Q&A for How to Create a Hermit Crab Habitat

You don't need to, as hermit crabs are very social and calm with any gender or age of crab. If fighting persists, it may be because the crabs are different breeds or because it's mating season. Try separating them or providing them with a female each.

Freshwater.

Somewhere with some light, but not direct sunlight, as hermit crabs are nocturnal and like to sleep in the daytime. Also put the cage somewhere where you will definitely remember to feed it, like the kitchen or living room.

Yes, you will need to do this so that they do not die.

It's hard to tell if they are happy, but mine seem to be more active and interested when I feed them new food or put something new in their habitat. Try putting a mirror in their habitat or a plastic box. You could also buy a vine or some netting and hang it up in your tank, they will love climbing on it.

No. It has to be a 10 gallon aquarium, period. Don't even try the wood cage.

Yes, but use a special glass that won't easily break.

No. They need clean saltwater and freshwater supplies. Use distilled water treated with marine salt for saltwater, and regular distilled water for fresh.

Mesh is good because it is breathable; just make sure it's strong mesh so the crab can't snip through it.

No. Hermit crabs need experienced handlers. Do a lot of research and study before getting one.

It could happen, but is not recommended, because snail shells are soft and leathery.

You do not need to bathe a hermit crab at all, in fact it can stress them out and possibly kill them.

Change out the dirt. It could be mites, or something else harmful to your crab.

wikiHow has an article on how to Give Your Hermit Crab a Bath .

Maybe, it depends on the crab. Check for things in the water that could be dangerous to the crab, and if any of the good or bad chemicals can be changed or neutralized by salt, and what it changes into if it comes to that. Also, you should use sea salt, not regular salt.

The size of the heating pad depends on the size of your tank, but it shouldn't be larger than half of the tank size.

A female hermit crab will have two small dots on the attachment part, near the abdomen. This will not be apparent on a male hermit crab.

Twine often has toxic glue and wax in it. If you want to make a net, there are alternatives. Please don't use hermit crab water from the store. It's super simple to make it yourself and mix it in milk jugs.

Yes. There is usually a switch on the back of the lamp. If you don't find it, you can unplug it from the wall.

Yes, it has to be sea salt and not iodized salt or table salt. Regular table salt could kill your hermit crab.

Personally, I bathe my hermit crabs once a week, but you don't have to do it that often. Every other week should be sufficient.

Absolutely. Crabs like that type of sand because it soaks up the heat and it makes them very comfortable.

Just regular water from a sink or fridge, any clean water will do, preferably filtered.

A male will have one small pincer and a very large one. Females have both pincers the same size.

Yes. The cage can be plastic.

They are typically solitary until breeding season, and, yes, they need water changes with salt and regular cleanings.

They need fresh, dechlorinated water for drinking, though you can use saltwater for bathing them.

It is completely up to you. If you do decide to get more than one crab, it is recommended that you check with the pet store where you purchase them to ensure that they will not eat each other. You will also want to make sure that they will not fight each other in the habitat.

No. You could add real moss (not peat moss) into the crabitat or mist the tank daily with a spray bottle.

You should consult with experts at your local pet shop.