4 Best Sands For Hermit Crabs in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

Hermit crabs are really neat creatures and there is no doubt about that. Like with all creatures you have in your home, especially ones in tanks, there are going to be a few important things you need to supply. For hermit crabs, the sand in the bottom of the tank is one of these very important aspects. So, what is the best sand for Hermit Crabs? and what kind do they need? This post has the answers!

A Quick Comparison of our Favorites

	Image	Product	Details
		Hermit Habitat Terrarium Sand	Non-toxic Pretty good consistency Natural odor neutralizer	CHECK PRICE
		Caribsea Crabitat Hermit Crab Sand	Clean and sterilized Real ocean sand Good for burrowing	CHECK PRICE
		Hermit Habitat Terrarium Substrates	Looks good Non-toxic Colorfast	CHECK PRICE
		Estes Gravel RepTerra	Looks nice Non-toxic Source of calcium	CHECK PRICE

3 Best Sand For Hermit Crabs in 2022

We personally feel that these options are the best sand options for Hermits;

1. Hermit Habitat Terrarium Sand

This sand is made out of 100% digestible calcium carbonate, which means that it is actually a good source of calcium for your Hermit Crab. Calcium is needed for a healthy hermit crab and a strong body. Anyway, this is a totally non-toxic and healthy hermit crab sand option to go with.

It has the right consistency for your Hermit Crabs so they can burrow without issue. Moreover, it is also clean and sterilized so bugs, mold, and parasites will not be an issue. Also, it is actually a natural odor sterilizer too, so bad hermit crab smells will not be a problem either.

2. Caribsea Crabitat Hermit Crab Sand

This is specialized Hermit Crab sand which will work wonders in your “crabitat”. We do really like the fact that this particular terrarium sand comes in 7 different colors for your own fun and amusement.

It’s also good because even though the sand is colorful, it is non-toxic and has not been dyed with any harsh chemicals. This stuff is real ocean sand that is rich in calcium, which is exactly what your Hermit Crab needs. This sand is also clean and sterilized, it controls odors, and it works great for burrowing too.

3. Hermit Habitat Terrarium Substrates

Now, this is not exactly sand, but actually really fine gravel that has been coated with colorfast acrylic. The acrylic coating is non-toxic, it won’t leach chemicals, and it won’t turn your crabs blue either. The neat part is that the substrate is blue, something that will turn your crab tank into a really beautiful place.

4. Estes Gravel RepTerra

This is the final sand option we feel was worth a mention. This substrate is pink and pretty! Estes RepTerra is made of calcium carbonate, which helps provide your hermit crabs with a good source of calcium which the direly need. It is great for digging and burrowing, it is non-toxic, and will not hurt your Hermit Crabs in any way. It is also clean so you know that there won’t be any mold either.

Buyers Guide:

What Kind Of Sands Can You Use For Hermit Crabs?

There are a variety of sands that can be used as Hermit Crab tank substrate, but they do all need to have some specific qualities. First of all, there are specific sands which are made for “crabitats”, which is usually one of the best choices to go with. Keep in mind, as long as the sand is not too fine or too rough, roughly the size of a sugar grain, it will work fine.

Do Hermit Crabs Like Sand?

Yes, Hermit crabs love to dig tunnels, so any sand that is too coarse or too fine will not work. It needs to be just the right consistency to create those tunnels which they love to dig. Crabs are however quite susceptible to mold and parasites so you do need to find sand that is clean and sterilized.

Can You Use Play Sand For Hermit Crabs?

You probably should not use all-purpose sand or something like play sand as the quality, texture, and cleanliness can all be issues with these types of sand. On a side note, sand with a high calcium content will also be beneficial for your hermit crabs as it is a mineral which they require in fairly high quantities. (If you need more help caring for your Hermit Crab then check out this post).

Conclusion

Just remember what we talked about in terms of what kind of sand Hermit Crabs need and you will be just fine! We have also covered a post on how big they can get here.

Featured image credit: Zuzha, Shutterstock