Water Conditioner & Marine Salt

Water conditioner and marine salt are essential components of any hermit crab habitat.

In their natural environment, hermit crabs are exposed to ocean water with its inherent salinity and distilled rainwater, both of which are free from ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals.

However, when we introduce them into our home environment, we utilize tap water that contains various chemicals and heavy metals, which are hazardous to hermit crabs. Therefore, it is crucial to treat all water entering their tank with an appropriate all-purpose water conditioner and marine salt that replicates the natural saltwater found in the ocean.

Water Conditioners

With numerous water conditioners available on the market, selecting the appropriate one can be challenging, particularly as many are specifically marketed for hermit crabs.

Unfortunately, these products are often insufficient. Water conditioners targeted at hermit crabs typically address only one or two elements, such as chlorine and heavy metals.

However, it is essential to remove more than just these elements. You should seek a water conditioner that effectively eliminates ammonia, chloramine, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals, providing a comprehensive solution in a single bottle.

We have consistently and will continue to highly recommend Seachem Prime Water Conditioner. This exceptional product efficiently removes all the impurities mentioned above with just one drop per litre of water. Its concentrated formula ensures longevity, providing excellent value for your investment. This product is readily available online, at aquariums, or in the fish section of most pet stores.

Why is it necessary to eliminate impurities from our crabs' water?

Tap water often contains numerous chemicals, resulting in "hard" water—not hard like ice, but hard due to its high mineral content.

These added chemicals are essentially toxic to hermit crabs. While the impact on their health may not be immediately visible, it will inevitably affect their overall well-being over time.

Seachem Prime Water Conditioner

Displayed above are several commonly used hermit crab water conditioners. These products do not completely eliminate all impurities from tap water and should be avoided.

Marine Salt

Individuals frequently misunderstand the differences between various types of salt, such as sea salt, Himalayan salt, table salt, cooking salt, aquarium salt, tropical salt, Celtic salt, and marine salt. Contrary to popular belief, each type of salt serves a distinct purpose and possesses unique properties not found in others.

Why do we exclusively recommend marine salt for hermit crabs? Primarily, the salt pool is intended to replicate the ocean environment. The saltwater serves a greater purpose than merely providing a bathing area for the crabs. Marine salt contains essential trace minerals that are vital for the survival and well-being of hermit crabs. Furthermore, hermit crabs utilize the salt pool to fill their shell water, blending it with fresh water inside the shell to achieve their desired salinity.

A high-quality marine salt closely replicates seawater, providing an optimal environment without needing to access the ocean. It is imperative to avoid using table salt, Himalayan salt, cooking salt, Celtic salt, salt crystals, tropical salt, or food-grade sea salt, as these are not formulated for hermit crabs and may be toxic, offering no benefit to their well-being.

We strongly recommend avoiding salts marketed for hermit crabs, as they provide no health benefits. Salts available at supermarkets or standard pet stores are neither safe nor effective. For optimal results, purchase marine salt from aquarium stores, online aquarium retailers, or a reputable online hermit crab supplies store, such as ours.

We highly recommend the following marine salts: Red Sea Salt, Aquaforest Sea Salt, Aqua One Synthetic Reef Salt, Continuum Reef Crystals, and Aquasonic Premium Sea Salt.

Displayed above are several commonly found unsafe hermit crab salts.

Instructions for Using Water Conditioner & Marine Salt

The Prime water conditioner is highly concentrated, requiring only one drop per litre of water, making it very economical. It is common for pet owners to worry if they accidentally add 2-3 drops per litre, fearing it might be harmful to their crabs. However, it is not possible to overdose with Prime; adding more than the recommended amount will not harm your crabs but will deplete your supply of water conditioner more rapidly.

It is essential to add a water conditioner to any water introduced into your tank, whether for freshwater or saltwater environments. This also applies to the water used for moistening your moss pit and cleaning your shells.

Typically, marine salts require approximately 34-38 grams per litre of water, equivalent to about 2 tablespoons. Ensure that you condition the water first, then add the marine salt and stir until the salt is completely dissolved.