Blue Leg Hermit Crab Tank?

I keep freshwater aquariums, and like invertebrates. I’ve never kept salt before, but I think they’re pretty. I know the larger the tank the easier it is to maintain, but I want a blue leg hermit crab or two and that’s it (are they social? I only want one but my land hermies are social). I was thinking those reef jars are pretty, but pretty small, too. How many gallons would you recommend for a single blue leg hermit crab (or two if they’re social)?

 

Honestly, you would be fine with a 3-5 gallon tank. Fish produce far more waste than crabs do (by nature they are a clean up crew animal). That said it will be a fair bit of work and expense just for one crab. I would go with 2 or more if you want something really active (or were you thinking of the larger electric blue hermit crab?). The biggest issue to contend with will be evaporation. Keep in mind that water evaporates, but salt doesn't. So you will need to keep topping up with fresh RODI water to keep the salinity level from skyrocketing (which will happen quickly in a small tank).

 

Sweet, I’ll look into a 3.5 gallon I found on kijiji. I’ve heard of blue legs killing each other, is this a real issue?

 

While it is possible, that isn't a problem I have ever run into. I have had problems with hermit crabs killing snails for food, shell, or just because, but not with hermit crabs of the same species killing each other.

We had a pet left-handed hermit crab for a few years. He was fun!

 

While it is possible, that isn't a problem I have ever run into. I have had problems with hermit crabs killing snails for food, shell, or just because, but not with hermit crabs of the same species killing each other.

We had a pet left-handed hermit crab for a few years. He was fun!

I have had hermits kill off some smaller snails for their shells (despite leaving extra shells), but other than that they only bother stuff when it's dead or near death. I do have a left handed hermit that has grown quite a bit and it has been a character.

Here he is:

 

Okay, I’ll probably stick with two blue legs. Thanks all!