Introduction
Hermit Crabs (Paguroidea), or “hermies”, are unfortunately one of the most miscared for pets and often die within the first month of someone keeping them. However, with correct care they can live for 50+ years! The most common hermit crab species in the pet trade is a Purple Pincher (PP) but there are several other species.
Size & Longevity
Hermit Crabs can live for 50+ years with proper care. Size depends on the hermit crab species you get but some can get up to the size of a softball.
Temperature & Heating
Hermit Crabs come from very warm climates and will need an ambient temperature of around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this do not use a heat lamp as this only creates a hot spot, not an ambient temperature. Instead, use a under tank heater (UTH) on the back of the tank. Do not put the UTH on the bottom of the tank as hermit crabs are burrowers and can get burned from the heat pad if it’s on the bottom of the tank.
Tank
The minimum for 2-3 hermit crabs is a 29 gallon tank. Hermit Crabs are burrowers and therefore need deep substrate. There should be lots of climbing decorations, a moss pit, 2 water pools, a food dish, hides, and shells of various sizes in the tank.
Substrate
Hermit Crabs will need at least 6-8 inches of children's playsand mixed with organic topsoil or eco earth. This mixture helps aid with molting and holding burrows. The amount needed should increase as your Hermit Crab grows.
Water & Humidity
Hermit Crabs need at least 2 water bowls, both deep enough for the largest to fully soak in. 1 bowl will be for freshwater and 1 will be for saltwater. The humidity should range from 80-85%. This can be achieved by using a glass lid lifted a bit to allow ventilation or by putting saran wrap over the screen lid with some open areas to allow for ventilation.
Food
Hermit Crabs are omnivorous scavengers and will eat a large number of items including meat, insects, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Remember to stay away from commercial hermit crab food (the food they sell in pet stores)
See https://rraine04.wixsite.com/rainesrockinreptiles/care-sheets/safe-hermit-crab-foods-list for a full list of foods your hermit crab can eat.
Lights?
Hermit Crabs should have access to a 10.0 UVB striplight that runs the length of their tank.
Cohabbing?
Hermit Crabs are extremely social animals and there should be at least two in a tank. In the wild they will live in groups consisting of 400+ crabs. The Hermit Crabs can be different species and different sizes.