Pre-mixed, hermit crab substrate. An all purpose, pet safe sand from your local hardware store. However, you should double check to make sure it is pet safe, which should be listed on the label. As a last resort, you can use play sand. Since it doesn’t hold moisture well and may contain antibacterial or fungal agents, you should only use it as a last resort. If your backyard soil hasn’t been exposed to contaminants or pesticides, you can go ahead and use it.

If your hermit crab is 1’’ or less, you can add six inches of substrate. if your hermit crab is 1 5/8’’, you can add between 6’’ and 8’’ of substrate. Add between 8’’ and 10’’ for a 2 ½’’ hermit crab. Add 12’’ or more for a jumbo 3’’ hermit crab.

Since your hermit crab will be drinking the water, you want to make sure it is dechlorinated and free of contaminants. [4] X Research source You can get ceramic or decorative water dishes at your local pet store. Make sure they are large enough to fit your hermit crab, since they like to hang out inside the dishes.

If you are dechlorinating tap water, you can add ten dechlorination drops to a gallon of tapwater. [6] X Research source

If you have one low area in the tank, you can place the saltwater container near the freshwater container.

You should disinfect it first with a mixture of two parts dechlorinated water and one part hydrogen peroxide. [9] X Research source Since hermit crabs are scavengers, they may hide food between little cracks in your decorations. Be aware that this can cause mold. Sweep through the substrate every few days to check for buried food.

For dehydration, you can bake it at 200 Fahrenheit (93 Celsius) for 30 minutes.

If you prefer, you could also add a little bit of substrate to the bottom of the container. Then, fill it up with some moss for a little play area. Don’t use craft moss or any dyed mosses.

Fish netting can be purchased from an arts and crafts store. Boil the fish net before installing it. You want to make sure it is disinfected before putting it in the tank.

Half logs also look great. [16] X Research source To disinfect the driftwood, you should soak it in saltwater overnight. Then, bake it at 200 Fahrenheit (93 Celsius) for 30 minutes.

You can get nice fake plants at your local pet store or even at the dollar store.