HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I made quite a few changes to Crusty’s crabitat this morning. Change of location as well to make maintenance easier.

Gone is the super thin layer of sand and in its place is a mix of sand and CF. Still could use a little more depth, but far better. At least now she can cover up if desired.

I’ll be purchasing another couple of UTH’s to place on the back and side walls to help with heat. I highly doubt the existing UTH is going to do much more that’s it’s thoroughly buried under the sub. Before, it did warm the sand a bit.

I need to buy some more shells, as she only has one shell left that’s larger than the one she’s in. But at least she’s got another one for now.

She’s got for now, a freshwater soaking tub. I’ll need to find a couple smaller containers to make one for each water type later on. I’m also out of instant ocean, so I’ll pick that up soon.

The log bridge idea is a temporary idea unless we find the she uses it regularly to access the “pond”.

I’m working on an idea for a “second floor” to add more visual interest/hide/exploration space.

From on top of the Bird cage:


To in the pass through between kitchen and living room. This is also sort of above the baseboard convector, so hopefully temps will be warmer.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It looks really great so far! If you ever wanted to in the future, crabs really like to climb, so you could add reptile hammocks, driftwood, ect.
Looking really great though! you have made a lot of improvements.
Make sure the UTH's are on the back of the tank, not on the bottom. when on the bottom of the tank, it can burn digging crabs. I would remove it as soon as possible.

Pumpkincrab wrote:It looks really great so far! If you ever wanted to in the future, crabs really like to climb, so you could add reptile hammocks, driftwood, ect.
Looking really great though! you have made a lot of improvements.
Make sure the UTH's are on the back of the tank, not on the bottom. when on the bottom of the tank, it can burn digging crabs. I would remove it as soon as possible.

The UTH is currently on the side of the tank where the pond is. It has about 2” of substrate under the bottom the pond.

It’s the only heat source in the tank at the moment, to be replaced ASAP though. I highly don’t it’s doing much either.


Crabitat definitely needs more levels, I’ll work on that this week. Possibly larger tank as well.

She’s all dug in now.



Having the crabitat in the pass through between the rooms means we can all enjoy her antics, from either room.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That looks great so far! I hope everything ends up going well.

It’s great that you are making improvements for her, looking good so far. I love her location in your house, I think it really looks perfect where it is.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh that’s a great place to have her! Temporary climbing adjustment idea...move your cholla log to sit at an angle on top of the hut so she can climb up a bit maybe? She looks nice and cozy under her little bridge . Glad the upgrades are going well so far!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pumpkincrab wrote:That looks great so far! I hope everything ends up going well.

Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

RiNiKy506 wrote:It’s great that you are making improvements for her, looking good so far. I love her location in your house, I think it really looks perfect where it is.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you!

That pass through (as we call it) is in the perfect location to let light in the kitchen, which has only two small windows.

It also makes for a great place to lob things at each other during our occasional nerf wars, and for crab viewing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

crabbycasey wrote:Oh that’s a great place to have her! Temporary climbing adjustment idea...move your cholla log to sit at an angle on top of the hut so she can climb up a bit maybe? She looks nice and cozy under her little bridge . Glad the upgrades are going well so far!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I made a couple changes tonight. Moved the pond over, away from the heated side, put the log bridge over the heated side and then took your advice and leaned the log up against her hut the best I could get it. She then proceeded to push it out of her way and climb the side of the hut.

The log is now propped in the front corner of the tank, giving her a high perch if she wants to climb.

She also moved herself back into the coconut hut and is now digging out a basement?






My kids torn up ratty t-shirt makes for a decent insulated tank cover.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol, of course she did...silly Crusty! They are so funny!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

crabbycasey wrote:Lol, of course she did...silly Crusty! They are so funny!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

She’s hilarious. She tapped on the glass again for me today while I had her food dish out being cleaned and refilled.

She stuck her BP out at me and made the pinch motion after I put the dish back in. I think she was a little unhappy with me for a bit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lololol , she’s a mess! She was warning you with her big pincher “don’t you touch my food again”!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

crabbycasey wrote:Lololol , she’s a mess! She was warning you with her big pincher “don’t you touch my food again”!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That looks good! She'll be spoiled...er in no time

blackberry75 wrote:That looks good! She'll be spoiled...er in no time

She’s already spoiled!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk