In the wide, hermit crabs naturally live in the seas. So, if you decide to keep them as pets, it is important to make sure that their habitat is appropriate for their needs. Their enclosure habitat should have everything they need to survive and thrive as what they have in the natural environment.
Hermit crabs are very sensitive animals and require a lot of care and attention. Below is my list of items to create a best hermit crabs cage.
#1 Cage
An adult hermit crab can reach up to six inches long and it is therefore very important that you pick a tank that will provide your pet room to move around in. I would like to recommend you use glass tank instead of plastic or wire tank. I have been use a 10-gallon glass aquarium with a lid. A sliding glass one will work well to contain humidity.
#2 The Substrate
It is obvious that sand is the substrate of choice for hermit crabs because as it allows your hermit crabs to burrow down into. You can buy sand for hermit crabs at any pet store, it works well and is inexpensive. If you take sand from playground, it is better to rinse, dry, and bake the sand (at 300 degrees Fahrenheit) to sterilize it. Sand also can be reused by rewashed.
The other choice for hermit crabs substrate is coconut fiber. The fiber is ground quite fine and is nearly like soil, it is also a good option for burrowing. Substrate levels should be at least three times the height of your biggest crab.
#3 Proper Temperature & Humidity
You have to mimic the natural habitat of hermit crabs in their enclosure by consider the temperature and humidity that they need. If you use under tank heater to keep your hermit warm, it is better to place the heat pad under and outside the tank. Hermit crabs are happiest kept at 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to not allow the temperature drops below 72 degrees Fahrenheit regularly, the crabs will likely become weak, stressed, and ill.
Hermit crabs can grow at between 50 to 80 percent humidity levels. If the tank air is too dry, the crabs will essentially suffocate. Due to this, you have to mist their terrarium using freshwater. The water dish you place in the tank also can increase the humidity.
#4 Cage Furnishings
An ideal high-quality terrarium for hermit crab also includes some additional items. Land hermit crabs love to climb, you can add pieces of coral, driftwood, and other types of wood into the cage so that your pets can do exercise. Artificial plants are also a great addition to the crab cage.
Your pets also need food and water bowls. You should give them a large water bowl, which allow them to drink, soak and to supply humidity.