A hermit crab needs plenty of food to stay healthy and active. They will need a tank sized 10 gallons or bigger. There should be at least 1 or 2 pounds of coral per gallon, as well as rocks for them to climb. Here are some suggestions:
Contents
Soil supplement
For hermit crabs, it’s very important to maintain a proper humidity level in their enclosure. Hermit crabs breathe via their gills, so if the air is too dry, they will suffocate. To help maintain the correct humidity level, you can purchase a hygrometer. Excess humidity can cause condensation and bacteria. Soil with a low relative humidity level is unhealthy for hermit crabs.
Plant matter
Hermit crabs can eat many things, from fish and algae to dead animal carcasses. For small saltwater crabs, plant matter, including the shells of fish and shrimp, is enough to keep them happy. But larger saltwater crabs need to eat crab pellets, dried seaweed, and pieces of poultry. It is important to remember not to feed hermit crabs citrus fruits, onions, or garlic, as they are all highly toxic. You may also avoid feeding them food that contains Ethoxyquin, a preservative in many commercial fish and crab foods.
Sponges
Hermit crabs enjoy chewing on a wide variety of items, including sponges. But sponges can be a problem for owners because they can be an eyesore in the enclosure. They must be large or many small sponges to be effective. Even if you hide them, they will still look untidy and collect bacteria. Hermit crabs will also tear apart the sponges and eat them, leaving them with a messy look.
Pellets
Hermit crabs are small creatures that originate in the northern tropics. They live in dune-forests and migrate to the shoreline several times a week for a saltwater bath. Pellets are a convenient way to feed hermit crabs, and you can purchase these diets at pet stores or even wholesale. Be sure to read the label carefully, and be careful not to overfeed your new pet!
Sand
When choosing a substrate for your hermit crab’s tank, you should choose a clean variety with high moisture content. Sand that is too fine is detrimental to hermit crabs, because they cannot burrow through it, causing suffocation. Sand from the beach, also called “wild sand,” has no set standard for cleanliness and may contain pebbles, glass, cracked shells, and corals. These are all natural hazards that can injure the crab.
Sponge baths
Hermit crabs prefer sponges to drink from. The sponge keeps them from drowning, but it’s important to change the sponge at least once a day. Leaving it in the enclosure for more than 48 hours is dangerous because it will harbor bacteria. A sponge that has been in the cage for too long should be soaked in a saltwater solution and rinsed with hot water. You can purchase a sponge to make hermit crab baths easier.
Algae baths
Saltwater hermit crabs love algae. But, these plants may cause respiratory problems in your hermit crab. That’s why they require a saltwater bath every few weeks. The right amount of saltwater is very essential for their health. You can purchase a saltwater bath for your pet at a local pet store. But, you must know the exact salinity level before you start bathing your hermit crab.
Food high in carotenes
Fresh vegetables are a wonderful source of carotenoids, which your crab will love. The best way to serve vegetables to your hermit crab is to mix them with other foods in your tank. This will minimize the risk of them going uneaten or going bad. Keep in mind, however, that your crabs are individual and they might not like the same food that you do. They may also be less adventurous eaters than you are, so be sure to try a variety of foods to see what yours likes the most.
