HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello!

I’m new here and I don’t have any crabs yet. I’m looking into getting a few hermit crabs sometime between now and my birthday, which is about 6 weeks away.

My biggest concern is humidity, it’s very dry where I live so I’m worried about being able to keep up a safe humidity for crabs. If anyone has any recommendations that would be awesome!

Welcome to the forum!

There are several recommendations in the humidity guide. If your area is dry you will likely need a combination to maintain humidity above 70%.

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I see from your other post that you plan to setup a 20g tank. Is this a 20g long or high? Either will work, but the long version has a larger footprint. I'd opt for a 29g at a minimum if you can. Even at this size you run out of room quickly once you add your pools and decor.

Thanks for the welcomes!

I can totally do a 20gal long or I can go up to a 29gal if I need to do that. I’m putting together a list of what I need this week and will be buying everything next week so, I have time to make adjustments!

Good deal! I'd watch FB marketplace or the likes. Like I say, it's amazing how big something like a 29g seems when you're carrying it into your house, but once you set it up, it's really not much room.

I don't see any $1/gal sales on tanks at any of the big box pet stores currently, but some of them are running sales- sort of.

I'm lucky enough to have some local fish stores that offer excellent prices on standard sized Aqueon aquariums as well. I'd suggest calling around if you can.

On one of my 29's I have a glass top. On the other I have a lighted plastic hood off one of my older fish aquarium setups. Either are expensive if you're buying new. There's options though like suggested above.

I'm terrible with pics, but here's one of my twin 29g hermie setups.

If cost isn't the issue, a 29g has exactly the same footprint as a 20g long.... just taller. However, 20g make great tanks for anything under a medium, and by then, most crabbers end up going for a 40g or larger.

If you can find a 37gal, it too is the same footprint as a 20 long and 29g. Just very tall. I'm not sure aqueon or marineland makes them anymore as I haven't seen a new one in years, but they're out there. The double metal stand I have in the above pic will accommodate two 20L/29/37 gallon tanks.

A tank is never too large! I bought a 20 gallon long in July and am already desperately wanted to upgrade, particularly since my tank is at max capacity. I would def go bigger than a 20L if you can. The Aqueon tanks are pretty cheap, but still decent if you can find a lid.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostor ... -40-gallon

A fairly cheap 40! But if you do not have space for a forty gallon than a 20 or 29 gallon is OK! But keep in mind you most likely will need to upgrade in the future.

p.s Do not shop for tanks via amazon, they are waaaay overpriced on there!