Homemade Hermit Crab Habitat

Hermit crabs are delicate invertebrates that require special care. Providing a natural habitat for your hermit crab can extend its quality of life. A habitat for a hermit crab should be large enough to provide enough freedom for your crab to move about and include climbing accessories for your crab's daily activity. According to veterinarian Doctors Foster and Smith, a 10-gallon aquarium can provide enough room for two small- or medium-sized hermit crabs.

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
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Instructions

    • 1
      Provide a natural substrate.

      Provide a substrate for your crab consisting of either sand or crushed coral. The more natural the substrate, the happier your crab will be.

    • 2
      Provide climbing accessories.

      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.

    • 3

      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.

    • 4
      Hermit crabs need an upgrade in shells.

      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.

    • 5
      Provide enough mositure for your habitat.

      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.

    • 6

      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.

    • 7
      Lighting mimics daylight for your crab.

      Install a fluorescent light strip. A 15-watt bulb is sufficient enough to provide lighting, as well as keeping room temperature in your habitat.

    • 8

      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.