HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi, I am new here! I came for help!

I am struggling to say the least. I need help but please be kind. I am a single mom who has COVID in the house. I am doing this to take my mind off things. Trying to do better for these crabs than I did others in the past. I need more substrate but I am not in the best financial situation. I have been grabbing the cheapest best things I can that I can pick up or that can be delivered. I need shells and I haven’t a clue how to size/measures for them. I am so lost and overwhelmed.

Hello! I'm sorry you're struggling with so much I really hope things get better soon. In the meantime, I can help with at least one of those issues! This video by Crab Central Station https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94u0YNPADGg will show you how to measure shells, both empty and occupied! Best wishes <3<3

What else do you need? I might be able to help

To save some money, you can skip using EE (eco earth/coconut fiber) and just use all play sand (moistened with dechlorinated fresh or salt water). You can get a 50 lb bag of play sand at a hardware store for under $5.

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If you look at the photos of people's tanks, you will see lots of very fancy, elaborate set ups. Don't be intimidated! Crabs are just as healthy and happy with a basic tank.
Check out the 'basics' care sheet. It tells you what you need. As was stated, you can use all play sand. And dollar stores are great places to get cheap items. Also if you have a yard that isn't treated with pesticides, you can source free pieces of wood for climbing. Crabs can eat much of what we eat, and eat such tiny amounts that you can just put a few things in for them, from what you are eating. You don't have to spend extra on crab food.

Hi! Hope you`re well now and everyone are safe
I believe that the best thing you can give to your crabs is your care and love
Who cares if a crab has everything but an owner doesn`t care about him much..

Hi! I’m newer to all of this and the tank set ups are very very intimidating. Dont let it scare you. The best place to find stuff is the dollar store. One thing I had to learn was that anything wood from outside has to be baked to stop bug infestation or anything like that. So just bake some sticks in the oven while you’re home and get them some climbing. Then you can use Tupperware for stuff as well. Also smooth large rocks, just boil them. the only things I think are for sure needed that you’ll have to spend money on is a water conditioner to remove chlorine and Ammonia and then instant ocean for the salt water. The play sand is cheap from home depo as well. Hope this helps.

So before I invested in some of the fancier plants made for aquariums, I had cut off leaves from my fake palm tree and washed them off real good. Lol. It worked great and gave the tank a more natural feel with no cost at the time!

I also scoured the kitchen for Tupperware hides or pools…and used a cookie cooling rack for a great climb!


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