Hermit Crabs - advice please?

Hi all! I'm new to this forum and joined hoping for some good advice. My daughter (7) and I have decided to venture into the world of hermit crabs. Our PLAN is to get some in January, but as always I like to research things in great extent first!

Here's the problem - ready made tanks are easy to buy, but EVERY forum post I read advises against these and they aren't big enough, or safe enough to raise crabs properly. (I would like 2 or 3 as it says they are ver social)

My idea? Get a 10 gallon tank (maybe an 8) ..

My issue? How the heck do I decorate it properly so these crabs will be healthy and happy. There is SO much out there, and I can't seem to find a lot of PICTURES of anyones habitats.

Can anyone help?

Also, I'm a bit worried about pinching.. anyways to .. "hand-tame" a crab? I think my daughter will be taught that they are "look at pets" not "touch pets" but *I* will have to touch them to clean the cages etc etc - and I read that when they pinch, they hang on for a LONG time! Ouch.

Help!

Sorry for all the questions - but if you're going to take care of something - DO IT RIGHT!

 

Hermit crabs don't really need much. They are omnivores, so they will eat just about anything whether it be algae flake or meaty mysis. Other than that, I don't think they care about what their habitat looks like. Give 'em some sand, some water, and some food and I think they'll be happy. You don't even necessarily need lights, it's not like they photosynthesize. Just put the tank near a window.

 

Are we talking about terrestrial or marine hermits?

 

I assume you talking about land hermits. They don't need much, some sand, a water dish, and some food. They sell hermit food you can use. As for pinching, most of the time when you pick them up they retract into the shell. You can put them in your palm and they will come back out and walk around on your hand. They will pinch if given the opportunity, just keep your hand flat, and don't put you fingers up in there face, and you'll be fine.