The Hermit Crab

Heater for a hermit crab?

I’m about to get some hermit crabs after doing a lot of research on the internet and I know that they need high tempatures and humidity. I just bought a five gallon tank last night (Unfortunately a 10 gallon would fit no where in the room I’m to keep them in, plus I’m only getting 2 crabs)
Anyway The tank that I bought comes with a heater that attatches to the side of the tank via suction cups. I set the tank up and put the thermometer in and it heats up perfectly. Is this a fin heater for my crabs or should I get an under the tank heater. I don’t know if there are any dangers with in tank heater but I’m not experienced with hermit crabs so I would like some information.

This is the most important thing….
The Ideal humidity level is 65% to 80%, but can do ok with a levell of 55% to 60%, proper humidity keeps their gills from drying out and other important soft body parts like the abdomen, this is essential for adequate oxygen exchange. A mesh sided tank does not work as well as a standard class, plastic or Plexiglas enclosure. It is important to maintain correct humidity levels and a mesh tank does not allow this under average conditions. It is important to not completely enclose a tank so that the humidity level is too high causing shell rot from fungus, for each of these ailments there is no known cure. A mesh top used with reptiles is great as you can cover parts of it to regulate humidity levels. You need a top to keep the Hermit Crabs contained as they can be adept escape artists, getting out unnoticed may result in death if they are not found quickly.Hermit crabs are tropical animals and need warm temperatures. 75-85°F is the proper temperature range. Heat damage is irreversible, and temperatures that are too low slow down a crab’s metabolism. An improper environment can cause your crab to become lethargic and inactive, lose limbs and ultimately, die.Crab’s gills being exposed to low humidity is like us holding our breath too long.

As long as the crabs have several places of warm to cool to get to the heater should be fine, be sure they cannot touch the heater, you may want to put wire mesh around it. Hot rocks are not good. I use a fluorecent coiled bulb for my heat source and that has worked just fine for years.I use a small one in the summer and a bigger one in the winter.

The Best Hermit Crabs Information

What Every Hermit Crab Owner Should Know $3.99 Get “What Every Hermit Crab Owner Should Know” and find out!Here is just little of what you will discover in this information-packed guide: * The various types and sizes of hermit crabs – and how to select the onethat is right for you … plus, how to quickly tell males from females! * What to look for when selecting a hermit crab at a pet store or fair – ifyou want to ensure you buy a happy, heal…

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Hermit Crab $12.99 The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs. Hermit crabs are social creatures, so most owners have several. They”re easy to care for and fascinating to watch as they grow, molt, climb, dig, burrow, and crawl. They adopt shells that they carry on their back like a mobile home! With colorful photos and helpful tips, this practical guide covers everything you need to know to get started, including: * Choosing your hermit crabs* Setting up an interesting crabitat with a warm, humid environment* Essential equipment and supplies* Handling, feeding, and misting your hermit crabs* Providing extra shells so your critters can change shell housing as they grow Discover intriguing ways to have fun with hermit crabs. They”re truly low cost, low maintenance, captivating pets.

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