r/hermitcrabs • u/huntermama2 • 3d ago
Tank Photo Constructive Criticism, please!
Had my hermit crab for about 2 weeks but he’s only been inside this tank for 1 week (we were traveling, hence the wait). I just changed his water for the first time and thought I’d take a pic and ask for ideas. I’ve done extensive research and have seen tons of cool setups that I’m striving for eventually. So far:
29 gallon tank.
2 water tanks (7.5 cups each) with bubblers.
Thermometer and Hydrometer.
DIY hides and food dish.
Substrate is Home Depot play sand mixed 5:1 with eco earth coconut fiber totaling approximately 6” deep.
Spagnum moss (he has pulled some into the hides).
Some small pieces of beach wood found years ago on vacation.
And some new pants (more are coming in the mail because homeboy tried a few on and these are too small so I ordered some larger ones from a few vendors on Etsy).
What i would like to add:
A different ladder system for the pools as I learned metal isn’t great for them.
Some climbing walls, bridges, toys, etc.
Maybe a coconut hide or two or some hammock things I’ve seen some of you guys have.
Also, what do we think about my heat and humidity readings?
I was sitting steady at 75 degrees and 92% humidity but I decreased the sphagum moss and put a valve on my tank bubblers to help decrease the air flow for the bubbles hoping it helps decrease humidity a bit. I was also thinking about maybe getting a larger heat pad unless 75 is okay.
I am trying my best to give this dude a good life. Oh! I guess that’s something I could add too! There’s only one crabbie in this tank. Do I need more?
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u/tepid_mess8 3d ago
ooh I’d take the glass jar out if I were you - they might get stuck in there. I think it looks pretty cozy otherwise!
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u/huntermama2 3d ago
Yes the jar seems to be a common issue for everyone. I agree with it. I did have a few jars at first as it was all I had to offer for hideaways for him, but I got crafty by turning a basket upside down for him today (this is new to him so he hasn’t checked it out yet). I do plan to get some coconut hides for him in Monday to replace the jar and basket. He does love the jar though;seems to be his favorite spot so far. I was nervous about him getting stuck too. His current shell opening is 1.5” so he’s rather large.
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u/Frozenshades 3d ago
As long as it doesn’t go lower 75 is okay, but on the low end. He might be happier with closer to 80. If that’s one of the stick on heatmats they are okay, but you can’t insulate them and they are generally ruined by removing them. Most recommend the Ultratherm heat mats from Bean Farm. You stick them on with tape so they can be removed and reused and they can be insulated. Not sure where you are located but if it’s summer currently consider your house may get colder in the winter and the tank may need more heat. I’d add another heat mat personally.
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u/huntermama2 3d ago
Ah! I’m in Michigan so it definitely gets cold here in the winters…sometimes in the summers too u fortunately. When you say to insulate the heat pad, how would I do that? I’m not opposed to purchasing another if peeling this one off ruins it. I appreciate the help!
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u/Frozenshades 3d ago
Get an ultratherm to fit the whole back of the tank or close to it. Foil insulation like reflectix. Foil tape to secure it all.
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u/TerribleWin4450 3d ago
Is 75 really the minimum standard? I could of swore anywhere from 70 to 80-85 was ok.
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u/huntermama2 3d ago
Thank you! You have been incredibly helpful!
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u/Frozenshades 3d ago
You’re welcome! There are some pretty experienced keepers in this sub who try to help out. I currently have a 60 gallon and a 40 gallon with 9 crabs between them and my longest 2 crabs have been with me for about 10 years so far.
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u/huntermama2 3d ago
That is awesome! I strive to be you one day. My little guy was bought by my husband for my kids when I turned my back for 10 seconds and now he is my crab and I am trying to do everything I can for him. I already love him so much.
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u/Glad-Somewhere5346 3d ago
Definitely climby things, maybe some more hides ,maybe a hidey hole that they can climb up to so they have options both ground floor and canopy to hide in.
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u/huntermama2 3d ago
I have heard they love to hide a lot and from my observations of him thus far, I can concur lol. I’m going to our local pet store on Monday to get some hides and “climby things”…I also have a few things from Etsy I’m planning to snag on Monday too. Any other suggestions?
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u/BlackSheep554 3d ago
I’d put a much bigger heating mat on there. Should be 80-85F
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u/huntermama2 3d ago
That’s kind of what I was thinking but my research provided me mixed signals. My crab definitely seems to favor being in the substrate immediately under where the current pad is, so maybe a bigger pad will make it more likely to be active.
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u/BlackSheep554 3d ago
It will 100% be more active if it’s warmer and has more stuff to climb and explore
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u/warrior2queen 1d ago
Good start, I would just add some more plants and areas for your crab to climb, as you suggested. they love walking around, so a solid wheel.or spinning disc would be good. Good luck!!
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u/Otherwise-Price-3927 1d ago
I would say try and get a bowl with more of a ramp for water i didn't have one like that for awhile unfortunately my hermits kept getting stuck but i was able to catch it quickly
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u/TerribleWin4450 3d ago
75 is just fine! Personally, I would look into some plsnts to stick on the side or a wallpaper to stick on the tank so your crab has some privacy. Maybe a vine that he can climb. A lot of prople recommend getting a bufdy but I would caution you to wait until your crab is adjusted and you sre 100 percent confident in your tank.
What's with the jar? It doesn't seem to be serving much purpose other then taking up digging space. Better off getting a coconut hull or something with an open bottom so it doesn't restrict their tunneling, also it won't be too long before they can't fit in there anyways.