Hermit Crab Tank Ideas: Creating a Fun Crabitat

A hermit crab tank is a great way to provide your crab with a stimulating environment and plenty of fun. There are many different tank designs and sizes available on the market, so you can find one that suits your needs. Some popular tank designs include the crab tank with a cover, the turtle tank, and the hermit crab tank with an aquarium lid. These options are great for keeping the hermit crabs warm and dry during inclement weather.

Additionally, they come with different features, like a water dish, climbing areas, and space to hide. Moreover, hermit crab tanks are a great way to keep your hermit crabs safe and healthy. They provide them with the space they need to feel comfortable and secure, as well as the proper humidity and temperature levels. 

Tank Ideas for Hermit Crabs

Use Cholla Wood for Climbing

Hermit crabs love to climb, and a cholla wood climbing tank will give them the perfect climbing environment. This natural wood is perfect for creating climbing surfaces and is easy to set up. Place the wood in a bowl of water, and your hermit crabs will be able to climb and explore. 

You can also purchase cholla wood at most home improvement stores or online. If you want to make a hermit crab tank that’s extra fun, add some cholla wood climbing surfaces!

Build a Climbing Structure With Legos

One great hermit crab tank idea is to build a climbing structure with LEGO pieces. This will provide your crab with plenty of places to hide and explore. Get creative and add features like an underwater tunnel or waterfall! This will keep your crab entertained and help you monitor their health and well-being.

Plant Artificial Plants (Stops Pests)

One easy way to add some greenery and beauty is by planting artificial plants. You can find a variety of different types of artificial plants that will suit any style or décor. If you want to go all out, consider adding an aquatic plant. 

These plants stop pests from attacking your crabs, so you can rest assured they’re in good hands. So, turn your hermit crab tank into a habitat your crabs will love!

Incorporate Wood From the Reptile Section of the Pet Store

If you’re like most pet store hermit crab owners, you’ll probably end up with a pile of wood from pet stores. Be sure to measure the space you have before gathering wood – 1″ thick will be enough for one crab per inch of height. 

Once you have all the wood, it’s time to get to work. Assemble the tank by first installing the substrate – this can be anything from gravel to sand to newspapers. Next, add the crab aquariums. Ensure enough hiding places for your hermit crab and plenty of food and water dishes. 

Lastly, add the wood substrate. Make sure the wood is at least 1″ thick, as this will be the minimum space your crab will need. Now sit back and enjoy the hermit crab tank of your dreams!

Create a Small Wading Pool

A hermit crab tank is a great way to provide your crabs with fun and activity. One great idea is to create tunnels out of large pieces of plastic or wood. This will give your crabs something to explore and play in, and it also helps keep them wetter during colder periods. 

Remember to clean the pool regularly, so it doesn’t get smelly or muddy, and keep an eye on the water level – it should be about one-third of the tank’s height. 

If you’re looking for something more creative, try adding a small wading pool. This will give your crabs something to swim in and keep them wetter during colder periods. 

Provide an Interesting Backdrop to the Tank

Choose an exciting backdrop if you want to add a bit of visual interest to your tank. This could be a picture of the ocean, a jungle, or a forest. Keep the tank clean and organized by adding hooks to hang accessories like sea sponges and coral reefs. 

Use a Night Light or String Lights

Add some lights to the tank to ensure your hermit crabs have a safe and fun environment. If you’re not using them, remove any water obstacles so the crabs can easily navigate at night. 

Adding a night light or string lights to their tank will help them find their way back home after exploring the tank during the day. So, whether you’re a hermit crab newbie or a seasoned crabber, lights are essential for a fun and safe tank!

Build a Tunnel for Hiding Spots

Creating a habitat for your hermit crab is essential; one way to do that is by building a tunnel for them to hide. Make sure to keep the tank clean and refill it with fresh water every few days to keep the crabs happy and safe. 

You can also add some plants and rocks to the bottom of the tank to create an ocean-like environment. Doing so will help your hermit crab feel at home and safe.

Place a Net Bridge for Climbing

Make a climbing area with a net bridge or some other type of structure. Hermit crabs need a place to climb and explore, so choose a spot close to your tank.

Use Rope So They Can Hang Around

Use a rope to create boundaries if there are any fights over territory. Keep an eye on your crab colony – if they’re not getting along, get help from an expert!  

Additionally, ensure the bottom of the tank has some cover so they can rest and hide. Finally, install a tank ledge or similar structure to keep them from climbing. And lastly, give your hermit crabs the stimulation they need by adding some exciting objects to their tank.

How to Set Up a Hermit Crab Tank

Choose the Right Tank

Choosing the right hermit crab tank is essential for a thriving hermit crab habitat. It’s important to choose a tank that has the appropriate décor – something that will make your hermit crab feel at home. 

Additionally, ensure the water is clean and fresh and set up a food plot if necessary. Regarding size and shape, think about the number of crabs you’re housing and their climbing abilities. Last but not least, consider the price and availability of the tank.

Place a Substrate

Hermit crabs love to explore their surroundings, so providing them with a comfortable and easy-to-clean substrate is essential. Different substrates are available on the market, so choose one suitable for your hermit crab tank and easy to clean. 

Avoid using cedar shavings, as this can be harmful to the crabs. Instead, provide a substrate for your hermit crabs to walk and crawl on, and place the substrate in an area that is brightly lit but out of direct sunlight, so your crabs have plenty of room to move around.

Place Climbing Materials

Providing your hermit crabs with an opportunity to explore their surroundings is key to healthy development. One way to do this is by providing them with climbing materials. This will allow them to find new homes and explore their surroundings. 

If you have a hermit crab tank, be sure to provide plenty of climbing materials like fake plants, rocks, and pieces of driftwood. Ensure the climbing materials are secure, so your crabs don’t get injured! You can also include exciting objects like fake plants or rock formations to entertain the crabs.

Place Other Tank Items

You can add pieces of coral or other types of sea life to their environment to keep them amused and stimulated. In addition, leave some areas open so they can crawl around and explore. Finally, add plants or rocks to the bottom of the tank for extra decoration and interest!

Ensure the Tank Has a Lid

Hermit crabs are social creatures who need space to live and interact. For this reason, it’s essential to have a lid on the hermit crab tank, so they don’t escape. Other options for securing the lid include using rocks or aquarium ties. 

It’s also essential to provide fresh water and food to the hermit crabs, as they can quickly get dehydrated and hungry. Make sure to clean the tank and lid regularly to keep the environment inside the tank safe and clean.

Provide Enough Humidity to the Tank

Providing enough humidity to the hermit crab tank is crucial for their well-being. Not only will it increase their comfort level, but it will also help them to thrive and reproduce. To ensure enough humidity in the tank, you can use a humidifier or vaporizer. Another way to increase humidity is using a damp paper towel to absorb water. 

Ensure the humidity level is at least 70-80%, and place it on the bottom of the tank to absorb water.

Place a Heating Block

Hermit crabs are great pets but can get restless when moving to a new home. One way to help them adjust is by placing a heating block in their tank. This will help them get used to their new surroundings and avoid injuries. Additionally, make sure the block is turned off when you’re not home, as it could accidentally turn on at any time. 

Place Shells in the Tank

By placing shells in the tank, you’re giving your hermit crab a place to live and hide, as well as a place to store food and shells. It’s also easy to keep the tank clean and healthy by replacing shells regularly. Make sure the tank is big enough for the crabs to roam around.

What Can I Put in My Hermit Crab Tank?

Acceptable Items for a Hermit Crab Tank

Some popular additions to a hermit crab tank include sea glass, coral rocks, and live rock. Add some plant life ornaments to make the tank interactive and fun for your pet. You can put a variety of things in the tank to keep it interesting for your hermit crab, from driftwood to sponges.

It is essential to keep your hermit crab tank clean and fresh and ensure that the water you add is of good quality. Make sure to change the water, so your crab has plenty of oxygen and nutrients. You can also put in live plants, small fish, or damp sand for them to play with.

Unacceptable Items for a Hermit Crab Tank

When it comes to hermit crab tanks, the environment must be carefully curated so as not to harm or even kill the crabs. Here are a few unacceptable items: 

  • Rocks: Hermit crabs need hard surfaces to cling to protect themselves from predators, but rocks can easily injure or even kill them.
  • Wood: Although some hermit crabs like climbing trees, wood may be too dangerous and bulky for them since they won’t be able to get around quickly.
  • Other materials include anything that isn’t aquatic (like plants), as these can create lots of hiding places for your crabs but also add clutter and confusion to their tank.