise". Your task in setting up yourAcceptable Temperature
hermit crabs cage is to make it as moist and tropicalThe wonderful creatures are happiest between 72
as you possibly can.and 80° F and you will want to keep the tank in
The tank is the first consideration you may choosethis temperature range. If the temperature
from either plastic of glass for the construction ofconsistently falls below 72 degrees your crab may
the tank. Crustaceans are known to be escapebecome sick, as lower temperatures will cause her to
artists and you will have a challenge on your hands inbecome stressed and weak.
maintaining your "Houdini". You will save yourself timeHeaters are used in homes in cooler climates to keep
and worry and ensure his safety if your cage has aus happy and healthy. In similar fashion, these crabs
top that can be closed.can be kept cozy with a combination of lights and
You will find specially kits that were designed forheaters.
hermit crabs. You should avoid these kits as they areAcceptable Humidity
plastic, which is not necessarily bad, but are generallyTemperature is not the only consideration in the
too small to provide the room your crab requires.happiness and health of these crabs. Humidity is
The bigger the better - as with the number of crabsanother requirement that you will need to pay careful
you own, you should select the largest tank you canattention to. Crabs breathe through gills even though
afford. The best size tank to look for is one that isthey are terrestrial animals. Humidity in the air allows
10 gallons or larger. You are not just housing yourfor the transfer of oxygen through the crabs gills.
Harriet the Hermit Crab you need to have room for aSuffocation can result if the air is too dry.
water bowl and other items that she might enjoyHumidity between 70 to 80 percent is required for
playing around.crabs to be able to breathe properly. Surprisingly it is
Substrate: The Floor Coveringnot difficult to introduce and maintain humidity in the
Sand is the best choice for the floor or your crabs'tank. A bowl of water that you place in the tank as
cage. It is the substrate material that they arethe water dish will elevate the humidity level. Other
familiar with in their natural environment and will haveways to increase the humidity would be to place wet
them feeling like they never left home. Sand is greatnatural sponges in the water dish.
for her to burrow down into, as crabs love to digSponges absorb and hold a great deal of water.
down into the sand, as it is what they do naturally.Surface area allows for greater evaporation to occur
You may use "playground sand" that you can easilyand increases the amount of humidity in the tank.
find at home improvement, hardware and children'sNow you can relax and enjoy Harriet the Hermit
toy stores. You will need to sterilize the sand prior toCrab, knowing that you have provided her basic
using. Sterilize the sand by rinsing it then allowing it toneeds. She should be happy and healthy and with you
dry. Then bake in an oven at 300°F. From timefor years.