The best substrate to use in a hermit crabs tank is clean beach sand. They eat the sand grains, which provides them with minerals and sea salt. They also like to burrow into the sand, especially when they are molting. A 2- to 3-inch base is ideal. The beach sand should be changed and the tank cleaned approximately every four to six weeks. If you live near a beach, you can gather your own sand. If so, it's best to collect it between the high and low tide marks where the mineral content is the highest. If beach sand isn't available, some pet shops carry sand for this purpose.

The tank should be made as close to the crabs' natural environment as possible. Along with beach sand, this can be accomplished by providing them with objects in which to hide and climb, such as large shells. Choya wood is good; not only can the crabs climb on and in it, but they can also eat it for roughage. Any driftwood should be inspected closely for bugs and should be dry. Another good item is pieces of coral; the crabs climb on them and dig in their claws, and the coral is yet another source of extra calcium.

A moist sponge is an excellent item for the crab habitat; it supplies moisture to the air and gives them a secondary source of drinking water. Because natural sponges often contain pieces of shell, they also are a source of extra calcium. A couple times each week, mist the sides of the crabs' tank to maintain moisture in their habitat. Be careful not to overdo it or to spray the crabs' bodies or the sand directly. Too much moisture may promote the growth of fungus.

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