How many PP in a 40 gallon tank?

[briannashermitcrabs]

Hey guys, I got a new 40 gallon tank yesterday and a new pp. So now I have 4 pp hermit crabs in my 40 gallon. I posted pics of them last night and one of my friends asked me if I want her 3 hermit crabs. Is it okay to put 3 more in my 40 gallon? That would make 7.

[wodesorel]

By modern day standards, many would consider it to be overcrowding.

However, 7 to 8 PPs in a 40 gallon was really the golden standard when I started off here eight years ago. Members had really good luck for years and years and it was always highly recommend!

[GotButterflies]

Congratulations on the new tank and hermits!

I personally think you are fine - For me, I think 5 gallons per crab is considered humane for up to medium crabs. PPs tend to handle overcrowding fine if you follow HCA substrate guidelines
Minimum 6" or 3 times the height of your largest crab (whichever is deeper trumps) Substrate should be mixed with dechlorinated msw or dechlorinated fw to make it sandcastle consistency.

Edit: up to five gallons per crab until they are large is what I meant to say