Post by Sach-Crabministrator on Jul 3, 2010 22:47:19 GMT -5
Here is your basic HERMIT CRAB SUPPLY LIST
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Some sort of tank/enclosure-(minimum of 10 gallons for 2 small crabs) with a lid that will hold in humidity. *This will only work temporarily & will need upgrading soon.
Substrate-this is the stuff your crabs will bury in. We recommend only a mix of sand and coconut fiber (also called coir or eco earth) in 5 parts sand (not dyed and no calci or repti-sand) to 1 part coco fiber and very strongly urge against using only coco fiber. Your substrate should be enough to cover your biggest crab at least 3 times.
*NOTE: The exception to this are the Australian land hermit crabs c. variabilis, also called "Aussies". They must have substrate consisting of 8 parts sand to only 1 part coconut fiber.
Food/Water Dishes(3)-For all species of crabs you will need to offer both salt & fresh water as well as food.
Heat-You need a heat source to keep your crabitat warm. They are called UTH (under tank heaters) but should only be used on the side or back of your tank; NEVER underneath.
Water-ALL CRAB WATER MUST BE DECHLORINATED There are "tap water conditioners" you can buy. Avoid slime/stress coats & get one that also removes heavy metals.
Your crab friend needs a dish for fresh water and a dish for salt water. This is made with a product like "Oceanic" or "Instant Ocean". DO NOT USE TABLE SALT, it MUST be marine-grade salt. The water dishes should be deep enough for your biggest crabs to fill their shells with water but still also have a safe path out for your small crabs.
Places to climb and hide-Hermies need exercise and they need places to hide and feel safe. These can be hermie-safe things like cholla cactus wood, coco-huts or plastic plants and vines, a leaned up rock or anything they can climb and/or hide under.
Friends-Hermit crabs are very social and need company, so get more than one.
Extra shells-You need extra shells both a little bit bigger & a little bit smaller than their current one(s). Painted shells are not considered safe, so get all natural shells. Provide a minimum of 5 spare shells for each crab .
Temperature/Humidity Gauge(s)-Keeping your crabs' conditions just right is important to their health, so you'll want to keep an eye on things; digital are the most accurate.
Food-Your crabs need a varied diet with sources of protein, plant fibers and calcium, made up from both fresh and supplement foods (see our lists of safe foods).
This is a "starter list" as there are unfathomable possibilities of other cool things you can get for your crabs.
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