Hermit crabs can be one of the most interesting and exciting creatures to keep as a pet, but unlike other domestic pets such as dogs or cats, hermit crabs have certain environmental requirements in which they will either maintain their health and happiness or they will develop sickness. One of the most important elements for your crabs is hermit crab humidity of the tank.
Hermit crabs are born in the ocean and make their way to the shore to live on the sandy beaches and jungles of the tropics. To survive both in the water at birth and on land, hermit crabs have gills just like fish, and need to keep these gills moist at all times to maintain proper breathing. When hermit crabs are in humid environments, they are able to breath easier through these gills because they can keep the gills wet extracting the moisture from the air.
Hermit crabs also require moisture in the air, or humidity to be able to drink properly. If you've been to the coast at night you may have seen lots of hermit crabs congregating towards the water. They do this because the air along the beach and shoreline is wet, allowing the hermit crabs to breathe easier and not dry out. Hermit crab humidity is very important in this regard.
When you bring home your little hermit crabs and begin setting up their terrarium or hermit crab cage, there are many factors you'll want to consider to duplicate the conditions of the warm and humid tropical environment your hermit crabs have traveled from.
Humidity is one of the most critical elements to maintain in your hermit crab's cage. Creating a humid environment for your hermit crabs allows for the transfer of oxygen in the air through the hermit crab's gills. Without proper hermit crab humidity, your hermit crabs can begin to suffocate due to their inability to draw oxygen out of their environment.
It is a good idea to keep your hermit crab humidity between 70 and 80 percent so that your crabs can breathe properly. It is not difficult to introduce humidity to your hermit crab tank, as a bowl of water placed in the tank will increase humidity levels. You can also add a natural sea sponge to the water dish (both salt water and fresh de-chlorinated water) to increase the surface area for potential evaporation, and at the same time, increases the humidity levels in the tank.
It's also a good idea to monitor your hermit crab humidity by purchasing an inexpensive humidity gauge and attaching it to the inside of the tank. This will give you a good indication on humidity levels and keep your hermit crabs happy and healthy for years to come!