Hermit Crabs Setup

[Jack Tan]

Hello guys, im not sure if this is the right forum or sub as someone direct me here with link.
So, i need help for LAND hermit crab setup as i have never have any aquatic pets. This is my first time and i would like to make the best out of it.
I will be buying 2ft - 2.5ft tank. I would like to know what type of sand is suitable, do i need anymore accessories other then sand e.g sponge(which i saw from other forum), bathing dish, etc. Would be grateful if you can provide shop which i can get all my stuff in.

Thanks for reading. !!

[TheAquarist]

There's no specific shop for hermits, any type of sand is possible but you'll have to keep It moist if not the sand may topple when hermits dig to molt, you can also use peat as substrate or a mix of both. Humidity is a key factor here, bathing dish can be improvised by using sea shells that are big enough, but not too deep. Climbing areas should also be provided, branchy driftwood etc.

In conclusion, humidity. Substrate that won't topple and play areas are key factors in providing a "fun" place for them. When cleaning tank, move the items around so that they wouldn't get bored. Oops I kinda said more than I should lol, btw, the sand should be more than 3inches in height

[Jack Tan]

Very big thanks to you for helping. I read some forum about humidity is not a issue in singapore. Is it true or not?

[TheAquarist]

50/50 even with Singapore's heat, at leasst 3/4 of the tank top needs to get covered to minimize air circulation

[Naraki]

I used beach sand bought from polyart. I bought around 5 bags for a 2ft to achieve 5-6 inch depth substrate.

You would need marine salt. And look for ticks when youre buying them.

[Jack Tan]

I used beach sand bought from polyart. I bought around 5 bags for a 2ft to achieve 5-6 inch depth substrate.

You would need marine salt. And look for ticks when youre buying them.

May i know whats ticks are you refering?
And what do i do with the marine salt? And whats the use of it.
Can you take a pic of your setup for me to refer to
Thanks

[TheAquarist]

Marine salts for hermits, hermits require both freshwater and saltwater for consumption and want not

[Naraki]

May i know whats ticks are you refering?
And what do i do with the marine salt? And whats the use of it.
Can you take a pic of your setup for me to refer to
Thanks

Sorry, my bad. It should be mites not ticks. They're critters which lives on the crab. Not harmful in tiny amount but will cause stress to crab in large amounts. Can be easily removed if infected by using marine salt solution. I use 1 cup treated water to 2 teaspoon salt. Search on the net for procedures.

You will need two body of water. 1 treated tapwater for daily playtime and drinking. 2 for bathing and rehydrate. They need to keep some in their shells to keep their soft abdomen moist.

I've decommed my setup months ago.

Sharing some.






This is a way to check for mites.
Hold them below and they'll crawl out because they dont feel safe not attaching to something
I strongly do not advice you doing so if you are afraid of getting pinched because they will extend out of their shell to grasp on your fingers and hold tight till they feel save. Thus allowing you to see if there is any mites clinging on.




Have fun crabbing!

[limz_777]

i remember petmart has a display set-up for hermit crab , not sure they still sell them

[Jack Tan]

did you your hermit inside a toyogo box? hahas i was thinking of doing it too.

[Naraki]

Yes toyogo box.

[Jack Tan]

Hi Naraki. Im planning to go shopping for some hermit setup this sat. Maybe at Polyart Aquarium and Clementi Florist and Aquarium (C32 cause its near my house. Anyway, i wish to know what type of sand i should get for them?(P.S i dont know much about sand. Maybe you can provide me with more details) And some other accessories that i would need. Dont want to keep visiting shop often. So prefer to stock up. Thanks for you help

[Naraki]

Beach sand. Soft sand mixed with coarse sand is fine. 2 shallow small tub or water reservoir for freshwater and saltwater. Of course marine salt. I use red sea.
Spray bottle to moist the sand everyday.
Food tray.
Driftwood/deco
MOST IMPORTANT. A wide range of shells for them to choose and play around. Avoid painted ones. Polished or sanded ones are okay. I got shells from a local online shop. Google please. Ecuadorians loves wide opening shell while others like turbo shell.

Cheers

Side question if i may ask. Where do you live?

[Jack Tan]

im living at Choa chu kang. any ratio of soft sand and coarse sand i use used?

[Naraki]

Best half soft half coarse.

[Naraki]

I only saw polyart have them. You can try ask c328 thou.

[Jack Tan]

Got any brand I can buy?

[Jack Tan]

Naraki Bro. Went to polyart today asked the shop helper. They recommend me this sand base. Told me is for seawater fishes. Bought 2 fine 1 coarse. Not sure if is the correct one. Please adviceAttachment 43431

[ZIr]

Hi Bro,

Where do you get your hermit crabs from? Especially the red bodied one.