Types of Land for a Hermit Crab

There are two types of hermit crabs commonly sold as pets: the Caribbean and the Ecuadorian hermit crabs. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can be found near the seashores of Chile and Ecuador, in tidal pool areas; while Caribbean hermit crabs live primarily inland, in the Bahamas and surrounding geographical regions. Therefore, when setting up an artificial habitat, you must consider the specific needs of each hermit crab species. The substrate you use for your habitat should emulate the crab's natural environment. However, be sure to stay away from corn or wood shavings and wood chips, as these will will dry out your hermit crab, resulting in death.

  1. Sand

    • One of the most obvious choices of substrate for your hermit crab habitat is sand. For Ecuadorian hermit crabs, sand is the closest you can get to their natural environment. It also is quite easy for either species of hermit crab to burrow through sand, which is essential in their molting process. Sand taken straight from the beach (if you have one nearby) can be used; however, it must be soaked in boiling water, to kill any bacteria and parasites, prior to use. There are many brands and colors of terrarium sand on the market, which can be purchased at most pet stores. And, if you do not have any pet stores nearby, play sand (which also comes in a variety of colors) can be used. One thing to keep in mind is that cleaning out the sand in your hermit crab habitat can be a long and messy process. However, there are several types of calcium sand, which clump like kitty litter, to crab waste, and may make cleaning easier.

    Coconut Fiber

    • Coconut fiber is another great option for the land in your hermit crab habitat. This fiber is much closer to the natural forest bedding of Caribbean hermit crabs. It also is probably the substrate through which hermit crabs can most easily tunnel. Whereas sand tunnels can sometimes collapse on vulnerable, newly-molted hermit crabs, coconut fiber tends to create more stable burrows. The main downside to using coconut fiber in your hermit crab habitat is that it has a propensity to attract fungus gnats. It also can be just as messy to clean as sand.

    Crushed Coral

    • You can often find crushed coral in the saltwater aquarium section of your local pet store. However, it also is an effective substrate for your hermit crab habitat. Though it is not as close as sand or coconut fiber to the hermit crabs' natural substrate, it is still a relatively easy substrate through which the crabs can maneuver. However, it takes quite a long time to clean, and is more expensive than sand or coconut fiber.

    Gravel

    • While gravel can be used as land for your hermit crabs, it is usually not recommended. Hermit crabs cannot easily dig through gravel, so if you do opt for it, get the smallest possible grade. Also, gravel must be clean, so do not get it from your local gravel parking lot, but from a store that sells gravel for aquariums and terrariums. Gravel is typically easier to clean and more reusable, than coral, sand or coconut fiber. However, it is much more stressful on hermit crabs than the three aforementioned substrates.