Tank on a budget....

[shw104]

Kids came back from the beach over the weekend with two hermit crabs and a small cage habitat. I've had crabs growing up but it's been a long time. Little did I know that proper tanks require lights, heaters, etc. I've spent a good deal of time reading this mostly on this site..

To start with:

What is the volume of your main tank?
10 gallon

How many hermit crabs do you currently have? How big are they?
2 - fairly small.. the size of a 1/2 dollar coin.

How long have you had the hermit crab(s) that you are concerned about?
2 days

What substrate or combination of substrates are you using? How deep is it?
Setting this up today.... we have High Desert Play sand (fine) and expect it will be 3-4" deep. Is this enough?

What do you feed your hermit crabs?
Right now.. the hermit crab food they sold w/the crabs.

Do you use distilled, bottled, tap or other types of water?
Bottled, spring water. Filtered with no chemicals

If you are using a dechlorinator, what brand is it? Does it state to remove all heavy metals, chlorine and chloramines?
None

What brand of sea salt are you using to supply your hermit crabs with salt water?
none yet... will probably use the aquarium sea salt I have for my fish tanks. I'm not sure how much salt to add though.

What heat source are you using and where is it positioned?
none yet... main reason I'm reading this forum... my main question... what is a budget conscious heater for a beginner?

My main two questions:

1. Type of heater for a beginner tank on a very tight budget?
2. Type of light for a beginner tank on a very tight budget?

Thanks for the help.. it is most appreciated.
Scott

[Wai]

What substrate or combination of substrates are you using? How deep is it?
Setting this up today.... we have High Desert Play sand (fine) and expect it will be 3-4" deep. Is this enough?

My answer to your question is under "How deep should the bedding be for newly adopted hermit crabs?" in the Bedding section. You can increase the depth of the bedding after about a week or two.

What do you feed your hermit crabs?
Right now.. the hermit crab food they sold w/the crabs.

I assume you've read the Nutrition page, but if you haven't please give it a thorough look.

What brand of sea salt are you using to supply your hermit crabs with salt water?
none yet... will probably use the aquarium sea salt I have for my fish tanks. I'm not sure how much salt to add though.

What brand of sea salt are you using for the fish? Don't use API's salt as it is pure sodium chloride and doesn't have the other trace elements found in ordinary sea salt. My answer to the salt water concentration is on the Water page.

For a 10 gallon tank, a small UTH will suffice. It should be controlled with a thermostat so that it does not overheat your hermit crabs. Thermostats are expensive, but you will save money on electricity in the long run and you can re-use it for other heat sources if you ever change your mind about using a UTH.

You don't need a light.

[ladybug15057]

I would suggest to measure the floor of your tank. (length and width) The UTH (under tank heater) should fit almost 1/2 way the length of the tanks outside floor. (reason I mention this is because they do make 10 gal tanks, 10 gal tall, and 10 gal long tanks) Depending on the tank measurements the floor can be a bit larger or smaller.
http://www.petdiscounters.com/Under-Tan ... 10451.html

If you scroll down at the link above, you can click on each of the UTH's to see their sizes and what is closest to what your tank size is.
If the room the tank is in has windows with light from the sun, I agree you do not need a light. Mother natures normal night/day cycle is fine.
For food, pitch the hermie food, they can eat what you eat as long as it doesn't have seasonings on it.

http://crabstreetjournal.com/xoops/modu ... p?faqid=91

Just make sure to at least steam any shell fish, and remember whereas some protein sources are also chitin sources not all proteins sources contain chitin.

http://hermitcrabcuisine.com/

Many (like myself) will stock up on certain veggies and fruits this time of year when they are not as expensive. They can be frozen for future feedings too. Hermies do not mind mushy or discolored foods.

Please also read the Post Purchase Stress article since your hermies are so new:
http://crabstreetjournal.com/xoops/modu ... toryid=165

[appps]

I've found eBay a great resource when on a budget. I can buy items up to half the price of those at the pet shop.