The Best Hermit Crab Supplies
Owning hermit crabs can be a fun way to take a little piece of the beach home with you, but setting up their environment can be a bit of a learning curve. If you’re a first-time hermit crab owner and you’re looking to get everything you need to help them thrive, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of the best hermit crab supplies that you’ll need to get your little crustaceans off on the right foot (or claw). Keep reading to check out all our top picks.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best hermit crab supplies, we considered their necessity, price, and functionality. For example, the first thing your hermit crab needs to survive is water, so the Constantia Pets real hermit crab sea sponges are a definite necessity. If you already have all the basics, but your hermit crab is getting big enough to need a new shell, the Sinkoo Hermit Crab Shell Set comes with plenty of options for your fast-growing crab. Read on to see all of our picks that you might need to give your hermit crab a good home.
Constantia Pets Real Hermit Crab Sea Sponges
Soak it up
Water is a necessity for every living thing on the planet, and hermit crabs are no exception. Sea sponges offer a safe way for your hermit crab to drink without the danger of accidentally drowning in a water bowl, and they’re sourced from their natural habitat in the ocean. These particular sponges from Constantia even contain naturally-occurring minerals that can help sustain your hermit crab’s exoskeleton. If you’re looking to keep your crab healthy and hydrated, it doesn’t get any better than these sponges.
Pros:
- This is a pack of five sponges, so it comes with plenty of replacements.
- These are all-natural and unbleached to ensure that your hermit crab won’t be harmed by any chemicals.
Cons:
- These sponges may smell bad since they come straight from the ocean, but that makes them healthier for your hermit crab.
Fluker’s All Natural Premium Sand Substrate Mixture
A day at the beach
If you’re looking to recreate your hermit crab’s natural environment in an aquarium setting, you’re going to need sand. This sand from Fluker’s is specifically designed for hermit crabs and contains ingredients suited to their needs. It has calcium and sea salt to closer resemble the beach, and it even has probiotics to keep things clean. Altogether, it has the perfect consistency for hermit crabs as they’re naturally burrowing creatures and like to dig in the sand. If you want to give them a homey feel in your house, this sand is a great way to do it.
Pros:
- We think this sand is very affordable; it comes with more than enough to provide a base layer in any small tank.
- It stays damp, so it’s great for digging and won’t easily stick to your hermit crabs.
Cons:
- Sand is heavy when wet and could weigh on hermit crabs if they dig too deep, so it’s best not to add too much to their tank.
Aiicioo Hermit Crab Heating Pad
Hermit crabs are cold-blooded animals, meaning that they need a consistent source of heat to stay active and alive. Unless you live in a naturally warm climate or keep your home warmer than most, you will need a heating pad. This pad from Aiicioo is fit for hermit crabs and all kinds of small reptiles. Plus, it comes with an adhesive material that helps the pad stay in place regardless of if you place it on the bottom or the side of your aquarium. No matter where you put it, it’s a great way to keep your hermit crab toasty and warm.
Pros:
- We appreciate that this heating pad comes in three different sizes to fit the shape of your tank.
- It can provide a radiating heat source from the outside of your tank.
Cons:
- The heat from the pad could cause cracks in the glass due to rare temperature and material variables, but it should work seamlessly in most situations.
Fluker’s Buffet Blend Food
Just like any pet, hermit crabs have to eat. And just like us, they have a strict diet to stick to. If you’re not sure what to feed your hermit crab, don’t fret. This protein-rich blend is packed full of nutrients for optimal wellness. It’s made with real river shrimp, pellets, and mealworms for a great variety of textures and flavors. For a tasty meal that keeps things fresh, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.
Pros:
- This diet promotes a healthy exoskeleton, which is crucial to your hermit crab’s development.
- The price is very affordable considering the amount of food it contains.
Cons:
- If the seal is broken during shipment, the food could be susceptible to bugs, so make sure the seal is unopened when delivered.
Sinkoo Hermit Crab Shell Set
New wardrobe
Just like a growing child who needs to buy new clothes as they age, your hermit crab will need new shells as it outgrows its old ones. Since hermit crabs vary greatly in size, it’s good to keep a few shells around so they have options to grow into. Sinkoo’s variety pack includes 17 shells in various sizes from infancy to adulthood. It also boasts nine shell types, so they can choose from different shapes, sizes, colors, and openings. As pet owners, you’ll have the chance to enjoy your hermit crab’s brand-new makeover.
Pros:
- These shells are packed in separate sections to avoid damage.
- We love that they’re made with natural materials and without dyes or harsh chemicals.
Cons:
- These shells are made for small to medium hermit crabs, so if you have a large one, you may need to buy a different pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hermit crabs related to crabs?
Hermit crabs, contrary to popular belief, are not actual crabs. This is because they don’t have a universally hard exoskeleton, and they can’t grow their own shells. Rather, they live in existing shells they find. That being said, they are similar to the crab family but not listed directly under the crab category.
How big can hermit crabs get?
Hermit crabs range in size from about one-half of an inch to four inches. They will rarely grow to more than four inches. Given that their sizes change a lot, they will most likely need a lot of shells to inhabit as they grow.
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