How to Prepare Water for Pet Hermit Crabs

For hermit crabs, constant access to water is vital. Hermit crabs require both fresh and salt water to stay healthy and happy. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can be harmful to your pet, so it is important to de-chlorinate (condition) water before you give it to your hermit crab. You can find both de-chlorinator and hermit crab salt at most pet stores.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• Hermit crab salt

Prepare the Fresh Water

1. Read the instructions for your de-chlorinator. The directions may vary by brand so be sure to read them carefully.

2. Fill the bucket (or container) with the appropriate amount of water. Most de-chlorinators call for 1 or 2 drops per gallon of water, so you might have to make a little more than you need.

3. Add the appropriate amount of water conditioner. Let the water sit for a few minutes.

Prepare the Salt Water

4. Read the instructions for your salt additive. These directions may also vary by brand so be sure to read them carefully as well.

5. Fill the bucket (or container) with the appropriate amount of water.

6. Add the appropriate amount of salt. The salt should dissolve after a few stirs of the hand (make sure your hands are clean) or a few minutes of sitting.

Tips & Warnings

• You should change your hermit crab's water about every 2 days.
• Never use a metal container to prepare water or store water in your hermit crab's cage. Hermit crabs are sensitive to metal.

Resources

• Buy water conditioner for hermit crabs at Petsmart.com.
• Buy sea salt for hermit crabs at Petsmart.com.