Things You'll Need
- Aquarium
- Screen cover
- Sand or crushed coral
- Food
- Spring water
- Shells
- Aquarium salt mix
- Shallow dishes
- Tank heater
- Hygrometer
- Fluorescent light strip
- Plants
- Rocks
- Spray bottle
Instructions
Provide a substrate for your crab consisting of either sand or crushed coral. The more natural the substrate, the happier your crab will be.
Accessorize your habitat with plants and large rocks. Branches can provide climbing for your hermit crab. Climbing objects are necessary for a hermit crab's daily activity.
Provide food and two water bowls for your hermit crab. One water bowl should contain a mixture of aquarium salt mix and water. The other bowl should contain spring water. These bowls of water mimic an ocean's shoreline, according to Doctors Foster and Smith.
Put shells into your habitat for your crab to change into after it molts. The shells should be slightly larger than your crab's previous shell.
Provide humidity for your hermit crab. Use a hygrometer to monitor your habitat's temperature. A hygrometer reads water vapor saturation. Humidity should stay between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist your habitat daily with a spray bottle to provide moisture, which will keep humidity levels stable.
Buy an under tank heater for your habitat. UTHs should be specifically made for terrariums, which should fit your fish tank. UTHs will provide heat for your crab during colder months.
Install a fluorescent light strip. A 15-watt bulb is sufficient enough to provide lighting, as well as keeping room temperature in your habitat.
Spot clean your aquarium to keep the environment healthy. Debris should be removed when necessary, and food and water should be changed when soiled. Wash dishes when they become dirty. The substrate should be changed monthly.