what is the best to put in the crabitat

Question
Hello,
  My family just purchased 6 hermit crabs, small and medium size. They are
in a 10 gallon tank. The store gave us aquarium gravel to put in it. I also have
sand and  some moss. Is the gravel ok to use? I have three different
environments for the crabs to play in, sand, gravel then moss. I haven't found
any info that say crabs like the rocks. Should these things be mixed together?  
They seem ok some are more active then others. I have two huts.  How many
food and water bowls should I have. I will say I didn't purchase these at a pet
store.
Thanks

Answer
Gravel isn't ideal for hermit crabs. It can get into their shells and irritate them. It's best to use playsand or a substrate we call Eco Earth. You would find that in the reptile section of pet stores. Moss is great, and many use it in a container for them to eat and hide in.
You need 2 water bowls, deep enough for your crabs to submerge in. You can add plastic plants or aquarium rocks to the dishes to help them get out. One bowl should be for dechlorinated fresh water and the other is for dechlorinated salt water. Do not use table salt.
The huts are good for them, you might also consider getting some fake plants for them to hide in as well. They like to feel safe that way.
1 food bowl is fine, make sure to offer fresh and dried foods to them. Commercial foods from pet stores contain ingredients that are harmful to them.
For more information feel free to check out this website
www.hermitcrabaddiction.net/forum