How to Make Saltwater for a Hermit Crab: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hermit crabs are amazing pets that have unique needs when it comes to their environment One essential requirement is access to saltwater, which helps them stay healthy and thrive But you can’t just use plain old tap water, which contains chemicals like chlorine that are harmful to crabs. The saltwater needs to be carefully prepared with the proper ingredients.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making perfect saltwater for your hermit crab tank or habitat.

Why Do Hermit Crabs Need Saltwater?

Hermit crabs are found near the ocean in the wild, so they are adapted to living in a salty aquatic environment. They have gills that must stay moist in order to breathe air properly. Hermit crabs also drink saltwater and use it to clean themselves.

Without access to saltwater, hermit crabs can become dehydrated and may suffocate within days. Their gills will dry out, making it impossible for them to breathe. Providing an abundance of suitable saltwater is crucial for their health and survival.

Dangers of Using Tap Water

It may seem easy enough to just use regular tap water. But tap water contains high levels of chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals that can be toxic to hermit crabs. The chlorine is especially problematic, as it dries out their sensitive gills.

Iodine is another chemical added to many tap water supplies. Iodine is poisonous to all hermit crab species. Even small amounts found in table salt can be deadly to the crabs.

Because of all these risks, you should never use untreated tap water in a hermit crab habitat. It must be conditioned properly first.

How to Make Hermit Crab Saltwater

Making safe saltwater for hermit crabs isn’t complicated, but it does require the right ingredients and steps. Here is a foolproof process:

What You’ll Need:

• 1 gallon of distilled or purified water
• Instant Ocean or other marine salt for aquariums
• Large container for mixing water
• Hydrometer (optional)
• Dechlorinator solution (optional)

Mixing the Water:

1. Start with 1 gallon of distilled, filtered, or bottled water. Tap water is unsafe unless dechlorinated first.

2. Clean and rinse the container you’ll mix the saltwater in. Make sure there’s no residue left over.

3. If you want to be extra cautious, add a dechlorinating solution to the water and mix thoroughly. This removes any traces of chlorine.

4. Add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of marine salt per cup of water. For 1 gallon of water, use 5 cups of salt. Instant Ocean is a reliable brand.

5. Stir continuously until the salt fully dissolves and the water is clear. This may take some time.

6. Let the solution sit so the pH stabilizes. Test with a hydrometer to ensure correct salinity.

7. When ready, use this saltwater for your hermit crab’s bathing pool and drinking water.

8. Do regular partial water changes to keep the salinity and pH ideal.

Maintaining Proper Salt Levels

The ideal salt-to-water ratio for hermit crabs is 1.5 teaspoons of marine salt per 1 cup of water. Or for a larger volume, use 5 cups of salt per 1 gallon of water. This achieves a salinity of around 1.021 to 1.026, which mimics their natural ocean environment.

Test the water with a hydrometer if possible to get an accurate salinity reading. Keep an eye on the water parameters and perform partial water changes as needed to maintain safe, stable levels. Providing properly mixed saltwater is one of the most vital things you can do for your crabs!

Choosing the Right Salt

Table salt and even sea salt contain additives that are hazardous to hermit crabs. It’s important to select an aquarium-safe salt product designed for marine life. Some good options include:

• Instant Ocean – Very affordable and used by public aquariums. Also comes in reef crystals.

• API Aquarium Salt – Specifically formulated for aquatic health. Could help prevent fungal infections.

• Jungle Aquarium Salt – Dissolves rapidly and promotes healing of minor wounds. Sold in small containers.

Make sure the salt doesn’t have iodine, nitrates, phosphates, or anti-caking chemicals. A pure marine salt designed for aquarium use is the way to go.

Providing Access to Saltwater

Hermit crabs will drink saltwater from small dishes placed in their habitat. Provide enough containers that all crabs can easily access it. Shallow dishes prevent accidental drowning.

You should also include a larger saltwater pool for bathing. Saltwater pools allow crabs to fully immerse and clean themselves regularly. Pools can be created with dishes, ponds, or small tanks.

Give them ample saltwater supplies and exchange the water frequently, so it stays clean and safe. This encourages natural behaviors and healthy crabs.

Recap: Keys to Making Hermit Crab Saltwater

• Use purified or distilled water – never tap water
• Add marine aquarium salt at 1.5 tsp per cup of water
• Stir continuously until fully dissolved
• Let sit and test salinity with hydrometer
• Use for drinking and bathing
• Change water regularly to maintain proper pH and salt levels
• Choose pure marine salt with no additives or iodine

Providing the right amount of properly conditioned saltwater is crucial for caring for pet hermit crabs. Following this guide ensures your crabs have everything they need to thrive in their aquatic habitat. Give them access to clean saltwater and watch them grow active and strong!