How to Take Care of a Wild Marine Hermit Crab

A wild marine hermit crab won't live very long when kept in captivity unless its owner knows how to take care of it. A healthy marine crab is very active, eats vigorously and has a non-pitted shell. By learning how to maintain these characteristics, you can promote a healthy life for your marine hermit crab for five or more years.

Things You'll Need

  • Appropriate-sized aquarium
  • Aquarium cover, filter and air pump
  • Full spectrum lighting
  • Water conditioner
  • Thermometer
  • Heater
  • Aquarium salt
  • Aquarium décor
  • Flaked, frozen, dried or live hermit crab food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your aquarium by filling it with water at a temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the water quality is critical to the health of your crab, your water should be tested at a local pet store for pH and salinity levels. Add the recommended amount of aquarium salt and water conditioner.

    • 2

      Connect and turn on the aquarium filter to help maintain a stable environment and add plenty of décor to provide adequate hiding spaces, but avoid overcrowding, as this can cause your hermit crab stress.

    • 3

      Introduce your crab to its new environment and watch for signs of stress, such as appetite loss, limb loss or lack of movement. If any of these occur, have your water quality re-checked.

    • 4

      Feed your crab once a day, placing the food at the bottom of the aquarium. Because hermit crabs like to bury their food, remove any remaining food an hour after feeding.

    • 5

      Check the aquarium filter and water temperature daily and the water quality and salinity levels twice a week.

    • 6

      Change 10 to 25 percent of the water volume every month or as needed.