Adopting a hermit crab. Need tips.

[GiantVinegaroon]

I'm looking to get a land hermit crab within the next few months. I was wondering if you guys could offer any tips on keeping them? I know they're gonna love to climb and burrow and need humidity and heat, and that they're communal.

Right now I only am being offered one that's in need of a home(it's coming from a zoo, so it will take months for the paperwork to be completed). I have no idea of the size yet and will worry about getting buddies later.

What would be the best substrate for him? I've read coconut fiber/sand or just sand...not sure which would be better...

And how deep should this substrate be?

Thanks for reading and hope you can help!

 

[Obelisk]

They need two water dishes: one with freshwater and another with saltwater (marine mix salt, not regular aquarium salt). I found out some of this years after I had a bunch of them as a kid :wall:

I think that cocofiber would be fine for a substrate. They do burrow when they molt, so you'll have to take that into account when figuring out how much substrate to use.

Just do a search on google for a hermit crab forum. There was one which I went through and it had some good info on taking care of them, and I'm pretty sure this is it:

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/index.php

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

They need two water dishes: one with freshwater and another with saltwater (marine mix salt, not regular aquarium salt). I found out some of this years after I had a bunch of them as a kid :wall:

I think that cocofiber would be fine for a substrate. They do burrow when they molt, so you'll have to take that into account when figuring out how much substrate to use.

Just do a search on google for a hermit crab forum. There was one which I went through and it had some good info on taking care of them, and I'm pretty sure this is it:

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/index.php

I stumbled on that site as well. And I've seen it mentioned in older threads here about hermits. Once I actually get around to doing and finishing a paper for school, I'll be sure to check it out.

 

[spydrhunter1]

the best site is crabstreetjournal.com, on the front page you'll see a link for new crab owners. We keep two large colonies here, you'll need a friend or two for your crab.

 

[MudCrabDude]

What would be the best substrate for him? I've read coconut fiber/sand or just sand...not sure which would be better...

And how deep should this substrate be?

Thanks for reading and hope you can help!

Personally, either coconut fiber + sand or sand alone would suffice. Even some would vouch for coco fiber alone.

As for depth, I'd recommend at least 3 X the estimated diameter of the whole crab with the legs extended (ex. if the crab is about 2 inches when measured in its entirety, the substrate should be about 6 inches deep.)

And yes, it seems that providing at least two different water sources, one freshwater and the other marine-grade saltwater is recommended for the land hermits to thrive in the long term.

For more in-depth info, I would recommend joining

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/index.php

and/or

crabstreetjournal.com

The former has been really helpful for me for the nearly 3 years of land hermit crab keeping, by the way (actually, I've been an "off and on" keeper for years prior to that, but the latest methods posted in the forums are much more effective in keeping them thriving for the long-term, as I've discovered).

 

[ZephAmp]

Determine what species you're working with.
If I recall correctly purple-clawed hermit crabs need no saltwater whatsoever.

 

[MudCrabDude]

Determine what species you're working with.
If I recall correctly purple-clawed hermit crabs need no saltwater whatsoever.

Actually, we've found that to be a little incorrect. At the very least, Coenobita clypeatus is found to fare better (longer lived in captivity, showing signs of growth, etc.) when provided with at least brackish water in addition to their fresh water supply.

I also have the "other purple pincher", the Coenobita brevimanus, which is supposedly the least dependent on saline water supplies. But I generally provide these two species with access to both at any time and found them to patronize either one at any time -- generally more time at the fresh at intermolt, but the salt water most just after post molt.

Here's my prized C. brevimanus female photographed from 2008-2009 inhabiting the same shell, showing the gradual growth:

 

[blazetown]

The worst part is being pinched by a massive one. Recently I've been thinking about getting some of the "purple pinchers" again. I love their crazy behaviour and twitching antennae. I'm gonna have to get rid of some animals so I can pick up some of these again. One note is that I noticed a tendency for mites to infest coco fibre easier than sand.

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

What kind of sand should I use? Regular beach sand? That hermit crab sand that T Rex makes?

A friend of mine offered a good tip: only add "rescued" crabs to the tank since it's impossible to breed terrestrials in captivity.

I have no idea what species he is, but the shell is cone shaped and somewhere between 2 and 3 inches from what I've been told. I've only seen pics of it. I'll upload them here when I get a chance.

 

[spydrhunter1]

The best sand to use is argonite sand, the type for salt water aquariums. However, the cost can be very prohibitive. Play sand is now not recommended due to metal and other junk fragments. I use a mixture of sand and eco earth (2/3 eco earth and 1/3 sand).

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

The best sand to use is argonite sand, the type for salt water aquariums. However, the cost can be very prohibitive. Play sand is now not recommended due to metal and other junk fragments. I use a mixture of sand and eco earth (2/3 eco earth and 1/3 sand).

Luckily I have Eco Earth in hand already. It's interesting you mention that play sand is not recommended, because I have not seen that on the HCA's website, but then again, I have much to learn.

 

[blazetown]

The best sand to use is argonite sand, the type for salt water aquariums. However, the cost can be very prohibitive. Play sand is now not recommended due to metal and other junk fragments. I use a mixture of sand and eco earth (2/3 eco earth and 1/3 sand).

Neat I have a bunch left over so I may end up grabbing some hermits again after all. I bought it originally for the ray which was stupid because it hardens the water (opposite of what I would want for blackwater conditions:wall. It would be great for hermits though it might need something added to make it hold shape for burrowing.