To whom it may concern,
While visiting the Aquarium I was amazed by the wonderful exhibits that displayed exotic and interesting animals from around the world. Even though most tanks (and I do have to admit; I had a total tank envy!) where amazing; I write this email in concern for one particular species that was under you care; the land hermit crabs.
The enclosure did not show these wonderful species playful and clumsy antiques; instead showed there struggle. Obviously I not blaming you for these simple mistakes that I will draw to you attention later on; there’s a lot of myths and misconceptions that surround these ancient animals.
First and for most; I want to bring attention that these animals and are cold blooded. I saw the heat lamp beaming down on the cage; however while standing rather close to it, I noticed the lack of warmth. Hermit crabs do best when kept in a temperature around 27 – 31 degrees Celsius; becoming quite active – even during the day time. Even though the heat lamp would have warmed the “crabitat”; the open top would allow most of the heat to escape.
A common mistake that many hermit crab owners make around the world is they ‘fail’ to take in account were they live naturally in the wild; near the beach. These crabs have modified gills but still require a humid environment. After all, they begin their life in the ocean as ‘zoea’ before moulting through many stages into the land hermit crabs that we acknowledge. In the ‘crabbing community’ many go along the idea of 80 – 85% relative humidity. The tank would have had little humidity inside; due to the open top. The best way to go in a “fish tank” with a lid; it keeps in the humidity.
While visiting, I couldn’t help noticing how dry the sand was. Hermit crabs require around 15 – 20cm (or more; my little crabby clan love a deep substrate) of sand that’s a “sand castle consistency”. Basically; you want the substrate moist – but not dripping wet! – And able to make sand castles with it. A deep and moist substrate will hold up their tunnels as they dig for moulting purposes or just to have fun! Sand when in a ‘sand castle consistency’ also helps to buffer the humidity too! A good product to use to help buffer the humidity, is light and airy and gives a tropical jungle feel “coconut fiber”; unfertilized fiber is a great choice, especially when mixed with sand!
A common misconception is that hermit crabs need a shallow water source; if it is deep they will drown. Well; hermit crabs benefit from a deep pool source; enjoy swimming. By providing deep water pools – the minimum depth many believe is the shell opening - as hermit crabs enjoy washing out their shells and balancing the salt levels inside their shells. For me, adding a filter or at least a “stream” of water really gets them exploring in a deep pool of de-chlorinated salt or fresh water.
My last concern stems from the ‘lack’ of creativity in the display; looking at it there’s very little that makes it interesting. Adding rocks, driftwood, shells and plants makes a great playground to explore and hide throughout; these little critters enjoy a dense ‘network’ of décor to run around in. Not to mention, they feel quite safe in dense foliage and likely to come out more. Including things like platforms - which really gets them thinking – is a great way of increasing the surface area. With these platforms; you could free up the substrate by doing some of the following: “Shell shop”; “Moss pit” and “food area”. Basically it’s a platform dedicated to one particular item; the moss pit (filled with sphagnum moss) also provides an alternative place to eat, hide and once again, adds to the humidity once wet. Including things like dried up oak leaves with the moss really gets these little guys going, my crabs absolutely enjoy snacking on oak!
In a proper environment, they become quite active… To the point where they can be somewhat destructive! These interesting ‘living fossils’ are frozen time capsules; as it’s not unheard of a hermit crab living up to 10 years or more in the wild! (In captivity; the longest lived crab in captivity for 30 + years by a person called “Carol of Crabworx”. That does come in account the crab living before being purchased!) A crab that doesn’t have basic need; will be highly stressed often streak… Once streaked, it has the chance to die. A crab in you enclosure was found dead and was streaked; with I can say with certainty that died due to the misinformation of the low heat/humidity ranges.
Post note: By now you’re thinking, how can I make this exhibit interesting? There’s a tonne of images at your fingertips (just typing the words “crabitat” “land crab tank” “hermit crabitat” or “natural hermit crabitat” into google images gets the creative juices flowing)! I will link you to a blog showcasing wonderful crabitat(s); which the crabs absolutely agree with! After all, the owner successfully managed to raise babies into captivity! however, the blog mentioned in German based, but offers a wealth of knowledge once translated.
http://curlz-crabs.blogspot.de/
With many thanks,
Jarryd
What ya think? Sorry I took so long, currently in New Caledonia enjoying the sun! 
246L/65G - 'Tidal Jungle' (Crabs) | 246L/65g - 'Backwater Pool' (Fish/Snails) | 96L/25G - ''Twisted Minds" (Fish/Snails/Shrimp) | 300L/90G Fancy Pond (Goldfish)
I've never had any problems with 'Impulse Buying'. They're just animals that I forgot I had planned to get.
