Hermit crabs are amazing creatures that can be very interesting to keep as pets. However it is essential to their health that a proper hermit crab habitat be provided for them in order for them to thrive. This involves simulating their natural environment as much as possible and ensuring that it is safe.
A glass tank is ideal because it holds in humidity and heat, unlike plastic. There must also be a lid to help maintain the proper level of humidity in the habitat, not only that, but the crabs can often scale the corners of the tank where the glue is and get out. A mesh lid covered with plexiglass is the most suitable for this purpose.
The floor of the tank needs to be filled in with a substrate. Most suitable for this purpose are aragonite or cocofiber. Aragonite can be found at most aquarium supply stores. Cocofiber should be the type which has been expanded by ocean salt water. It is not safe to use a cedar or other coniferous substrate.
The constant humidity of the tank needs to be kept around 70-80%, which can be monitored with a humidity gauge. If the substrate is kept moist, this is usually sufficient for generating humidity. There should be a cooler and warmer section of the tank, as these creatures are cold-blooded and depend on their environment to regulate their temperature. A lamp or heater can be used for the warm area. Placing a thermometer in each place and ensuring the cool zone is kept at 70-72 degrees and the warm at 82 degrees is necessary.
As hermit crabs change shells periodically, one must supply them with an assortment of shells they can use. It is not good to use shell that have been painted, as the paint may not be healthy for the crabs. A selection of hiding places and structures to climb on should also be provided.
It is also beneficial to ensure that they have a choice of foods that are recommended for them. Water must be provided; dechlorinated fresh water for drinking and salt water for bathing. By making sure all of the above measures are taken, a safe, and pleasant hermit crab habitat should be the result.
A glass tank is ideal because it holds in humidity and heat, unlike plastic. There must also be a lid to help maintain the proper level of humidity in the habitat, not only that, but the crabs can often scale the corners of the tank where the glue is and get out. A mesh lid covered with plexiglass is the most suitable for this purpose.
The floor of the tank needs to be filled in with a substrate. Most suitable for this purpose are aragonite or cocofiber. Aragonite can be found at most aquarium supply stores. Cocofiber should be the type which has been expanded by ocean salt water. It is not safe to use a cedar or other coniferous substrate.
The constant humidity of the tank needs to be kept around 70-80%, which can be monitored with a humidity gauge. If the substrate is kept moist, this is usually sufficient for generating humidity. There should be a cooler and warmer section of the tank, as these creatures are cold-blooded and depend on their environment to regulate their temperature. A lamp or heater can be used for the warm area. Placing a thermometer in each place and ensuring the cool zone is kept at 70-72 degrees and the warm at 82 degrees is necessary.
As hermit crabs change shells periodically, one must supply them with an assortment of shells they can use. It is not good to use shell that have been painted, as the paint may not be healthy for the crabs. A selection of hiding places and structures to climb on should also be provided.
It is also beneficial to ensure that they have a choice of foods that are recommended for them. Water must be provided; dechlorinated fresh water for drinking and salt water for bathing. By making sure all of the above measures are taken, a safe, and pleasant hermit crab habitat should be the result.
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