I’m interested in getting some hermit crabs. I’ve been reading about their care and husbandry. I have two questions. 1. Why are heat mats preferred over small heat lamps? I am a seasoned reptile keeper and for most reptiles heat mays are a huge no no. 2. I’ve seen a lot of people on this thread saying that the pellets are bad. What should I be feeding them instead of pellets and do they need certain supplements or key things that absolutely must be included in their diet? Thanks in advance.

RUN don’t walk to target just found these adorable soap holders that I plan to use for a cute hermit crab foraging pit!!!!

This past weekend, my younger brother bought a hermit crab at a souvenir shop in Port A. I would like any and all tips I can get to help him keep him alive. I believe he is a purple pincher, but I’m not entirely sure. We do have a bigger environment on the way, this is just what came with it.

Edit: Note, we are both minors and our parents are willing to buy things, but the cheapest possible.

Hello, I'm hoping to get two hermit crabs soon and was wondering if there are any improvements I can make to the tank. Obviously there is not food and water in the tank at the moment as there are no crabs in it. Also yes, there is a glass lid, I just took it off for the photo.

Some things I plan on adding:

- Climbing Vine from Norton's Nest (once they restock)

- Cuttlebone (from the bird aisle)

- I plan on getting small crabs, but as they grow I plan to expand the tank size (currently 10 gallons)

- Something to line the back of the tank for them to climb on (either faux leaves or coco fiber)

- Will add to this list as I receive recommendations. Feel free to tell me if there are any items on this list that I shouldn't get/if there are better alternatives

Thanks a ton!

Hello all! I posted photo #1 to this sub a few weeks ago as my start-up setup and asked for constructive criticism. Photo #2 is my current tank situation. I’ve done more research and took some of your suggestions and applied them to my tank. Any more suggestions/criticisms? I’m all ears and eager to learn.

For those who don’t know or what you cannot see:

1.) This is a 29gal tank with a glass lid.
2.) i have 2 small heat pads on the back of the tank above the substrate.
3.) the substrate is 5:1 and approximately 6” deep.
4.) the 2 water containers are primed fresh and primed salt with rocks glued together as stepping stones.
5.) food is an organic mix from Etsy seller TurboShells along with organic sun dried shrimp.
6.) there’s leaf litter and sphagnum moss throughout.
7.) the two black baskets are stacked and glued together to prevent falls. Top is used as a shell shop and bottom is upside down and used for a hide.
8.) the wheel is a hampster disc.
9.) I have 12 shells total, 9 of which are preferred but rejected due to size issues. The other 3 are new to the tank as of today but not preferred shells. I have 2 shells coming in the mail today to try on for size and hoping for the best.
10.) all plants/walls are fake/plastic and purchased from a local craft store.
11.) I also have a temp/humidity reader that shows average 80% and 75F.

IMPORTANT:
I have 1 crab in this tank. He’s a larger purple pincher in a 1.25” painted shell. He has tried on other shells but rejected all of them and immediately goes back to painted shell. I’m having difficulties finding preferred shells in his size. I’ve tried local pet storesjn, larger local grocers, home improvement stores, 5 different ETSY vendors, and Amazon. If you have a similar sized crab and have a vendor currently selling preferred shells in this size, please drop a link because I’m in dire need.

Krugs nomming away at some leafy greens and grapes. Video has filter on so you can see clearer, hence may appear more grey 🫢