Questions tagged [hermit-crabs]

A family of crustaceans known for protecting themselves by carrying empty snail shells. Both marine and terrestrial species are kept as pets, and this tag can refer to either.

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How often should a hermit crab tank be cleaned?

I have three pet hermit crabs, and they live in a 10 gallon fish tank. How often should I clean this hermit crab tank? How often should the sand be replaced?
Andrew
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How can I help hermit crabs survive their first molt?

I have tried to keep hermit crabs as pets at various times in my life, and each time the poor things have died during their first molting process. I know that they are incredibly vulnerable during this time - what can I do to help them get through…
user53
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How many shells should be made available for a growing hermit crab?

It has been many years since I've owned hermit crabs, and I'm thinking about getting some for my son. I recall that they can be quite choosy about changing shells. How many empty shells should I provide for them (I haven't yet decided if we'll get…
Beofett
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How to handle a disappearing hermit crab?

What should you do if you lose a hermit crab? I have a friend whose family put very large shells in for the crab to try, and it disappeared. That was a long time ago, so it's obviously dead, but what should you do if you haven't seen it for a few…
Brian Rushton
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Why is my hermit crab more active after passing away of his fellow crab?

I started with two hermit crabs, and they would run through the normal hermit crab cycle of not being out much during the day and being more active at night. Recently, one of my hermit crabs died and, as unfortunate as that is, I have begun to see a…
madjean99
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Is a clean up crew necessary if there is no evident algae?

I've recently just established that my saltwater aquarium has cycled through ammonia and nitrites, and nitrates are ~10-20 ppm. I have been and am still ghost feeding the tank, since I purchased dry rock as I didn't want any unnecessary hitch hikers…
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Is my home temp endangering hermit crabs

I have 3 hermit crabs (5 months). Two of my crabs buried themselves 1 month ago and there is no dead smell. Our home is kept 69 degrees day and 67 night. How do I know my crabs are not dying a slow painful death and not molting? I really worry about…
user6189
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How to make a ladder for hermit crabs?

I'd like to know how to make a ladder easy for my hermit crabs to climb to get to their hammock. What's the best way to do this?
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How can can I keep my hermit crab warm without buying an under tank heater?

I am buying a hermit crab from the PetCo store, but I do not wish to purchase an under-tank heater. Is there an alternative to keep the tank warm?
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Help! My hermit crab molted but went missing!

My tiny crabbie, Pipboy, was molting for a while. This morning I found her shell and inside was a hollow shell, but no sign of the crab anywhere! Is it possible that she’s hiding? Maybe she’s buried herself? Will my other crabs try to hurt her if…
Orange
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How can I get a hermit crab off me, safely, once it pinches?

Honestly I'm scared if they get stuck. I need a way to get them off really quickly, without harming them.
J. Richo
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Is my cat going to eat my hermit crab?

I recently got two little hermit crabs. I also have a cat at home. My cat sleeps in my room, but he won't stop bothering the crabs. My hermit crabs' tank is located on my dresser, which my cat can access. How can I prevent my cat from bothering my…
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Missing hermit crab

My daughter purchased two hermit crabs a week ago. I got up this morning to discover the biggest green shelled crab was missing. I took everything out of the tank (it is a small starter tank) and can’t find him. We have two sponges in the tank and…
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How to clean hermit crab leftovers?

I have a 5-gallon glass tank for my 2 hermit crabs. I feed them river shrimps twice a day, but they leave a lot of food untouched, which tends to settle on the bottom of the tank between and under the rocks. I have a shallow rock bed, but no soil or…