HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Since one of my hides has molded, i have enough room to put in one submerging pool! I know its recommended that i have 2, one salt and one fresh, but if i had to only have 1 which should i choose?

It’s difficult to give a good answer to that question because both are important.

Being able to submerge is important because hermit crabs carry shell water that is kept isotonic to their bodies to prevent their abdomens from drying out. Having deep dishes makes it easier to get water into their shells.

Creating that shell water, however. requires a careful balance of both salt and fresh water. Too much salt and they’ll dehydrate. Too much fresh and they’ll lose salts and electrolytes from their bodies.


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Can they drink that same water as well as submerge/bathe in it? If so i could free up room by removing the water dishes and make the pools their dishes?

The crabs aren't too picky with bathing and drinking the same water. Just be sure you change it as it gets dirty.

Like Joe said picking one type of water over another is impossible. One over another is like saying food is more important than air.