How to Take Care of Saltwater Hermit Crabs

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How to Take Care of Saltwater Hermit Crabs

How to Take Care of Saltwater Hermit Crabs. Hermit crabs are active and social little animals. While land hermit crabs are relatively straightforward to keep, if not to breed, saltwater ones are like any other animal you might keep in a marine aquarium. They need very specific conditions. If you are completely new to keeping an aquarium, it may be best to start with fish or invertebrates in a freshwater tank. However, people with some experience often find saltwater hermit crabs rewarding and interesting additions to their marine aquarium.

Saltwater hermit crabs need specific conditions.

Things Needed

Saltwater aquarium with live rock
Empty shells
Toothbrush
Pan
High-quality fish food

Step 1

Introduce two or more crabs to an established tank. The tank requires a natural balance of microorganisms and tiny invertebrates, achieved with the use of live rock, to provide the right conditions for hermit crabs. The water must be fully cycled and the live rock cured, processes which take a few weeks, before you add hermit crabs or any other animals. As these crabs are social animals, it is best to keep them in pairs or small groups.

Step 2

Add a number of shells larger than the ones on your crabs. As hermit crabs grow, they need to move into larger shells. Include different sizes, from shells just slightly larger than the current shells to quite a bit larger. Add plenty of shells, to avoid the crabs fighting over a particularly desirable one. Shells you found on the beach are fine, but scrub them clean with a toothbrush, boil for at least 15 minutes in dechlorinated water, and allow to cool before adding to your tank. This kills any dangerous bacteria or parasites.

Step 3

Supplement the food your hermit crabs find in the tank with extra fish food if necessary. If your crabs appear to be scavenging plenty of scraps themselves, they do not need extra. However if you have a small tank with little leftover food when you feed the other inhabitants, feed your crabs at least a couple of times a week. If you don't supply enough food, they may start preying on other invertebrates such as snails.

Warnings

Hermit crabs are vulnerable when they switch shells. In a confined space, larger carnivorous fish are a threat to them. Keep your crabs with small, peaceful fish and other invertebrates.