I have two hermit crabs, and want more! But, my Mom will only let me get more, if I convince her that they aren't stinky. I spot clean their cage everyday, and, I am going to clean their WHOLE 10 gallon tank out every week. But, I usually get this kind of sand:
http://www.petco.com/product/4957/Zoo-Med-Repti-Sand.aspx
And, it really is expensive. I need to buy 2-3 bags of this every week, and, I just can't afford that! Please, if anyone knows of any good sand, that is fairly cheap, links would help too! Thank you SO much for your help! Thanks,
~ Hound Lover!
2007-08-11 07:27:17 · 7 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Plain sterile playground sand is the best for them, and you can buy a 50lb bag for just a few dollars at Home Depot or Lowes.
http://www.hermit-crabs.com/index.html
2007-08-11 07:35:34 · answer #1 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use part compressed soil and part sand. The soil helps with the humidity and it's not stinky if you stick with fresh fruits and veggies. (The food's what stinks the most, I found.) I don't clean it out as often as you (I only clean out the entire tank once a month and spot clean every day.) You can try this link for cheaper sand and the compressed soil:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/204433/product.web?utm_source=none&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=inktomi_filler
(Although I just noticed that the shipping and handling for that site is pretty expensive!) :(
I have three hermit crabs in a 10 galloon tank and have had two of them for over a year and got the third about two months ago. You should get at least one more because despite their names, they are social creatures.
For the soil, I buy the brick--it lasts quite a while. Here's another link to compare:
http://www.pet-shop.net/html/hcsand.html
2007-08-11 07:40:02 · answer #2 · answered by April W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when i had a hermit crab i never used just regular sand, the vet said airborne germs will be in it and if its not its natural stuff like he had at the pet store its prob not good for him. they sell it everywhere just go on line or go to a pet store and ask them see w hat they tell you. Mine use to run all over the place whe he got loose he got along the walls and you could hear his shell tapping ON the wood side molding and I never had a prob with him.
2016-05-19 22:56:06 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had my hermies for a little over a year now. I have three in a 10 gallon and they are doing great. I use sand right off the beach outside my house. I have never had a problem with them stinking. :)
2007-08-11 07:39:09 · answer #4 · answered by live*laugh*love 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you could try mixing the sand in with coconut shell shavings or another type of substrate...here's a link to what my friend mixes in with her sand:
http://www.petco.com/product/12635/Zoo-Med-Hermit-Soil.aspx
good luck, remember not to overcrowd your tank-1 or 2 more crabs should be enough to keep them happy and social yet not overcrowd the tank
2007-08-11 07:38:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use playground sand for mine. Its also not that expsensive. Be sure to ALWAYS keep the sand wet and moist at ALL times though. They hate dry sand since they cant dig in it. Plus they are tropical, so they need the sun and moist sand.
2007-08-11 07:41:31 · answer #6 · answered by Reppzin~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had hermit crabs too and i used play sand as my subtrate and it work great. It inexpensive and you can buy it at hardware store.
2007-08-11 07:36:13 · answer #7 · answered by Thia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋