SO confused

[kwilkins]

we brought a HC home, and didn't realize all the extra work that has to be put into it.

We are using a 10 gallon tank.
I have been told to use so many different light type as well has heating types, this is becoming a expensive little critter. More expensive then my 2 cats.
What should i do about lighting, my hood is mesh.
What do i do about heating? links would be greatly appreciated for recommended items.

[Crabinski]

Check out the Care Guides/FAQS pages -- they should answer most of your questions. You'll need to have proper substrate, water mixes (fresh and salt), a thermometer and hygrometer, as well as a dependable heat source (a UTH is best) to keep the temp at 80 or better (humidity ideally 80% or higher). Once you read those, if you have more questions, just post them and we'll respond.

[CrabMater]

Hi KW, yes HC are not a kids pet or even a cheap alternative to a hamster or lizard. The good news is once you get everything (salt/water conditioner/uvb lights/ hygrometer) the costs drop off because they eat whatever you are eating. Ask tons of question and read everything you can. The mesh top is going to need some plastic over ot because mesh wont hold humidity.
When i rescued my daughters HC from her classroom I was overwhelmed and sorry i agreed to it. But i love my hermies and want to do well for them. It gets better

[Just Jay]

Dont let the set up scare you off. After the start up these little guys aren't hard or expensive at all. All ive been working on is improving one thing in their life pay check by pay check. Im finding new things to add/that i want for them all the time. its also a nice way to keep things new and exciting for my hermits.

[Kermie16]

I have to agree with all of the above. Getting things properly set up is the most challenging but really not as bad as u think. I think the most money I spent was on the Ultratherm UTH (which goes on the backside of the tank, not under the tank) and the lighting. I got my ultratherm UTH from reptile basics - the best thing about ultratherm is that u can insulate if needed in cooler weather (I use reflectix - bought at Home Depot), and I also got my digital thermometer/hygrometer from reptile basics for like $12. I don't know how to attach links on tapatalk but the name of my hygrometer/thermometer is vivarium electronics TH-100. For our LED light, I got at Drs Foster and Smith online. I would highly recommend reading through the care guide stickies in this forum as they will break everything down for u one by one and make it a lot simpler. For substrate I use almost a 50:50 mix of play sand from Home Depot ($4 for 50lbs) and bricks of EE. Water conditioner Many of use use Prime and for marine salt water many of us use Instant Ocean. As stated above most important things would be getting the right substrate and making it sand castle consistency for the hermies to dig tunnels for molting, dechlorinated water and MSW pools deep enough for your hermies to submerge completely, keep heat and humidity at around 80 - if humidity is over 80 that's fine too. And plenty of natural shells for the hermies to have choices to change. Also look at the safe food stickie for good organic foods to offer ur hermies. Oh and once things are up and running, ur hermie will need a buddy since they are social creatures Watch out because once u get started on the crab journey it becomes addicting! Definitely post any questions u have after reading the care guides and all of us newbies and experienced crabbers will try to help! This is the best place to come for great advice, recommendations and general support:) Good luck and please do post some pics of your new little guy! We LOVE pics


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