How to Add a Crab to a Saltwater Aquarium

Crabs are lively additions to a saltwater aquarium and many species are relatively easy for beginners to care for. Crabs also help keep the tank clean because they are scavengers. Like with fish and many other invertebrates, you can't add a crab immediately. The tank has to settle and establish itself first. The different types of crabs have different needs. Anemone crabs need an anemone, and so are not ideal for beginners. Arrow crabs tend to fight with each other and with shrimp, and should be kept singly. Sallylightfoot and marine hermit crabs are fairly quiet. There are a number of other species, so check with an aquarium supplier to find out what kind of crabs it sells.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Heating, lighting and filtration equipment
  • Live rock
  • Live sand
  • Crab
  • Small plastic container
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the tank with water and add a salt mix to get the necessary salinity. This is normally seawater-strength; add according to the directions on the salt mix.

    • 2

      Install and turn on the heating and filtration equipment.

    • 3

      Add live sand and live rock after several days. Change part of the water weekly from now on.

    • 4

      Turn on lighting equipment after about three to four weeks.

    • 5

      Purchase your crab and easy-to-care-for snails.

    • 6

      Carefully scoop the crab out of the bag with a small plastic container and gently drop it in your aquarium. Try not to scoop up too much of the water in the bag -- it is not the same as the water in your tank.