Four Tips for Taking Care of Hermit Crabs
Author: D Swain
Hermit crabs are exotic but easy to care for pets. They take up little space, leave no messes, and require minimal maintenance. If you've just gotten one, there are a few things you need to learn about taking care of hermit crabs. This article will give you a few tips to ensure you take proper care of your pet hermit crab.
Water
Your crab needs water to survive. At the least, you should provide him with a dish filled with fresh water. If you get the water out of your tap, you will need to dechlorinate it before your crab can drink it. It's also
best to provide a second dish filled with saltwater. It's best to buy a saltwater mix from your local pet store to make sure it's right.
Humidity
Humidity is also important when taking care of hermit crabs. Although they're land crabs, they still have gills to help them breathe underwater. These gills must remain moist at all times in order for the crab to breathe.
Make sure you provide a humidity level between 70% and 80%. Daily misting combined with an appropriate aquarium top should do the trick. Buy a humidity indicator so that you can easily keep an eye on the level.
Temperature
One of the next important aspects of caring for a pet hermit crab is providing the proper temperature. If he suffers prolonged exposure to temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, he will die. Conversely, excessive heat can lead to overheating which causes irreversible damage and possibly death. Get a thermostat and try to keep the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat
You will need an undertank heater to provide the ideal temperature level. The heater you buy is determined by the size of your tank. Keep in mind that the heater needs to provide enough heat even though it will be situated beneath the substrate. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/four-tips-for-taking-care-of-hermit-crabs-726466.html
About the Author
These are a few tips for taking care of hermit crabs. If this is your first time owning one, there are many things you need to know about proper hermit crab care. So, click here now to start learning how to take care of pet hermit crabs.