Is it better to have more crabs, or extra space?

[roirue]

Hello, I'm completely new to crabbing and am trying to do as much research as possible before adopting. I have a question that I haven't been able to find an answer to.

I have a used 30g long and was planning on getting 2 crabs later this month. I know the minimum is 10g per crab, which means I'd have some extra space.

Would it be better leave them the room, or get a 3rd crab? Are there any benefits to owning more than 2 crabs, so long as they have all of their other needs (proper protein, substrate depth, etc.) met?

[Motörcrab]

This is a really tough one to really say for sure since there are so many variables like how much substrate, and size of crabs. I will guide you to these care sheets. Hopefully these will help you out. If you have any more questions after reading we will try to help out some more.

This is probably the best read on here to help you determine what may be best for you and your crabs.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92541

This is another read that is extremely in depth about how many crabs.
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 51#p836451

[aussieJJDude]

Honestly, I'm in team give em floorspace wherever possible. My crabs seem to respond a lot better in having more room per crab, however, they aren't PPs, which many find their PPs seem to do fine/handle being in cramped conditions.

[roirue]

This is a really tough one to really say for sure since there are so many variables like how much substrate, and size of crabs. I will guide you to these care sheets. Hopefully these will help you out. If you have any more questions after reading we will try to help out some more.

This is probably the best read on here to help you determine what may be best for you and your crabs.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92541

This is another read that is extremely in depth about how many crabs.
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 51#p836451

Thanks for responding! I've been preparing for PPs. However, I'm unsure about how big they'll be when I get them (looking on Craigslist without much luck, but hoping for small-medium size until I can upgrade their tank).
I'll be filling the bottom with 6in of substrate on the side with the fresh & saltwater pools, and about 7-8in on the the opposite side; as for the surface, there'll be a 2nd level for climbing and such (doing the PPS method in the 30g so I haven't set this up yet). According to the caresheets, having a 2nd level can increase the number of hermit crabs I can fit.

[roirue]

Honestly, I'm in team give em floorspace wherever possible. My crabs seem to respond a lot better in having more room per crab, however, they aren't PPs, which many find their PPs seem to do fine/handle being in cramped conditions.

Would you say they're more active with more floorspace? I live in the U.S. so I've been preparing for PPs.

I've heard some people say that their tanks are more "lively" with more crabs, while some say otherwise. Since they're social species, I've just assumed the more the merrier (so long as there's the space & proper care).

It'll probably be best for me (a total newbie) to start with 2, then introduce a 3rd later on if it seems suitable.