If you’re wondering “Are hermit crabs hard to take care of?” or “What do I need for a hermit crab?” — you’re in the right place. When I first brought home my little clawed buddies, I had no clue just how fun (and surprisingly low-maintenance) caring for hermit crabs could be. With the proper hermit crab care setup, your tiny pets can thrive for over a decade. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from the proper hermit crab enclosure to feeding tips.
Proper Hermit Crab Enclosure: Setting Up the Tank
First things first: hermit crabs need space. Despite their size, they’re incredibly active and social. For a small group of 3-4 hermit crabs, a 20 to 30-gallon tank is ideal. If you’re starting out with just one or two, a minimum of 10 gallons per crab works fine.
Cover the tank with a glass lid to keep them from escaping and to help with humidity. That’s crucial because hermit crab temp and humidity go hand in hand with their health.
Substrate: What They Live and Dig In
Hermit crabs LOVE to dig and burrow, especially when they molt. So, the substrate has to be deep and moist. The best mix? A 5:1 ratio of play sand and eco earth. This combo holds moisture, is safe, and won’t collapse when they dig.
Pro Tip: Make the substrate at least three times deeper than the largest crab in your tank.
Avoid substrates like calcium sand, gravel, or wood shavings — they can harm your crabby friends.
Temperature and Humidity: The Essentials
What temperature do hermit crabs need? They thrive between 75°F and 85°F during the day and can tolerate a drop to 65°F to 75°F at night. Use a thermometer to monitor the tank, and never place a heat mat under the tank – mount it on the side to avoid overheating the substrate.
How to keep humidity in a hermit crab tank? Keep the humidity at 70% to 80% using a mister and hygrometer. Water bowls also help keep things humid. Proper humidity helps your crab breathe since they use modified gills!
Water: Two Types Needed
Yes, hermit crabs need water – and not just one kind. You’ll need:
- Freshwater (dechlorinated)
- Saltwater (made with marine or reef salt)
What kind of water do hermit crabs need? Never use tap water unless it’s treated, and never use table salt to make saltwater. Both freshwater and saltwater should be available at all times in shallow, crab-safe bowls. Learn more…
Hermit Crab Habitat Needs: Hideouts and Climbing Fun
Hermit crabs are curious climbers! To create a proper hermit crab habitat, add:
- Hiding spots like coco huts, wooden logs, or even tiny ceramic caves
- Climbing structures like reptile vines, wooden ladders, or ropes
The more natural and enriching the environment, the better. This isn’t just decor — it’s essential for proper hermit crab care.
Note: There are two types of hermit crabs: land and marine
Diet: What Do Hermit Crabs Eat?
Hermit crabs are scavengers, which means they’ll eat just about anything. But for proper hermit crab care, you want to give them:
- Fresh fruits and veggies (carrot, mango, banana, etc.)
- Protein-rich foods (shrimp, tuna, boiled egg)
- Calcium sources (cuttlebone, crushed eggshells)
There are also quality commercial hermit crab foods you can use as a base. Make sure they get a varied, balanced diet — especially during molting. Check out the dedicated blog I wrote about the diet of a hermit crab.
Shells: Essential for a Happy Crab
What do hermit crabs need to survive? Shells! They change shells as they grow, so provide 3-6 extra shells per crab. Avoid painted or glass shells; go for natural, properly-sized ones.
Shell fights can break out if options are limited. So yes, a little shell shopping is part of your hermit crab care routine.
Light: Do Hermit Crabs Need Sunlight or UVB?
Nope. Hermit crabs don’t need UVB or direct sunlight. In fact, too much light can dry them out. Just give them a natural day/night cycle with a basic LED light and keep it on a 12-hour timer. They’re nocturnal, so most of their fun happens after dark. Never use a heat lamp: learn why.
Are Hermit Crabs Hard to Take Care Of?
Honestly? Hermit crabs are easy to take care of once you understand their habitat needs. They’re low-maintenance pets but require consistency. If you skip on humidity, proper water, or space, things can go downhill fast.
Related articles that you may be looking for
- Take care of hermit crab from the beach
- Marine/ocean hermit crab care
- Yellow tip hermit crab
- Red devil crab
Final Thoughts: Your Hermit Crab Care Sheet Checklist
Here’s a quick hermit crab care sheet to keep handy:
- Tank size: 10-30 gallons depending on crab count
- Substrate: Deep and moist, eco earth + play sand
- Temperature: 75-85°F (day), 65-75°F (night)
- Humidity: 70%-80%
- Water: Fresh and saltwater (dechlorinated)
- Food: Balanced diet with calcium & protein
- Shells: Extra shells always available
- Decor: Hideouts, climbing structures
- Lighting: Basic LED, 12/12 cycle
So, how do you take care of a hermit crab? With love, the right setup, and a bit of patience. And once they settle into their proper hermit crab home, you’ll see why these quirky little creatures make such lovable pets.
Now that you know how to take care of a hermit crab, go ahead and start building your crabitat — your new friends will thank you!
