Why Do Hermit Crabs Need A Heater?

The right temperature is necessary for the hermit crabs to keep their metabolism going. The absence of a heater will shut down their organs leading to their death. The hermit’s enclosure must achieve a temperature between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius, except for those living in a tropical area. Here are the critical factors in buying such devices:

Durable

Heater for hermit crabs could be in the form of a mat or a pad, whichever you opt for durability is a must. The device must stick on the tank’s surface firmly for several days or months through an adhesive material.

Energy-efficient

Your prime goal should be to minimize the energy cost while nurturing your pet. Don’t worry, most of the listed heaters below are cost-effective.

Size Options

Having several heater size options is good for the buyers because different sizes of enclosures are available as well.

Top 7 Best Heater For Hermit Crabs

Aiicioo Upgrade Version Under Tank Heater

It is an upgraded version with more robust construction and is ideal for under tank assembly. The heater can last for 24-hours in providing warmth to reptilian species, including hermit crabs. Wait for six hours to finally get an accurate temperature reading inside the terrarium.

Finding an outlet is so convenient with its long power cord, but the cable may get in the way sometimes. You can mount this device on either bottom or side of the terrarium, whichever is more beneficial for the pet. It comes with a special glue to easily stick to the tank. Three options are available to choose for, which are fit for small or more significant crabs.

Its high level of nichrome content gives the right temperature for the crabs. The upgraded adhesive material can hold a heat resistance of 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The glue will soon lose its efficacy. Removing it is not the best remedy, but buying a separate thermostat is a way better.

Pros

• Multiple options
• Easy to set up
• Solid materials used

Cons

• Additional cost for a thermostat

Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mats

Looking for the right size of heat mats for hermit crabs is possible with Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mats. They provide mini to vast heat mat options. It is essential to pick the right heat mat that fits the terrarium. The mat is composed of a unique adhesive that takes time to wear off finally.

It is an external heat source, which can be stuck underside or on the rear part of the terrarium. Once mounted, it would be difficult to remove. The heat mat is energy efficient, unlike any other heater for hermit crabs.

The pets can rely on Zilla Mat’s even and constant heat distribution for daily activities. It helps to enhance hermit crab’s appetite and metabolism. It only provides a specific amount of heat because there is no thermostat in it. Invest in a thermostat for temperature control.

Pros

• Sturdy construction
• Has bigger options
• Evenly distributes heat

Cons

• No thermostat
• Hard to deal with the adhesive

Zoo Med Repti Therm Under Tank Heater

Zoo Med is a well-known brand that concerns with the wellbeing of the reptiles in a terrarium. Each customer can enjoy a full one-year warranty upon this under tank heater at a very reasonable price. The heater is tested and approved by the experts.

It is available in many sizes and packages. If you own lots of hermit crabs, you can buy more packs of under tank heater at Zoo Med. The heater comes with an instruction manual for at ease assembly.

The heater can provide the appropriate temperature for the hermit crabs for 24-hours. It is by the nichrome heating element in which the heater renders safe and accurate temp for the pets.

It is ideal for putting under the tank. You can invest a thermostat for temperature control because it prevents frying the hermit crabs because of an uncontrolled heat. It would be better off with a thermostat though spending extra is expected.

Pros

• Safe for the pets
• Includes a year warranty

Cons

• Can damage the tank’s surface
• Works well with a separate purchase of thermostat

BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller

No need to spend some further costs to buy a thermostat in providing a better habitat for hermit crabs. BN-LINK gives it all in one package. The Heat Mat Thermostat Controller could be the best solution in providing an optimum temperature in a pet enclosure.

First is to set the temperature probe near the enclosure and then plug in the controller. You can customize the warmth level on its 3-button interface, which supports both Fahrenheit and Celsius units. There is a LED indicator to display the current temperature level that can be seen even in total darkness.

Plugging the device is made easy by its 6-feet long power cord that can suit almost any outlet application. It has a rugged construction, but do not go underwater the controller or the probe to avoid more considerable damage.

The device does not only work for hermit crabs but also for several uses, like growing indoor plants.

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Great customer service
• Can go for several uses

Cons

• No troubleshooting guide
• UL certified

iPower Reptile Under Tank Heat Pad

Hermit crabs will be the happiest pet with the iPower Heat Pad. It is a versatile option with four various sizes to look for. The Heat Pad is waterproof and moisture-proof, which is perfect for placing underneath a tank. Knowing the said feature still prohibits the device from being sunk into the water.

It has improved design with new heating film and insulation, which enhances the overall heat transfer. The heat pad stays firm to the contact area with the help of 3M adhesive paper. It is easy to clean and saves up energy for all-time use.

You can plug the heater device into any 120V outlet without the use of an adapter, and safety is guaranteed through the device’s durable construction. A thermostat can be added to your purchase for better heat control.

Pros

• Excellent overall design
• Lengthy power cord
• Waterproof feature

Cons

• Responsive seller
• Adhesive issues

Zacro Reptile Heat Pad

The heat pad could warmth a 10 to 20-gallon tank containing hermit crabs. Most heat mats do not last long due to adhesive issues, but Zacro’s Heat Pad is different. It is made of high-quality materials with double-sided tape for a stronger grip. No worries as manuals are provided for the installation guide.

Users can experience stable performance when using the heat mat in a more extended period. It is highly efficient for giving a daily warm environment for the hermit crabs. The mat is placed underneath the tank with the help of the included double-sided tape. It ensures low energy consumption in even 24-hours operation.

The pad comes to you folded. Make sure to unfold the device before setting up to prevent any damage. It has a long power cord of about 6-feet for convenience, and it requires an 8W power to start working.

Pros

• Greatly valued heater
• Regulates tanks temperature
• Foldable design

Cons

• Decreasing heat output

Fluker’s 29050 Heat Mat

Another known brand for reptile stuff is the Fluker’s. They offer five heat mat sizes to fit on various tank dimensions. You can go for a mini heat mat that requires 2-watts of power to warm hermit crabs. Your pet can feel extra heat inside its terrarium for the betterment of its wellbeing.

The heat mat can be mounted under or on the side of the enclosure, depending on your liking. When you choose to place the mat below, put a thin layer of substrate in a tank to prevent heat buildup. Choose the latter if there is no bottom ventilation or heavy substrate inside the tank.

It has durable construction able to distribute uniform heat output for the hermit crabs. The heat mat operates at a constant temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be improved with the use of a thermostat.

This heat mat is possible to put inside the tank with proper supervision.

Pros

• Versatile
• A reliable heat mat
• Well-built

Cons

• It takes an hour to heat up
• Lack of adhesive

Conclusion

To summarize, hermit crabs cannot withstand a stone-cold territory. Thanks to the heaters made especially for them. These devices provide heat to hermit crabs, helping them live better and longer. It comes in different forms but these devices serve only one purpose – to warmth the cold-blooded hermit crabs.

Also, take note of the three key factors which the best heater for hermit crabs must bear. These will save you so much cost in finding the right device.

The post 7 Best Heater For Hermit Crabs 2022 (Product Review & Buying Guide) appeared first on My Life Pets.

Top 10 Best Substrate & Sand For Hermit Crabs

Fluker’s All Natural Premium Sand Substrate Mixture

Fluker discovers out of the cage kind of substrate for hermit crabs in accordance of the mixtures used.

Unlike other mixtures’ manufacturers who used calcium carbonate and pieces of crushed seashells, Fluker added all-natural silica sand, coconut grit, sea salt, and probiotics. These ingredients make the mixture more healthy and helpful for the hermit crabs. They functioned differently with one purpose.

The silica sand and coconut grits maintain the overall mixtures’ moist. The sea salt gives the natural ocean feeling to the crabs and the probiotic keeps the mixtures away from bacteria and it also helps to break down pet’s waste.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The powerful combination of the ingredients makes the mixture the best for a hermit crab. The coconut grit really maintains the moist. The downfall is that calcium carbonate easily gets under its shell that might kill your pet.

Fluker’s Loose Coconut Bedding

Fluker’s another kind of substrate is a coconut bedding. They have proven a quality preceding sand substrate mixture thus, no worry in trying this one.

It is made of 100% coconut fiber and it is organic. The moist it provides is at its best for the hermit crab. The bedding is suitable for all invertebrate animals, including hermit crab. It must be changed every 6 months for a more hygienic environment to your pet.

If foul odor takes place, change the whole substrate immediately to avoid affecting your pet’s health.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The reminders at the back of the package speak clearly on how it works. The coconut fiber is so fine.

Zoo Med Hermit Soil Coconut Fiber Brick

If you want more eco-friendly substrate than what Fluker’s could offer, Zoo Med has made a brick substrate for your pet.

It is not like usual sand but in a brick form that expands up to 8 liters when water is added. The coconut fiber brick alone can work well but if sand is added, it makes the habitat easier for your pet to burrow.

This substrate is fully made of coconut fiber that is useful in maintaining the moist environment in which the pet’s a necessary requirement in its habitat.  Other than that, it causes the pet to burrow easier.

Additionally, the brick cleans the hermit crabs’ habitat by naturally absorbing the wastes’ residue.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The brick expands as expected and it allows the hermit crab to burrow in a moist-rich substrate. It has no smell at all. However, avoid food from being down the substrate for a long time to avoid the presence of molds.

Hermit Habitat Terrarium Sand, Blue

Your pet loves eye-catchy surroundings too, yet, making your pet’s habitat as colorful as you want is not a hard thing anymore.

Hermit crab habitat creates a unique sand mixture as they colored it with blue to imitate an oceanic aura. It renders your pet the feeling of real ocean habitat even in a tank for the sand itself naturally came from the ocean.

It is made with non-toxic ingredients that are safe for ingestion to your pet. Calcium carbonate is the main ingredient of this mixture that is effective in growing the pet’s exoskeleton. Moreover, it naturally neutralizes the odor of your pet’s habitat that makes it more humid and comfier to the hermit crab.

It is also available in variations of colors depending on your want.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The sand’s color attracts hermit crab more than ever before. The hermit crab loves burrowing itself into this sand. On the other hand, customers’ demand for a bigger sack of this sand has risen.

Hermit Habitat Terrarium Substrates

Hermit crab also loves to live on gravels. It is different from the sand where it can burrow anytime it wants because on substrates like this it is not possible for your pet to burrow.

Anyways, these fine gravels coated with blue acrylic color will make your pet’s habitat more colorful. The coating is non-toxic and it will never turn your hermit crab into blue. The color itself gives an oceanic view to your pet and it helps it to adapt easily to its new environment.

It can be placed on different containers as long as it can give comfort and it is safe for your pet. It better works when added with sand in the same brand to make a full package habitat.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The view it gives is so wonderful. However, according to some users, the acrylic color has eroded from the gravel and it irritated the hermit crab.

Reptile Sciences Terrarium Sand for Aquarium

Hermit crabs will surely miss the white sand beach they subsisted for their entire life as they become pets. You can remake that beach sand environment on your pet.

This is the simplest sand on the list as it gives a natural sand beach appearance. It works well for reptiles as its name foretells but its effectiveness for hermit crabs has also proven by the good reviews coming from hermit crab owners.

This sand is fully made of calcium carbonate that is naturally colored with white which creates a nature-like environment for a hermit crab. It is toxic free and safe for ingestion and burrowing. When in times of cleaning the tank, it has neutralized a natural odor thus no hardships in cleaning it.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The 10 pounds natural white sand is sufficient for the burrowing of a hermit crab. It does not cause digestive problems in the pet living in it. The sands’ texture is fine and designed for better burrowing of hermit crab-like on its natural habitat.

Galapagos Hermit Crab Tropicoco Soil

Hermit crabs normally live in soft, fine beach sand to live its life to the fullest. You can now provide soft bedding for the hermit crab made of coconut soil.

It does not appear as the prior sand and substrate mixtures. At first, it looks like a normal brick but when salt water is poured out to it, it will break into softer pieces until it becomes comfier bedding for your pet. It is cozier for your pet to live in soft bedding especially that it loves to burrow itself into it.

The mixtures also resist bacteria and louses from coming. It also maintains the humidity environment that is normally needed by a hermit crab. Subsequently, it is environmental friendly bedding for a hermit crab.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The comfort it provides on hermit crab is so legit and the moist content of the beddings is steady because of its absorbance ability.

Zoo Med Vita-Sand

The hermit crab deserves to live in a healthy environment to attain its natural growth. Sand initial for reptiles’ habitat but it can also do well for a hermit crab.

It is available in six different wonderful colors that could catch hermit crab’s attention. It is made of all-natural calcium carbonate with no added preservatives thus avoids ingestion problems. The ending mixture product was made in fine texture to prevent excessive danger from ingestion.

A veterinarian approved substrate for your pet. Meaning, it is safe for ingestion and it’s a big help for the growth of the pet.

Customer’s Point-of-view

Since this substrate is vitamin-rich, it has an odor of the used vitamins to produce this substrate. The sand is also dusty as according to the users therefore not easy to clean. Overall, it is naturally made and that makes it still a good substrate for your hermit crab.

Carib Sea Super Natural Moonlight Sand

Looking for sand that is good for both saltwater and freshwater? Carib Sea has made it into reality!

It is 5-pound sand colored with natural white to completely imitate hermit crab’s original habitat. This results to a comfier pet on its new habitat. Its color also results to an easy to clean habitat as dirt can be easily seen.

It has the ability to neutralize the pH level of the water that helps the sand to moist. It is also safe for ingestion as it does not contain any paint and additives. The sand is best placed in an aquarium for better distribution of beddings to hermit crabs.

It is a USA-made substrate that ensures its quality.

Customer’s Point-of-view

The sand is too fine that it works well for moist texture only and not with so much water in it. Additionally, it gives a crystal clear look hermit crab habitat for burrowing because of its white shiny color.

Nature’s Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Live Sand

Do you want a hygienic habitat for your little crabby? Here is the key!

As hermit crabs will now live in an aquarium at home, the oceanic feeling is needed. The difference of this sand compared to other sand on the list is its advance cleaning ability. It naturally removes harmful waste such as Ammonia and Nitrite because of its bio-activ elements.

The 10-pound sand naturally came from the beach for better concentration for the better growth of your pet.

Customer’s Point-of-view

It is very suitable for aquarium used and best for the burrowing of hermit crabs. The benefits it gives for better cleaning was highly praised by the users.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)

Why are sand and substrate important for hermit crabs?

Hermit crabs love to play around the sandy beach. Bringing it inside a tank will demand a natural environment. Thus, by having sand and substrate for the hermit crab is needed and very important because they can play and burrow their whole in it. Without it on their temporary habitat will not let them grow as normal.

What kind of sand and substrate do hermit crabs live?

There are specific sand and substrate for hermit crab in the market. As long as it is not too fine or too coarse but in the middle texture, it is good for hermit crabs to live on. Also, choose sand and substrate that are surely clean or hygienic to protect the growth of your pets.

Can I use the usual sand at the backyard for hermit crabs’ habitat?

Absolutely not, you cannot be sure on the quality of usual sand and hermit crabs do need sand rich in calcium for the better growth. The texture also is largely different from the specified sand or substrate for hermit crab offered in the market.

How to set up a crabitat with sand and substrate?

Since hermit crabs normally live in a moist environment, keeping the sand and substrate at their moist level is recommended. This will happen by adding some water to the mixture to make it at its moist level. Aside from sand, coconut fiber can be placed on a tank for it can easily moist like a soil. The other recommendation as a substrate is a crushed coral which is effective though.

What to avoid in choosing sand and substrate for a hermit crab?

Hermit crab loves to burrow thus having pebbles as a substrate is not acceptable. However, small pebbles could still work for hermit crabs. In addition to that, wood shavings are not also suitable for giving the needed moist of your pet. Lastly, a moss product for it invites the presence of bacteria and molds.

The Bottom Line

Hermit crabs depend on its environment for better living. Most importantly are the sand and substrate in where it burrows its whole being in order to molt. Therefore, choosing the most suitable substrate for your pet must be taken into consideration for the better molting of your pet.

At the end of the day, the proper taking care of hermit crabs depends really on yourself as you’ll constantly check its crabitat’s moist level.

If questions are to be raised, comment down below and we’ll throw a response immediately.

The post Best Substrate & Sand For Hermit Crabs Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

Jurassipet Hermit Crab Food

Hermit crabs would eat anything that you give them, including the foods that you eat. But if you want to make sure that your pet gets the right nutrition, then you should feed them with foods that are sold in the pet store. The Jurassipet is a premium food that is specially made for hermit crabs.

This product only contains high-quality ingredients without fillers, such as corn meal. It also contains important nutrients that your pet needs like fat, vitamins, protein, minerals, and carbohydrates. Also, this food is guaranteed to improve your pet’s appetite, growth, vitality, and coloration in a month if you feed it to your pet continuously.

Pisces Pros Variety Hermit Crab Food

While most hermit crab foods are packed with chemicals, preservatives, and other stuff that aren’t good for your pet’s health, the HBH Pisces Pros contains a variety of real foods like coconut and other high nutritional ingredients. If your crab is a picky eater, which is less likely, this food would be the only thing that you need for your pet.

This pack is developed and formulated as a type of food that hermit crabs would surely love. Pisces Pros only focus on ingredients that are best for your crab’s health, it also contains food oil to prevent your pet’s shell from molting.

Sungrow Cholla Wood

Hermit crabs are scavenging crustaceans, it is a natural activity that they need to do to live in the wild. They may eat anything that you give to them, but their health shouldn’t be taken for granted. Aside from meat, fruits, and other healthy foods that they could eat, a decaying wood is also important in their habitat.

Hermit crabs love to chew on decayed woods, so adding this one in their crabitat is a good decision to make. This cholla wood from Sungrow is an excellent addition in their diet, aside from being a great chew toy and source of food, it also provides a natural looking decor in their enclosure.

Florida Marine Reseach Hermit Crab Food

If you want to stock up some food, luckily, Florida Marine Research offers a 3-pack hermit crab food at an affordable price. Each pack is about 4 ounces, so if you have about more than 3 hermit crabs at home, this purchase would be worth it. The ingredients it contains are all safe for your pet to eat.

Each pack contains ingredients where your crabs will likely to enjoy and be able to help them maintain a healthy life. It also features some healthy food oils which would help prevent their shell’s molting and allows their shell to have a longer life.

Bumble Bee Mackerel Canned Fish

If you are planning on feeding some meat to your hermit crabs, some canned fish like this canned mackerel could be appealing to your pet’s taste. This can of fish contains some chub mackerel, which is quite similar to a large sardine in size but with a unique flavor.

Like we have mentioned earlier, hermit crabs can also eat human foods. But if you are to feed them with meat, fish, and others, make sure it is free from spices or table salts that could harm your pet.

Freeze Dried Shrimp for Fresh and Saltwater Fish

Spoiling your crabs with treats once in a while is a good way of making them feel comfortable with you. This pack of freeze-dried plankton is designed for freshwater and saltwater fish, but it would also be a good choice of treats for your crabs. This contains a heavy concentration of beta-carotene, which could help bring out your crab’s color.

This food is an excellent addition to your pet’s diet, even if it’s only just a treat. It’s highly nutritious and can also be used as a supplement for your pet if it’s a finicky eater. The reason why this food is an ideal food supplement for your pet is that it is packed with lipids and proteins, which is essential for their overall health.

TradeKing Dried Mealworms

Mealworms are also an appealing food for hermit crabs. These are high in protein which is perfect if you want to make your crabs grow quicker. The great thing about these worms is that refrigeration isn’t necessary, just keep it in a cool dry place to have a long shelf life.

This is an ideal protein diet that you can give to your pet that is not only certified by veterinary, but it is also prepared with high-quality worms which is safe and nutritious to your crabs.

Plum Organics Fruit and Veggie Baby Food

A lot of hermit crab owners says that their crabs have sweet tooth, they also said that fruits and vegetables are good options for them. A lot of crab owners feed their pets with baby food to satisfy their crab’s sweet tooth, more specifically the fruit flavors. If you are looking for an alternative to fruit treats for pets and fresh fruits, then this would be a good option.

If you want to use baby food as your crab’s treats, you should try the applesauce, guava fruit, apples, mangoes, bananas, apple, sweet corn casserole, and sweet potato flavors. Crabs appreciate varieties of foods with different flavors, so you should consider letting your pet taste some of it to know which flavor it likes.

Zoo Med Fruit Salad for Hermit Crabs

If you want to avoid using baby food as sweet treats for your hermits, then you should go for Zoo Med’s fruit salad which is specially made for hermits. Each pack of this salad contains a variety of dried foods which gives a lot of options for your pet. The more choices your crabs have, the more they’ll enjoy their food.

This product has all-natural dried fruits which are perfect if you want to avoid processed foods, each container has cranberries, apples, and mango varieties. However, this treat is not only designed for aquatic pets, but it can also be fed to birds and amphibians.

Aquatic Arts Sinking Pellets

Pellets can be the main food source of your hermit crabs if your pet’s crabitat has water is filled with a bit of water, then this sinking pellet is a good choice. Instead of floating on top of the water, the pellets would stay at the bottom, this way your crabs won’t have to swim up just to grab it. Pellets like these are designed for aquatic animals, this includes snails, crayfish, crabs, shrimp, axolotl, and others.

Purchasing a bulk supply of these pellets can last for a year, which is enough to feed 2 crayfish, 15 shrimps, 15 snails, or over 10 hermit crabs. It is packed with high-quality ingredients that provide enough nutrition for your pet and helps maximize their colors. For best results, you should first crush the pellets before feeding to your pet so that they could ingest it much easier.

Health Signs of Hermit Crabs

If you want to know if your crabs are healthy or not, then here are some signs that you should be looking for. Here are some signs that you should look out for if whether your pet is sick or not.

A healthy hermit crab shows a healthy appetite like eating anything that you give to it and pretty much active.

As for a sick hermit, here are the signs that you should look out for: if your pet has lethargy, loss of appetite, losing its limbs, or has abandoned its shell and never came back for it, then a visit to a veterinarian is a must.

Conclusion

It is easy to take care of hermit crabs as they are low maintenance, but when it comes to their habitat, foods, and other needs, you’ll have to make a bit more effort. Luckily, hermit crabs would eat anything that you give them, but do make sure that you’re feeding them with would provide nutrition to their tiny bodies.

If you feed the right food to your crabs with the right nutrition, your crab would grow quickly in a healthy and strong way. Not only that, but it would also prevent their shells from molding which is important to make your crabs live longer.

The post The 10 Best Hermit Crab Food Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

So, if you are a proud owner of these little creatures, then here are some of the top recommended habitats for the little crustaceans.

Top 10 Best Hermit Crab Habitat

Koller Products Repitat Reptile Carrier

Being Amazon’s Choice for Hermit Crab Tank, the Repitat Reptile Carrier takes the first place on our list. Unlike any other terrariums, this habitat comes in an oval shape which makes it quite unique.

Ideal habitat for hermit crabs, toads, newts, and other small creatures, the Repitat Reptile Carrier will keep your pets secure and safe, completely enclosed with a removable access door. The habitat is also well-ventilated in order to provide enough air circulation inside.

Made from impact-resistant plastic construction with a panoramic view which allows you to see your adorable pet inside. This 1-gallon habitat can be the perfect housing for small pets and includes a basking island and carrying handle to act as a carrier to take your pet to school to a visit to the vet.

NYCP House-Shape Glass Terrarium

A stylish, house-shaped glass terrarium, this one from NYCP can be a great centerpiece on your table and is ideal for raising reptiles, insects, or live plants such as ferns and moss, or both.

This high-quality geometric terrarium is made from framed transparent material glass. It features a swing lid for easy access on the inside of the terrarium and prevents escaping of pets. Having copper alloyed frame, the stylish terrarium does not hold water, so it is much suitable for land hermit crabs and other reptiles.

Lee’s Hermit Crab Hideaway

The Lee’s Hermit Crab Hideaway Kit consists of everything that you might need for raising a hermit crab. It comes with a Hermit Hut which is an ideal environment to keep the little crustaceans safe and secure.

The kit also comes with a Medium Kritter Keeper, natural gravel, decorative plants, sponge for watering and a detachable night-sky scene for a complete hermit crab habitat. Its dimensions are 11 ¾” x 7 ¾” x 8”, which is big enough for at least 2 hermit crabs or a large one.

Penn Plax New World Habitat

The Penn Plax New World Habitat is a habitat tank that can be used to house hermit crabs, newts, snakes, frogs, fish, gerbils, hamsters, bugs or any other type of small pets. Penn Plax offers you 3 size choice: large, medium or small.

The habitat comes with several great features which also depends on the size that you choose. These include compatibility with light units, recessed gravel bed, compatibility with hamster tubing, curved expansive viewing face, ventilated flip-top cover and a handle.

Exo Terra Allglass Terrarium

Designed by European herpetologists, the Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium is an ideal amphibian or reptile housing. It features front door opening that gives you an easy access on the inside for feeding and cleaning.

It comes with a specially-designed lock that prevents the escape of your pets. Also, it has full-screen top ventilation that will allow infrared and UVB penetration and is also completely removable for easy cleaning or decorating. At the back of the screen, the cover features 5 closable tube inlets or wire on both sides for installation of Waterfalls, Heat Wave Rocks, sensors and more inside of the terrarium.

The terrarium’s bottom plate is raised in order to mount a substrate heater. Its extra high fixed front window is suitable for thick substrate layers for burrowing pets. Its natural background helps keep the natural ambiance so that your pets can feel at home.

ReptiZoo Mini Reptile Glass Terrarium

The Mini Reptile Glass Terrarium from ReptiZoo helps provide your pets with a comfortable and durable place to live in. The terrarium can hold water and is watertight. Its top is constructed from the metal screen in order to provide enough ventilation and allow heat sources inside the cage.

The cover comes with specially designed feeding ports. Its easy “lift and pull” sliding door is simple to close o open and prevent your pets from escaping. The habitat offers some closable tube and wire inlets on both sides in order to install sensors, waterfalls, heat wave rocks and more inside the habitat. Lightweight, the glass terrarium is not that heavy and is quite easy to move from one place to another.

Nature Gift Store Hermit Crab Complete Starter Kit

Suitable for beginners, Nature Gift Store offers a complete starter kit for your hermit crab. This kit offers everything you need in order to raise your tiny crustaceans. What’s more is that you also get 2 LIVE “purple pincher” crabs along with the habitat.

Featuring a 2-gallon habitat, the kit also includes water treatment solution, water mister, plastic plants, plastic palm trees, choya wood for climbing, clamshell food dish, and sponge with clamshell for water, extra shell, food, and coconut fibers.  The habitat is a healthy and safe home for 2 new members of the family and is great for kids of all ages plus homes, offices, science classes, and classrooms.

TetraFauna Viquarium

A reputable brand name, Tetra offers high-quality pet habitats and solutions that add beauty and ease to every home. This particular product, the TetraFauna Viquarium will convert a standard aquarium into an aqua-terrarium, a combination of terrarium and aquarium in one. It comes with a water section and dry land, making it very suitable for hermit crabs that can live both in land and water.

This habitat is quite easy to set up and is large enough to house several hermit crabs and fishes. It also features 3-stage Whisper filtration for quiet operation and uses 2 ReptoFilter medium cartridges. Multipurpose and highly versatile, this habitat allows you to house different species in one go.

Exo Terra Nano Wide Terrarium

Another great terrarium from Exo Terra, the Nano Wide Terrarium is also a glass habitat suitable for amphibians, reptiles, and small animals. The terrarium features a single from opening door, allowing easy access inside the habitat for feeding, misting or maintenance. It also helps in preventing your pets from escaping their habitat while also retaining the humidity and heat inside.

It comes with a reliable lock that prevents the unwanted opening from curious pets or children and adds an extra security measure in order to keep your pets safe inside the terrarium. Moreover, the full-screen top cover lets infrared and UVB penetration and is completely removable for easy decorating or cleaning of the terrarium. There are also durable locks on its side in order to secure the top as well as built-in closable tube and wire inlets on both sides in order to securely run tubing and wire inside the habitat while making sure that your pets won’t have a chance to escape.

The terrarium also offers a waterproof base and is fixed to be extra high in order to allow deep layers of substrates for burrowing pets as well as providing enough space for glass mounted decors. Lastly, the terrariums natural looking rock background creates a natural looking habitat for your pets so that they will feel at ease.

MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit

The MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit provides a stylish and quick foundation or starting your new aquarium. This 3-gallon habitat boasts curved glass as well as a LED lighting system which uses bright blue and white LEDs, showing off your aquarium at any time of the day.

Its glass canopy slides back over the aquarium filter in order to provide a space for daily feeding as well as water care. IT also helps prevent your pets from escaping and maintain the temperature inside the aquarium. Lastly, the aquarium comes complete with a 3-stage filtration system that works effortlessly in order to provide a healthy and clean aquatic environment.

Accessories for Hermit Crabs

SunGrow Natural Coco Hut

SunGrow develops an all-natural habitat primarily for shrimp but it can be for hermit crab by using a simple coco hut. It can be innovated by your own wanting designs (if you want to) to make your hermit crab more amazing.

It has a wide single opening that is perfect in rendering privacy for your hermit crab. The opening also allows it to easily enter and go out of its habitat. This natural habitat can be placed inside the aquarium to be more secure but before doing so, here are the things you need to do: Wash the coco hut with boiling water then soak it in fresh water with stimulated carbon to free it from unseen dirt.

SunGrow Eco-Friendly Hermit Crab Hut

Get ready your hermit crab to play the tunnel game.

It is another crab hut habitat for your hermit crab but with two open doors that keep your crab feels cozy. Consequently, you can build a tunnel out of it (one crab hut per purchase). It is a two-way habitat, including a hideaway and a climbing toy. The coco hut used is all-natural and organic that ensures your pet’s safety even when chewed. With this habitat, you can spend your time playing with your pet called the tunnel game.

SunGrow 3 Cholla Wood for Pets

A Cholla Plant which will eventually break down into skeleton wood will result in a Cholla Soft Wood. It is normally seen as home décor but actually fits as a habitat to your pet.

The package includes 3 six inches of dried cholla wood. Placing it inside the aquarium will end up a naturalistic view and attractive to hermit crabs. For further information, hermit crabs love to chew the remaining of the woods because it is nutritious for them and it serves as an additional source for food. They are free to climb on the cholla wood habitat and they can also hide for privacy. Before using it, soak it to boiling water then keep it dry to prevent forming of molds.

NilocG Aquatics Natural Cholla Wood

This dried cholla plant serves as an excellent hiding place for that tiny hermit crab. It’s the same cholla wood but comes only from a different manufacturer that adds up their own flavor to prove its quality.

The package includes 5 five to six inches natural cholla wood that is pesticide and chemical free. The company ensures the safety of your pet thus chewing it takes no harm for them. There will be more cholla woods to climb on and to use as hideout thus more enjoyable for the hermit crab to stay on its habitat. The cholla wood needs to be saturated on boiling waters for 1 to 2 days before settling down the aquarium for better habitat result.

Fluker’s All Natural Premium Sand Substrate Mixture

Give your hermit crab a break on its unnatural habitat by sprinkling a beach sandy feeling in it.  You can buy an enclosure as its permanent habitat but by adding this one will surprise your pet. Try it!

Hermit crab loves to burrow itself into the sand and with this 6-pound mixture of coconut grit, salt, calcium carbonate and well blend sand, you are letting your pet to have that natural feeling. Pour out a minimum depth of sand about three times of its shell’s size on the enclosure and make it moist. Additionally, it has probiotic for more effective breaking down of your pet’s waste in its habitat.

SLSON Large Hermit Crab Shells

The shell worn by a hermit crab is not permanent as they eventually get off the shell whenever they wanted to. The good news is you can buy a shell habitat for your pet so it won’t be worried outliving its own shell.

The package contains 3 different seashells in large sizes as it is intended only for adult hermit crabs namely Silvermouth shell, White Murex shell, Crown Conch shell. They are all-natural with no paints added to avoid harming a pet. The openings are all large that is only suitable for adult crabs. Enough ratio of a shell for each hermit crab is 3 to 5 seashells thus if you own two hermit crabs, you’ll be needing 2 packs of large hermit crab shells to properly accommodate them. Conclusively, before using it sterilized the shell for 5 minutes into dechlorinated boiling water then cool down before giving to your crabs.

THE OTHER TIDE 12 Hermit Crab Changing Shells

Your hermit crab will have many options of shells to live with. As said, they love leaving their shells once in a while.

There are 12 small to large sizes of hermit crab green turbo shells in one pack. It is all properly cleaned and polished which is pretty perfect for your pet. This will result in a better reproduction of the hermit crab as more habitats are given to it. Since more shells are included in the package, it is pricier.

Crabworx Hotel

Your hermit will surely feel luxurious with this hotel-like habitat.

It is suitable for all sizes of hermit crab since it has enough space inside and even fit for climbing on. The hotel is made of hard materials thus safe from chewing and sturdy. You can place it as décor in your house and surprisingly there’s a pet living in it. This fits a shy crab who loves to hide.

SunGrow Hermit Crab Leaves

Hermit crabs also live in the wild and through these leaves; it will have its habitat as well as a treat.

These 2 leaves maintain the needed humidity and moist environment to outgrow a hermit crab. It is a healthy habitat for your pet as it can eat the leaves as a treat and play around with it as well. Your pet will eventually use it as its hiding place which is easier for it to lift up. No chemical added for it is all-organic leaves.

What Are Hermit Crabs?

Hermit crabs are crustaceans which belong to the Paguroidea family. Not like true crabs, the hermits have vulnerable and soft abdomen. So, in order to protect their delicate and soft bodies from predators, they look and use abandon shells of other animals, usually snails.

This habit of loving in the shells of other animals which has given them their name. Hermits carry their “houses” wherever they may go. And once they outgrow their current shells, they discard it and search for a larger one.

What is appropriate habitat for a hermit crab?

Hermit crab normally lives in wild seas thus considering an appropriate habitat for them is needed. There is an aquatic type that prefers living in the corals and there is a terrestrial type that loves climbing on trees.

What to consider in building hermit crab habitat?

Foremost, make the closure tight but breathable because hermit crabs are an expert in escaping. Hermit crabs demand 70 to 80 percent of humidity to prevent gills from drying up that can even kill them. The temperature must be at the mid-range, for low temperature slows down its metabolism and high temperature will have an effect on your crab’ health. Moreover, you can put some hermit crab friendly decors on the habitat according to your want and to your pet’s comfort. In addition to that, put sand and a coconut grit to give your pet a full packed natural habitat.

How to build your own habitat for a hermit crab?

The following are the steps in building a hermit crab habitat:

Use 5-gallon tank

This is the minimum required gallon size for hermit crabs to prevent it from escaping. Its space is enough to hold up to 2 hermit crabs.

Put 2 to 3 inches of sand

This is for burrowing and for faster growth of your pet. With this in its habitat, it will be more like its natural territory.

Add some climbing toys

The toys will also serve as their hiding place and it adds more life to its habitat. It can actually serve as a natural habitat for your pet.

Hermit crab warmer (optional)

This is to maintain the moist on your pet and to make it live more as it is known for its sensitivity on temperature.

How to Clean a Hermit Crab’s Habitat?

Regular cleaning is crucial in order to keep a hermit crab in good health condition.

A larger habitat that only has a few crabs do not need frequent cleaning as much as a smaller habitat with larger crabs. Simple cleaning chores like taking care of obvious messes or spot cleaning need to be done daily. Meanwhile, a more dedicated cleaning can be done every week or two.

Deep and full cleaning should be done every month. However, in a well-balanced habitat, deep cleaning might not be that crucial at all. However, if there are signs of flies, mites, gnats or any strong odors, a deep cleaning should be the best solution.

Crabitat Cleaning Tips

Cleaning your hermit crab’s habitat need to be a part of your pet care routine. When you know how to properly clean their habitat, you will be able to keep them comfortable and healthy for a happy and long life. Here are some cleaning tips for you:

• For simple cleaning chores, the hermits can be moved to a “playpen” while you quickly clean their habitat. For deep cleaning, you need to set up a temporary housing with suitable humidity and temperature for your crabs for a day or two. This is to prevent your hermits from being stressed.
• For cleaning the sand at the bottom, you will need to use a sand scoop in order to filter out wet clumps or debris every day. For a deeper clean, you will need to remove all of the sand and can either replace it or reheat it in the oven at 250 degrees for at least 25 to 30 minutes in order to kill any bacteria.
• Hermits are highly sensitive to chemicals, specifically bleach. So, you will need to use a biodegradable cleaner or vinegar solution when cleaning. However, plain hot water should suffice.
• Boil toys and shells for at least 2 to 3 minutes in order to clean them. Live plants, rocks, and woods need to be wiped thoroughly with very hot water.
• Using hot water or a biodegradable cleanser, wipe the tanks top, bottom and sides. In case you use a cleanser, make sure to thoroughly rinse the tank in order to remove any residue.

Conclusion

Given their popularity as pets, getting the best habitat for these crustaceans is not difficult. They do not need an elaborate setup to be raised and are quite easy to take care of. Given the best hermit crab habitat, you can keep these little ones entertained and survive for years!

The post The Best Hermit Crab Habitat: Reviews & Guide 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.