Basic Hermit Crab Care - How to Have a Happy Hermit Crab | By Crab Central Station

[@paigedalton1]

I got a hermit crab a couple days ago, and I didn’t know there was so much care needed! I’m grateful this video gave me more information, I’ll be upgrading his enclosure today! His name is Sushi he’s so cute

[@CrabCentralStation]

Awesome, Paige! Welcome to Crab Central Station and the "crabby life"! We are glad our video has helped you on your hermie journey already. We have a lot of other videos on heat, humidity, substrate, water, food..... all things hermit crab! Check them out when you can 😊

[@junglebravos7523]

Make sure you get him a buddy ^_^

[@Loganisbad]

We got one today, my sister got one when I went to buy stuff for a leopard gecko and I got it for her, we are making plans to quickly upgrade and eventually make it bio active

[@CrabCentralStation]

That's great! Bioactive enclosures are wonderful

[@CharliStar]

How is Sushi..?

[@madalynnmillspaugh2168]

Me seeing this after shopping at that exact petco hermit crab section and buying everything 👁👄👁

[@pamelaraney4654]

Me the f too 😞😞😞

[@aidanschenek1040]

Lmfao me to

[@brayannoyola6112]

Where can I buy the heat mat

[@brayannoyola6112]

Where can I buy the heat mat

[@CrabCentralStation]

We love www.beanfarm.com

[@veiledpets1270]

I’m so glad channels like this exist! I work at Petco and I always write down a bunch of helpful channels to give to people when they get a hermit crab

[@CrabCentralStation]

WOW! WOW! WOW! THANK YOU SO MUCH! We appreciate that you care so much for the animals you care for that you will give proper care and advice :)

[@simplychubbs_919]

I prefer natural shells, they show the beauty of their natural environment.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Right! They’re awesome

[@DandelionGroto]

Same

[@ellenwillsworth4494]

They slowly suffice in painted shell. It's so sad to read about them. My boy needs a natural shell. No Made shell. Where can I get one? Willsworthellen Gmail.com. face book name Ellen Williford

[@CrabCentralStation]

www.theshellstore.com

[@rachelmenard7765]

Yes

[@anythinginbetween8469]

I work at a petstore and am trying to learn as much as i can about all the animals we carry because they teach us NOTHING!! Thank you so much for this video, it was so informative and your crabs look so happy!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Wonderful! Please let us know if you are able to hand out care information. We are happy to send you a PDF that can be printed out.

[@zalex2357]

I love this. Over the years I’ve seen so many people try to demonize pet store employees for things they can’t control. I try to give the best amount of info possible so that new pet owners go home with every bit of knowledge I have about that specific animal. I guide people away from dangerous items as much as I can. “Well then why do you guys sell it?” I’m asking the same question. It’s all about $$$. However, for many employees, we clock in each day to try and care for the animals to the best of our ability. Lots of love and research goes into what we do!

[@CrabCentralStation]

We are all about education and advocating. We understand most pet care takers at pet chain stores have their hands tied. We are happy tonhelp any way possible!

[@yourwitchbesti]

Exactly. I’ve been working at PetSmart for two years. And I’ve learned everything off of this channel, Planet Fishness, Paul Cuffaro, and Girl talks fish. And that only half of the store that I’ve studied. I still have to do Rodent care, bird care, reptile care and some amphibian care. The only thing that I was taught was to make people spend the most money that they can.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you for making the effort to educate yourself and then care for the animals in your store! Let us know if we can help you.

[@samb3209]

Im obsessed with “crabitat” I had never heard it before but I love it

[@CrabCentralStation]

We love that word too! Super fun 😄

[@KERRIESCARINGNURSERY]

When I was 13 my BFF bought me a hermit crab from a pet store and it was in one of those plastic bins but a little bigger and had a sponge and a dish! (I wouldn't today even call it very basic needs. It was a death trap for hermit crabs) They told her all I had to do was keep the sponge wet and feed it apples dipped in peanut butter oh an one extra shell. So that poor thing lived like that for about 3 years!!! When I turned 16 it was still alive, so not thinking of anything but my life and very irresponsible (only thinking a crab as nothing but a pesty fly) I took the crab and released it!! YES I know that is wrong and bad for our planet!!! I knew as I got older how wrong I was and felt bad but this is one reason these are not children or teen pets unless they are trained the right way to care for these animals. Plus I had no clue a crab would even live that long and my bff the same one that gave me the crab is still my bff today (Were in our 40s) and we talk about that poor crab and how much the pet store knew nothing about them and still don't to be honest!! Great video!!!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for sharing! Don't beat yourself up over it, we can only move forward and advocate so other people do not repeat the same mistakes. Thanks for watching!

[@emmagrace588]

@@CrabCentralStation my hermit crab lola just died on christmas day and she lived for 5 years. i have one crab now, i am going to have to get a new one. i miss her alot.

[@myjam4095]

@@emmagrace588 im so sorry for your loss:( but i hope u get a really good connetion with your new ones

[@amandalindsay1011]

Hd

[@dhammaboy1203]

All of us fish and crab keepers made mistake along the way - the important thing is that you recognized where you went wrong. I kept 8 goldfish in a 20 gallon aquarium when I was 15. Us oldies didn’t have the internet & we just didn’t know our mistakes! Maybe you and your bff should set up the ultimate hermit crab aquarium now and return balance to the force? : ) I am setting up an amazing 180 gallon aquarium for my South American cichlids now - I’ve learnt so much in the many years since then!

[@marissarios6494]

The f I just bought my son one for his first pet to take care of cause it was suppose to be easy petsmart gave a bowl a bag of rocks and a sponge. And I asked if it was social and needed a partner she said no it will be fine on its own. Ugh now I feel bad for the poor thing.

[@CrabCentralStation]

I’m so sorry that happened! Pet stores are known for giving out false information. If you need any help feel free to DM us on Instagram @crabcentralstation, Twitter @crabcentral or even reply to this comment thread!

[@marissarios6494]

Thank you. Its name is Dorito. How many friends should I get it so it wont be to lonely but not over crowd. Dorito is in a cylinder fish tank at the moment And do they make noise? My son said it was crying last night? But I didn't think they made noise on our level ?

[@CrabCentralStation]

Currently you will want to get a rectangular tank up to standard before adding any friends! If you need help getting it started we can help! A fish bowl is not adequate for a hermit crab to live in! This video should help you out. Yes they do make noises and croak. Their shell bumps against the glass too.

[@marissarios6494]

@@CrabCentralStation thank yes I found that out after watching. Doritos new tank will be here Friday. He finally came out of it shell today since my son put trees in his tank. Thank you again!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Awesome! Good luck

[@spoonyluv19]

This video was such a huge help with getting my daughter's hermit crabs set up in an ideal habitat. We got two purple pincers from a beach shop in Galveston and I was stunned that under the right conditions these crabs can live up to 30 years! As soon as I could get to the pet store and got them out of that cramped plastic tank they give you and within the first few hours both hermit crabs ditched their painted shells for some natural ones and they seen quite happy and healthy.

[@CrabCentralStation]

We are so glad this vid was able to help! Check out our video on the PPDS method for your new crabs!

[@mikecrystalrobert7898]

Do lesbians get crabs🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Ariana-vx3xp]

@@mikecrystalrobert7898 what?

[@dancingdevil9965]

@@mikecrystalrobert7898 Did you think that was funny or are you just dense?

[@cynthiahand7193]

Why do they sell so many things that will kill your hermit crabs? Like the pellet food, calcium sand? ? Even my crab care book recommends these why?

[@clownworld4655]

Damn I was expecting hermit crabs to be easy. My ball python takes way less space and equipment and she’s way larger lol

[@CrabCentralStation]

Yep! Hermit Crab care is HIGHLY uninformed and/or misguided.

[@harrypotter7291]

I put my hermit crabs in the tank with my ball python not thinking a snake would eat them with the shells. Big mistake.

[@CrabCentralStation]

That's sad 😔

[@Thatsokayiwaswrong]

@@harrypotter7291 bruh

[@CrabCentralStation]

Right! What in the 🌎??!!

[@clean_oceanproject6552]

Just got my first hermit crab a few days ago from a beach store. I was not prepared to take care or it😭 so much more to them than I thought. Currently talking to my parents about getting a lot better set up bc he's currently living in a tiny round wire cage.😭 I wish I would have known! Not to mention he's in a painted shell. I bought a spare shell when I got him but it was also painted, I picked up a shell while I was on the beach and gave it to him as soon as I realized my mistake, I don't think it's a good size for him but until I go to the store it's all I have. I'm working to fix my mistakes, I want him to live a good life.

[@itskittybee8752]

I’m a person who thinks buying crabs is saving them from poor care so I did get mine from a beach shop, also from the pet supplies plus where my mom works. And ngl my first tank met some basics it was 10 gallon fresh and salt water, sand and eco earth only 4 inches thogh, a nice big branch for them to climb on I was feeding pellets I had sponges but I got rid of those! There in a 20 gallon now and happy! My point is I believe you can do it!

[@clean_oceanproject6552]

@@itskittybee8752 all is well! I have 7 crabs and a 50 gallon tank now! They are out roaming around every day! Makes me so happy! 😁

[@CrabCentralStation]

I LOVE this! Thanks for being so encouraging in this community y'all!

[@grupp8498]

@@clean_oceanproject6552 that’s awesome!

[@frackrod4656]

This is about to be my sister she bought a hermit from a beach store and we just watched this video and she is like thank god we live on the beach but we’re on a road trip and we’re kinda 10 hours away from home.And she really wants it, but I don’t know maybe we should wait

[@BrokenFootRailfan]

I first got hermit crabs in 1987 and I wish we had had the internet back then. I had them all throughout my childhood and in early adulthood I finally learned proper hermit crab care. I haven't had them in many years now because I lived in such a dry climate and keeping proper humidity was so difficult. But I want to thank you for a very informative and educational video. Hermit crabs are not the "throwaway pets" people used to think they were.

[@CrabCentralStation]

How neat to have had crabs for so long! We are glad to have you on our channel!

[@Horses4Lifee]

I bought a crab not to long ago, I kept it in a small metal cage. Until I noticed that they were very uncomfortable, there was no room for the crab at all. So I got a 10 gallon tank. We filled it with EcoEarth sand, put a large food and water tub in it. After putting multiple decorations in the tank, we noticed the crab was lonely. So we got two! Now they are happy and living their best life! Thanks! ❤

[@CrabCentralStation]

You are on the right track! I’m so glad you found our channel and that your hermit crabs are doing better!

[@ellarittman1287]

Thank you for making a video with correct information! The thing is, pet stores should know about all these things but they still keep them in a bad environment. This video was super helpful as I will soon be getting hermit crabs!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you!!

[@xselaholiviax8593]

I work at PetSmart and we only do about half of this correctly. Thank you for the info I’ll be using this new knowledge to help educate and change our habitats! ❤️

[@CrabCentralStation]

We would love to work with you! Message us at [e-mail]

[@ashmarie5049]

I work at Petco and they train us for shit. Thanks for the great info, I’ll for sure be putting a hamster saucer in their tank and feeding them salads like the other little guys!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Yay! Thank you for taking the time to research the proper care for our little hermit friends! Caretakers like you rock! - CCS Crew!

[@Laughindaisy]

@@CrabCentralStation Yes!! The hamster saucer!! That was the cutest thing ever! I'm getting one as well!

[@rossmairs18]

Thank you for this video ladies, I had just purchased 2 Hermit Crabs from Petsmart and everything the girl had me buy was so wrong. I went back to the store and got everything you said to get and now I'll have 2 very healthy and happy hermit crabs.. You two are fantastic. Keep up the great work..

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you for your support!

[@aspengregory6078]

thank you for this video! my younger brother got some hermies for his birthday but he hasn't been really enthusiastic about taking care of them. i was worried that our setup wasn't adequate and i was right :( now i'm planning to take over on the crab care, and set them up real nice like they deserve. thank you for the information!!

[@Prettygaltaiy]

Omg thank you ladies ! My 10 year old got one for his birthday and I just knew the stuff from the pet shop wasn’t good for them and I searched KZbin and here you were !!! I’m literally on Amazon now trying to get stuff delivered tomorrow!!!! We have 3 !! 2 boys and a girl !!! I am so happy I found this video !!! Thank u thank u thank u

[@CrabCentralStation]

Awesome! Welcome to the "crabby" life 🤣 and welcome aboard the CCS train! We are super happy you found our channel and that our videos are helping you get everything set up. It's a lot to take in at first, but once you get everything set up, maintenance is pretty easy.

[@MrsGerardWayForever]

watching this i can’t believe the crab i had in elementary school survived as long as it did! wanting to get back into it and will definitely be doing ot differently this time. thanks you guys!! watching this first before i start gathering stuff for my set up. will get the crabs after the setup is done :)

[@scout2316]

Thank you so much for captioning your video! I was given a hermit crab and am learning how to take care of her from your channel. I am so happy the content is accessible, thanks again

[@gingersauber8222]

I cannot believe how much she looks like her Dad! You two are adorable and so special for informing people about these guys!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for stopping by! We miss you

[@luceleaf]

I have researched everything i can about hermit crabs, my friend had one that he got from a souvenir shop and it died D: ; I have been obsessed with hermit crabs lately and would like to raise one myself. I also want to teach people about how wrong some pet stores (and souvenir shops) treat hermit crabs and give incorrect info about them. This was a great video that gave me more information about hermit crabs. I will try to change the world’s perspective about hermit crabs, because they are beautiful, cute, and that they deserve the right treatment.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you for watching our videos and supporting our family. Thank you also for loving and caring so much about hermit crabs!

[@ethanandisabel355]

This was amazing thanks for all the helpful facts

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you! Feel free to DM us on Instagram If you have any questions!!

[@vegetamegadisk]

I’ve saved 13 from pet stores, my crabitat is 150 gallon tank. They love it. At least 6 inches deep of substrate, mine is 10 inches on the left and goes down toward the right to 6 inches. They can live in higher than 75 humidity but that is the least I suggest. Have a cool side and a warm side. It’s easier to buy hermit crab salt water in bottles already made. Creating the Crabitat is the hardest and most expensive part. But once you get that out of the way they are super easy to take care of. No painted shells. My crabs eat fruits and veggies, and sometimes give them fresh meat but I don’t recommend keeping the food in the tank for too long. Out of the 13 I bought 7 have abandoned their painted shell for a natural one. 6 more to go. Remove the abandoned painted shells ASAP.. Thanks for the saucer idea I’m ordering it.

[@blinddogbumpercollar266]

i have a 75 gallon crabitat. my crabs are thriving! growing fast! I have 9" dirt for them to dig. ( I use mushroom compost dirt from home depot) My tank has many climbing sticks that branch out from the bottom and spread out to the top like a bonsai tree formation. I use glass tops to keep in moisture. I have a hot water bottle on each end for heat! I put a small towel over the bottle so they don't get burned as they climb. They need protein! I fed them raw meat ( chicken, beef/ shrimp, tilapia, rattlesnake. they love scrambled eggs, they love apples, and broccoli, shredded cabbage, all sorts of fruits and veggies. They love crushed nuts, shredded coconut. I also give them a crum

[@blinddogbumpercollar266]

I also give them a crumble of peanut butter/ dried oats mix. they eat frozen crickets and dubia roaches. honeycomb with honey, or you can mix honey and crushed dried bugs into a paste. dried shrimp, dried bugs, I change both waters and food bowls daily, meats I remove after 12 hours. meat chunks should be large enough that they can't drag them away ( they will try!) store bought salt water is NT good! I use tap water that has set out over 24 hours ( to remove chlorine) I fill a 33.8oz selter bottle HALFWAY, then add 60 oz pink Himalayan salt. this is the right salt% , is loaded with minerals they need, they love it!

[@blinddogbumpercollar266]

I do NOT use eco earth bricks. they will cause bacterial bloom if its too wet! I use mushroom compost dirt, wet it, mix it and squeeze out any extra moisture before adding it to the tank.

[@blinddogbumpercollar266]

I do NOT use any plastic plants. I use empty spice jars, use a butter knife to make a hole in the dirt, drop the spice jar in., I put in fresh flowers, long grass, garden plants. (use chlorine free water, of course) every two days lift up the whole spice bottle dump it, rinse and replace with new plants. they will tear the grass up!!! they love fresh plants and it keeps air quality good.

[@christinahartman-meily8179]

I absolutely love love love love your site here!! You gals saved my Hermit crab, Pinks… one evening when I came upon him finding him shell-less!!!!! Ooooooh I was a massive wreck …and I am not a new hermie owner but I have never came to find any of my crabs mid molt NEVER! They’ve always been shelled and comfy after awhile spent under the sand in their tank…never like anything I was experiencing as this time was for me! I couldn’t have grabbed my Mac and KZbin you gals fast enough it seemed- my husband thought I was a crazy woman running through the house at dinner time hollering frantically EMERGENCY!! It felt like an eternity because I knew this could be life and death for my little guy I really was just already feeling a sense of doom and hopelessness for him because even his buddy was darn near on top of him licking his stalks ready to dine on his tank mate! -I heard somewhere that Hermits do this instinctively because they have a scent to them when freshly molted that smells delicious to other surrounding crabs in the tank …so I have this all running through my head all the while listening to your video step by step and other than the LONG AS ETERNITY excerpts injected for funny into the videos THEY WERE RIGHT ON AND sooooo super comforting and easy to understand (this isn’t rocket science here I know, I get it, but this was my hermie baby we are talking about here) After a little convalescent care from my hubby and yours truly, my Pinks has been revived and is on the mend in a new shell I’d never had expected him to climb into! Your sight has turned me into an even more hands on Hermie mama because of all of your useful info I didn’t realize was out there….we’ve had these critters for “pets” for years and years and yes we do purchase them from PetSmart bc we don’t know other than the boardwalk, downtown in OC MD, where else to purchase them …and we figure (my daughters and I) that we are saving at least one or two when we DO have to buy from these vendors😠😭….My daughter and I always say if we could set them ALL free and let them be wild we would do it …it’s just sooo heartbreakingly impossible it feels helpless…But it seems when one does unfortunately pass away the other is still thriving and then gets lonely for his friend….so this has been our hermit crab dilemma fo years and years of ownership of these adorable little crabbies.💕 But so now in finding CCS completely by chance we are feeling a little (A LOT!!!) blessed to have stumbled onto this site here and the knowledgeable resourceful information was/ is a light at the end of my dark tunnel just a few couple of nights ago now!!! With many many thanks and blessings to you all for putting out and making all of this amazingly great information out there for us lay people who care for and adore these little crustaceans- I, omg, am such a lover of these lil things- KEEP UP THE AWESOME GREAT WORK -YOU ARE SOOOO APPRECIATED Love to you all - PEACE!

[@CrabCentralStation]

WOW! What an amazing story and testament! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your hermie journey with us here, and especially for sending such kind words and encouragement. My daughters and I started this channel together to do just what you and your daughter want... to save all the hermies! Since I am a teacher, and my girls love making movies, it made sense to try and put our talents together to educate and advocate to help others take care of their hermit crabs! We are so glad that you have joined our CCS #CrabCrew. Thank you again for your kindness.

[@mpk6664]

I'm still deciding between getting hermits or dart frogs, but i'm surprised at how similar the care is for both animals. Quite weird, but also very nice to know.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Great job doing your research!

[@orangeismyfavoritecolor]

I’m watching this so I can take care of my uncle’s hermit crabs (I’m gonna do much more research too), since he hasn’t been taking care of them properly. One of them died today, and I don’t want the same thing to happen to the other one.

[@pizzagamingblue7679]

I hope you got them a friend

[@scarlettnusom8550]

im getting 2 crabs with a 20 gallon

[@Whammytap]

Been watching this whole playlist, learned that hermit crabs swim and climb, will honestly not be surprised if you tell me that they fly, too! XD

[@dhammaboy1203]

I love channels that centre around the happiness and welfare of our pets - informative and professional! Thanks ladies! If I was to create a hermit crab tank - is there a way to construct their swimming holes in the sand? Prehaps bury a tray to retain the water and have driftwood to help the crabs get in and out? Just trying to think how to make it look very natural?

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes, you can dig down into the sand and then place a dish/basin to hold the water. I wouldn't use wood as an exit source though because it will wik the water out of the pool and into your substrate, causing a flood.

[@HollieAndApollo]

Thank you so much for these!!!! I’m learning so much! My kids brought two home from Virginia Beach and I had to quickly learn how to take care of them so I’m extremely grateful for these vids!

[@CrabCentralStation]

You are so welcome! Thank you for researching!

[@phlojem285]

I've been researching crabs for a few weeks and decided I wanted a Hermit. While I was at the tip, I found a 60gallon tank for $60, which is great! I'm planning on buying 3 Crabs, though I might get 4

[@CrabCentralStation]

That’s great!!! You and your new crab friends will LOVE all the space!

[@sierramower8283]

I just got hermit crabs and I remember this channel from about a year ago and couldnt find it. I was so worried that the channel was taken down! I'm so glad it's still going!

[@sierramower8283]

I am definitely subscribed now

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for subscribing! ❤️

[@g.pearson4726]

Thank you for sharing This was excellent My mom got my daughter and all the grandkids h.crabs The lady at the fair gave them minimal instructions and it just felt like something was missing After this video I see a lot was missing Thank you again

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you for watching! We’re glad you have joined us on your journey!

[@Aroaceenby]

I got hermit crabs when i was young and didn't know what i was doing. I plan to get them again someday once I'm able and give them a great life! They are so cute and were wonderful pets!

[@lillyray9417]

This video was so helpful. I really wish I saw this when I first got my hermit crab!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meganbutkus9785]

Your Channel is Really Helping us design the proper environment for the hermit crabs we are getting soon.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for watching!

[@acommonkestrel]

Absolutely loved this!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you!!

[@Laughindaisy]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I had no idea they loved to swim, so now I'll be finding a way to make a pool for them in their tank! You ladies are awesome!

[@CrabCentralStation]

YAY! So glad our video could help you on your journey!

[@elizabethavalos7849]

I have a question about my shells. A month ago I switched my substrate from 100% EcoEarth to a 5:1 mixture of play sand and EcoEarth as suggested in your great videos. However, since using this new mixture, I notice that my "shiny" shells (bought from TheShellStore -great place) quickly got dry and dull. Is this just a normal thing for shells in sand mixture? They were shiny for months in the EcoEarth only mixture. Are the now dry and dull-looking shells still okay for my crabbies? Super worried. Love your videos. You've been so helpful in teaching me the best care for my 2 hermit crabs. Thank you.

[@tylerstreacker2340]

My MIL got my 5 year old a crab. I had 0 idea about hermit crabs or their care. I’m glad I saw your video before going to the store. Everything they told me was the opposite of what you guys said.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Yay! I’m so glad you watched too! It sounds like you are off to a great start! How are things going now?

[@lm5585sysmatrix]

Wow! Great content. #CrabCentralStation has really upped its game.

[@nobody-op6pl]

I'm getting a hermit crab tommarow and between what I bought and what this vid showed me I'ma have a happy crab thanks smart Ladies

[@CrabCentralStation]

Great! Im so glad our videos are helping you.. Thanks for watching!

[@MsKyliel]

My crabs name is hulk I found him at a beach he loves me

[@susannaok9786]

I work at petsmart equivalent in Australia and started around 2 months ago. This video made me realise how many people are getting sold hermit crabs without the proper care :( it’s okay if I were to sell any hermit crabs at this point I’ll know to point them in the right direction, but I can’t say the same about everyone else I work with. Thank you for your knowledge ❤

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for sharing your story! We are so glad our channel has reached you all the way in Australia! I don’t know if you know this, but you have 2 women in Australia that have successfully bred hermit crabs in captivity! How cool is that! Thanks for spreading good care information and for caring for the animals you sell.

[@myjam4095]

and also i do prefer natural shells like someone else commented cause it shows some of there natural beuity and i very much prefer getting hermit crabs as pets they are so unique, awesome, and are very social!!! :)

[@CrabCentralStation]

My Jam we totally agree!!!

[@ellie_spacebunnie]

Currently researching about hermit crabs and omg? The little walking saucer?? This is the cutest thing and so far I haven't seen anyone use one of those for their crabs so I will definitely get one of those as well! Thanks for this helpful info video :)

[@savannahbryant6622]

What are the best hermit crab species for beginners to adopt? I absolutely love your channel and have wanted a hermit crab for a while and am so happy I found your channel. I now truly know how to properly take care of a hermit crab xxx love your vids keep it up 🐚❤️

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for enjoying our videos! Until we get our more, I suggest reading more information at www.crabstreetjournal.org just so you know you’re prepared! We don’t have care videos out on everything yet. Anyway, as for the best beginner species that would be the purple pincher!

[@heathersevers4627]

This video helped me so much I needed all of this I just got 4 hermit crabs from Florida and I AM SO GLAD I FOUND THIS VID

[@CrabCentralStation]

Great! Keep up the good work! We have a ton of videos on all aspects of their care. Happy crabbing!

[@truffulatree9879]

Great vid! Concise but contained everything I needed!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you!!

[@fkamila3040]

Thank you so much for making this channel. I've watched some of your videos and it really help me. My son just got two small hermit crab from relative. I know nothing about hermit crab so i decided to youtube it, hoping to find something useful to at least keep them alive. and i found your channel. i've made crabitat for these two hermit crab, and once i put them in the tank, they start moving here and there! it never happened before! they just tuck inside their shell, now even if they're not moving, they stand with their legs. one of them even already change their shell.

[@CrabCentralStation]

This is GREAT! I'm so glad you found our channel and that our videos are helping you on your journey. We have a lot of great videos that cover just about anything you can think of! Enjoy your new pets!

[@jheanlhuna3539]

Oh thank you so much for the tips of caring hermitcrabs thank you so much! :)

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for watching :)

[@thathobbitlife]

I own guppies and snails but I love all animals..this really inspired me to maybe change up and maybe get crabs some day. I often have worked with rescue animals mainly, people post animals all the time the cant afford upkeep or have to move or whatever and need to get rid of the animal.. so in the future, I feel more prepared if that day comes. Thanks for such a helpful fantastic video ladies! Well done 👏👏

[@CrabCentralStation]

AWESOME! I LOVE that you are rescuer and researcher! We need more Heather Huber's in this world! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rileyfisher2637]

thank you! my brother got a hermit crab at the beach and it was at a beach shop.. i took the hermies from him and was gonna give them a better home

[@meerkat798]

So glad I found you! My grandson expressed a desire to raise hermit crabs. I have raised fish and have several aquariums for many years now, but know next to nothing of hermit crabs. So to KZbin...and now Crab Central Station! My Liam is now watching and learning. We will shop for his habitat in a few weeks, and will check out your links from CrabCon 2020. Its never been easier to teach our young ones! Thank you!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@carstories4169]

Just a question but can you guys do a morning routine video?

[@CrabCentralStation]

We have a routine video on our list to do! :)

[@lukaslambs5780]

Long time animal keeper here who has never had hermit crabs but wants to learn. What about hot spots is bad? In nature they’d have a gradient to go to heat up if they want or shade to cool down in and burrow in the substrate. My question is why wouldn’t heat lamps work well? As long as you have enough water and are misting then humidity can be kept where it needs to be right? Love the video and the care that you guys clearly have for these beautiful and misunderstood animals!!! Awesome stuff!!!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Hi! The hot spots are bad because they’re too hot. Hermit crabs always carry shell water with them, and it can dry up if they get too hot. Yes, they have them in nature but they’re more nocturnal animals in nature because of the heat. If we provide them with hot spots in captivity, there is not enough space for them to escape the heat like there is in the wild. Hot spots usually lead to hermit crabs staying dug under the sand to cool off, or always hiding. It also zaps that humidity which is not good. Spraying is not recommended because it saturates the substrate with moisture which can lead to mold, flooding, and bacteria and fungal blooms. Hermit crabs will often be more active with a more natural heat provided by the heat mat. It will preserve their shell water, and help them to be healthier! They do not heat up from hot spots the same way reptiles do, and so they do not need the direct heat for warmth

[@lilyc6931]

I was watching this just for fun and realized I was today years old when I figured out hermit crabs could swim

[@CrabCentralStation]

Me too! I was shocked when I read the research on land hermit crabs needing deep pools. I can tell you from years of experience, our crabs love to swim!

[@khondrah5561]

I cannot express how much this video has helped and educated me after I decided to buy hermit crabs from Galveston this past week. When I was about seven, they sold hermit crabs at the woodlands mall near where I live and I bought a couple different hermit crabs. They obviously did not turn out well... however, I am determined to at least try to give these guys a good home despite my quick decision to buy them and my late start on buying new things for them. I only have one question: A couple items in the description weren't specifically mentioned in the video, so I would like to know the importance of the green sand and the large pool filter just to clear up my confusion. Thanks :)

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for watching! So green sand is a staple in our tank, hermit crabs love it and it’s super healthy for them. It is usually seen as necessary to people deep into the Crab world and we would never not offer it because they really love it. But it’s still optional technically. You do not need the pool filter. It’s in our necessities list (which I suppose we should edit to help with confusion now) because we have so many tanks and need filtered pools. Standing water pools need to be changed every other day to every two days. Pools with bubblers (an aquarium motor with airline tubing and air stones that move water around) can be changed weekly. So we love the filters because we only have to change our 2.5 gallon pools a couple times a month. Hope that helps clear up the confusion!

[@khondrah5561]

@@CrabCentralStation Definitely cleared up, and again thanks. I've been making sure I plan everything out for the past couple of days before I just quickly buy one thing at a time and move these guys into an incomplete tank. One last question, I swear (It's currently 2:30 for me so I hope I'm not disturbing anyone😬). You guys said to not place the heat pads under the tank, which I have heard from multiple sources, but considering I'm unfamiliar in this area, how would the pads attach to the sides? Is there a way to set them up like that without having to do some weird duct tape action?

[@CrabCentralStation]

It depends on the type of heat mat you use. Some come with an adhesive back you can attach to the back. You can also use a heat mat that isn’t adhesive like we do which is from beanfarm.com, we just use packing tape to attach it to the tank.

[@stella80831]

to not mean to hate at all, but during the 'water' section, it looked like you had some live 'lucky bamboo' in the FW pool. Don't know if you guys know or not, but Lucky bamboo is very toxic to h-crabs. Just a friendly reminder. :)

[@CrabCentralStation]

Ah yes! This was footage from an old tank when we were still new and we didn’t realize it was toxic! We used some old B-Roll for this video. Don’t worry! We now know and have since taken it out! Thanks for the awareness though! No worries about being mean! We all make mistakes and sometimes need a reminder :)

[@stella80831]

Ok, phew. Glad you were aware of this :). Also, it might be bad to have it on your video, because newer crab owners who are looking to more experienced people like you or me might see that plant and be like "Hey, you can put bamboo in a crabitat! I've got some bamboo I could use for my own!" Which could be fatal to their crabs. Thanks for replying when you really did not half to. :)

[@CrabCentralStation]

Stella Schmidt right! We totally didn’t catch that and we feel horrible! If someone asks we will for sure let them know. I’m not sure if we can edit it out because we no longer have the video on our computer. I’m going to put it in a pinned comment so people see it though!

[@ellarittman1287]

I never knew this. Thank you!

[@nv3363]

This video is very educational, I just bought a hermit crab at the beach shop cause it’s my birthday, they was in a little cage with like 20 other crabs, I didn’t know that they didn’t like small cages so tomorrow I will be trying to buy a bigger tank for my crab and I’ll be trying to buy him a buddy

[@CrabCentralStation]

Happy Birthday, Taco! Welcome to the #CCSCrabCrew! We are glad you have joined us on your journey!

[@myjam4095]

thanks so much for the suggestions they are very helpful im am very excited to see more of your vids

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for watching!

[@MaryBethDozier]

I got a hermit crab for my 5year old and he was not fond of it so I have a new pet. Thank you for all the good information.

[@CrabCentralStation]

You're welcome! We're so glad you found our channel and that you're finding it helpful!

[@jazzowo2735]

Me and my sister are getting hermit crabs🥺 Im gonna name mine Kermit the hermit.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thats awesome!

[@yortsemloh1156]

I picked up some shells on the beach in Biloxi yesterday and had no idea they had hermit crabs in them. Thanks for the info.

[@moonlightcloud8144]

Ty for the sponge fact

[@CrabCentralStation]

You’re welcome!

[@keeginlablance859]

It’s false, just like 70% of the information in this video

[@TheNamesSpencer]

@@keeginlablance859 not really lmao.

[@macketa970]

My friend gave me 4 crabs and told me just put them in a beans can with some rice for food and they will be fine lol~ how wrong it is! You guys vids are so helpful now i know how to properly take care of my crabs :D Thanks a lot! Hope you and your family a great day and a great year ahead~

[@CrabCentralStation]

We are so glad our videos are helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@stephisaseal3728]

I wish I had this video 5 years ago when I had my hermies

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you for supporting us! We're glad you are a part of our Crab Crew!

[@PlanetAsh27]

This is the opposite of everything the pet store told me!! I'm so glad I found this video, my hermit crabs were not happy at all and two of them were forcibly evacuated from their shells and unfortunately didn't make it 😭😭😭 I'm spending the rest of my day doing up the tank for my surviving crabs! Thanks so much!! 😍😍😍 Also I was wondering, do you have to clean the sand out and how do you get oxygen into the tank? I noticed the water was bubbling?

[@CrabCentralStation]

Hi guys! Two things to note: In this video we say that all things that say hermit crab are bad. While in general this is true, there may be some items that are safe that say hermit crab. What we are talking about is items that have lots of preservatives and unsafe ingredients that aren’t pure. So, things like pellet food, painted shells, glow shells, calcium sand, hermit crab specific tanks that are tiny, things like that. When you see something that has Hermit Crab on it, check the ingredients and if you aren’t sure if it is safe then don’t use it. We should have clarified in the video, but we all make mistakes! You can also ask us if you have questions about a hermit crab specific item. Also; One of our followers kindly pointed out that in one of our video clips there is a plant in the water. The type of plant is lucky bamboo and it is NOT safe for hermit crabs! Some of the video clips we used were from before we filmed this video and when we were still learning. The plant has since been taken out. We all make mistakes, but don’t repeat ours! Make sure the plants you put in your crabitat are safe! We are sorry we overlooked this!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you! We all make mistakes and it is part of our responsibility to own up to them! We don’t claim to be perfect with our hermit crab care, we just know enough to educate others about them!

[@honeyhunts8406]

The plant in the water was lucky bamboo which is actually not bamboo at all! Actual bamboo is safe

[@myjam4095]

ok thanks for letting me know!!! you are so helpful thanks!!!:)

[@janiceal-najjar5093]

It's completely beyond me why anyone thinks it's even OK to keep a creature like a hermit crab in a tank of water. Regardless of whether it's born in the wild or "farmed" it's natural instincts are to roam around the ocean. It's cruel and unnatural to confine it in a glass box. What is WRONG with you people?

[@ηρεμία-χ1η]

@@janiceal-najjar5093 most people dont know this (including me and my family) and its too late once you buy them. petco gave us so much false information we barely have the things they really need, and i feel horrible i wish i could release them but you cant just do that

[@danielascholz7617]

So interesting ! Wonderful, beautiful, interesting presentation. Thank you so much !!!

[@Adelaideanegg]

Thanks so much for the video! It summarises everything I have researched into a great and easy to understand points. When I was giving advice to a new crab owner who is a friend's parent, I just sent this. :) I have 3 Aussie crabs right now, my biggest has been with me for 3 years, and my smaller ones were adopted. Sadly I have lost a few on the way, many due to the condition they were in when I adopted them (about to surface molt). Any advice for surface molting hermies that always seem to do so in the iso tank?

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks for enjoying our video! Your crab is always surface molting in the tank? What is your tank set up like?

[@TheMillieSmalls]

Thinking about getting some hermies for my boys (5 & 3). Doing my research, and kudos to you 2 for a really well done video. Great pace, great energy, great information…nice work.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Wow! Thank you so much!!! We appreciate your kindness and support! Welcome to Crab Central Station. Let us know if you have any questions, we are happy to help!

[@alexroux7972]

Can you tell me where to get natural shells? (I would have to order them) Also how often do you change the substrate?

[@CrabCentralStation]

Hi! We get our shells from www.theshellstore.com (if you need to know how to find proper size shells we have a shell video you can watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2XYYYyEhaZ3fck). The substrate only needs to be changed if you have a molt, bacterial, fungal, or algae bloom as well as if you get invasive bugs or another kind of emergency in the substrate! Otherwise it doesn’t need to be cleaned. If you want to clean your substrate out, make sure you have no hermit crabs molting because it can cause death or injury. We clean on the top of the substrate as needed

[@Hyde.cochran]

@@CrabCentralStation i live by the beach, is it okay if i get a shell from there? how do i know what size they need

[@CrabCentralStation]

It is usually illegal to take things from the beach, I would double check first. Alzo the wild crabs need the shells on the beach. Ordering them is better because they come from the food market. Watch the video I linked above, it teaches you how to measure your crab so you can order the correct shell.

[@dominiquee901]

I just got 2 at the beach shop I go home in a couple of days I used to have one and I’m just trying to refresh my memory on how to care for them. I cannot wait to get home and create them an incredible home for them

[@CrabCentralStation]

Yay! That’s so awesome! I hope your home turns out well 😊

[@dominiquee901]

@@CrabCentralStation thank you! I’ve learned so much from your video already have a shopping list!

[@nocreativename]

I think it’s so cute you call them “hermies”

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks! We think their eyes are just the sweetest!

[@merbish7962]

This video helped me so much. Back in June my sister impulsively bought a crab at a beach store after we told her not to🙄 She kept him in his carrying basket with nothing but pebbles, pellets, tap water and a sponge. Then she went to college and left him home, just not caring about him anymore cuz she only bought him for the ✨aesthetic✨. I was in her room one night to check on him (becuz I couldn’t believe he was still alive), and he seemed so sad and miserable. I watched this video and I was DEVASTATED by how much we were doing wrong. I brought him to my apartment and got him everything he needed. The first night I put him in his tank, he went to his saltwater pool and drank it for 20 mins😭probably the first time he had saltwater in ages. He’s been half buried in the sand for 3 days now so I’m a little worried, idk if he’s trying to molt or if he’s stressed, but I really hope he makes it🥺

[@CrabCentralStation]

I'm so glad our channel was able to help. Have you watched the PPS (How to keep my hermit crab alive video?) Following that method will give this little guy his best chance. If he is already buried down though, don't dig him up. Let us know if we can help with anything.

[@merbish7962]

Crab Central Station thank you so much! Yes I have watched the PPS video, he’s only half buried, the top of his shell is still fully visible. I will certainly reach out to you guys again in the future!

[@chickenchannel1147]

When you said heat mat.what is that and where can I buy it

[@CrabCentralStation]

It is usually referred to as a "UTH" which stands for under the tank heater. We like Bean Farm or Reptile Basics brand best. They are both online companies with a great product for a fair price.

[@van4195]

the crab playing on the hamster saucer was so cute 😭🫶

[@afroroach7113]

Never trusted those products that said “Hermit crab” on them anyways 😂

[@purplebrdie9505]

I used to have one once, this explains alot. She was an ecuadorian. I couldn't get another crab for her to have a friend though, so I spent most of my time with her to make up for most of it. I wished I knew about the molting and how she'll transfer to another shell beforehand. I couldn't get the size right and lost her, I couldn't get another one after that. I loved my crab too much to repeat that. However this video, makes me rethink that thought now... thank you.

[@CrabCentralStation]

Awe, I'm so sorry for your loss 😔. It sounds like you really loved her. Welcome to Crab Central Station! I hope you find our videos interesting and educational even though you don't have a crab right now. Maybe one day you will feel comfortable giving the hermit crab hobby another try. If you do, please consider adopting instead of shopping. There are so many crabs that need a good home! Thanks for supporting our channel and family!

[@mack-jv9in]

they look like they’ll turn into super Karen’s if they find out you have animals in those plastic things 😂😂👌🏽

[@CrabCentralStation]

Hey, thanks for your comment. I just want to make sure everyone knows that we are super passionate about hermit crabs. However, we will never hate on people for their set up of if their care guidelines are different from ours. We are just here to educate and advocate. We realize everyone is on a journey in their animal care, we want to support you!

[@ashton5493]

Thank you, I rescued 3 crabs from Craigslist that where living in a fish bowl with fish gravel. I’m hoping to give them the best forever home, I gave them new safe shells to move into and it didn’t take them long to move out of their ugly painted shells. Hopefully they appreciate their new home that is a 20 gallon that I had my storage unit for the last few years. 🦀🐚😊

[@CrabCentralStation]

This is wonderful! Thanks for saving them! We’re so glad you found CCS! Welcome aboard!

[@ninadailyy]

I got a small tank because I’m cleaning my HUGE one

[@CrabCentralStation]

So exciting!

[@izzyykatherine]

I just rescued 2 hermit crabs from a home that had no idea how to take care of them! I researched the whole day before i got them, they came in a 5 gallon tank, but we found a 40 gallon one on the market place for free! All i have to do is clean it out!!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thats great to hear!

[@nobody-op6pl]

Nvm I'ma have 3 now

[@Hamstersrockkkkk]

I really want a hermit crab and this really helping me understand there needs more! ❤ thanks!

[@rhiannamae6075]

Omg you guys are beautiful

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thank you so much!

[@captainswan3079]

I work at a gift shop that sells hermit crabs. I share as much information as I can, and I tell every customer to check out your channel. 🤗

[@CrabCentralStation]

@Captain Swan THANK YOU! 😊 You are saving so many hermit crabs!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Can we send you some business cards to hand out? A care brochure?

[@captainswan3079]

@@CrabCentralStation That's a wonderful idea. Let me ask the owners. Or if you would like to contact them, it is Murdochs in Galveston Texas. It's the largest beach gift shop, and I think that would be wonderful if we can get those out to the public. Signed *Kristina Lovelady 🤗

[@CrabCentralStation]

@@captainswan3079 Hey!!! You're a fellow Texan! Yay! The care info is usually best received by management if an "insider" presents it. We will GLADLY provide your store with great care information 🥰

[@captainswan3079]

@@CrabCentralStation Yes! That's awesome, didn't know you were a Texan. Sounds good, I'll run it by them. Thank you.

[@kyliegonzalez8289]

10 basic things to know before buying hermit crabs... Number one, NOTHING LABELED FOR HERMIT CRABS!!!

[@danielleb.7055]

Just been curious about hermit crabs ( I love learning about all creatures weather or not I will keep them ( usually not) or is it even possible to) I'm coming from the reptile hobby and something that we always are talking about when it comes to heat ( in whichever way you go about it) is a thermostat. We make sure we do this because any heating element without a thermostat just goes full blast and that's it. Sometimes the heatmat or heat emitters can easily get a few 100 degrees F. So I guess my question is, is this something you guys worry about in the hermit crab community? Anyway thanks for all of this info. It's definitely helpful for keepers and people who are like me just interested in learning about all animals. Have a great day!

[@CrabCentralStation]

Hi! Thanks for reaching out. Thermostats are sometimes used in the industry but the heat mats are on the back of the tank so the hermit crabs aren’t sitting directly on them to get their heat like a reptile would. So they aren’t required

[@georgieann2971]

Thank goodness for your video!!

[@danielledejesus1432]

Thanks for all the tips. I’ve already changed to fresh foods and they perked up immediately! It’s probably a silly question but how do they breathe in an air tight tank? Thanks so much😊😊😊

[@carmeladreiling971]

oh my !! i love this video i'm going to get hermit crabs soon !!! this is the most educational video on there care on you tube !!!! Very much appreciated !!!! thanks (:

[@CrabCentralStation]

Oh my goodness!!! This is the highest compliment anyone could give us! Thank you so, so, much!

[@zalezane1156]

omg thanks! rlly needed it! i jsut got 2 hermit crab's bc we know it needs a friend

[@sharonsartisticcorner1195]

Using your channel to prepare for possibly getting a hermit crab! Thanks for the pet store warning-I suspected the sellers didn’t know much-

[@CrabCentralStation]

Way to go! Researching before getting your hermit crabs, you’re already leaps ahead! Thanks for joining us on your journey!

[@alpha_alt5376]

Love this video! i use a 5.5 gallon tank and I have 2 crabs. They seem to thrive in it and I think they dont mind it

[@CrabCentralStation]

Thanks! Despite what you may think, Hermit Crabs need lots of space to exercise. In the wild, they have access to miles upon miles of land. By limiting them to a tank as small as a 5.5 gallon, you are not giving them much space to carry out their natural behaviors. I bet if you upgrade their cage size the humidity and heat will be easier to maintain and your hermit crabs will be more active. Plus, you will have enough space for your crabs to molt. Another concern is cannibalism. If you have one crab molting, because of the small space, the other crab can smell the scent put off by the molting crab. This smell attracts crabs to them and they will get eaten. This is why the deep substrate is so important, it blocks off the molting scent. Hope this helps! 😊

[@alpha_alt5376]

Thank you! when petco or petsmart goes on a sale I will definitely buy a bigger tank. Thank you for the the helpful information!

[@a.c.1515]

i'm considering getting a crab so this advice is really useful, ty!

[@kaijuboogie]

Tysm because I just gave my crab some pelits so I appreciate you