There isn't any easy all-in-one solution. its easy to setup an enclosure, but it's going to probably cost more than you originally thought. These creatures are sold and marketed as simple, easy, cheap throw away pets as if they were 'seamonkeys'. they are not. They have quite a few requirements to ensure a long life - and long it can be. The oldest crab currently in captivity is 44 years old last I checked and we humans really don't know what the life expectancy is.

​

It would be good to do some research on this before jumping in if you want to do it right and not set them up for a year of suffering and suffocation as they slowly die.

​

Some key attributes to a solid enclosure are listed below:

• at least 80 degrees at all times
• At least 80% humidity at all times (so they can breath - they don't have lungs and they don't breath air. They have modified gills that pull oxygen
• Available Fresh water pool deep enough for your biggest crab to fully submerge.
• Available Salt water pool deep enough for your biggest to fully submerge.
• AT LEAST 6 inches of substrate - can be anything from 100% dry play sand to a 5:1 ratio mix with cocofiber. Do not use 100% cocofiber. Also keep in mind that dry sand will eventually saturate in a humid environment to the perfect consistency.
• Tank has to be sealed to retain the humidity and heat. Consider a glass lid for your enclosure.
• To heat you want to place a UTH on the upper back - outside of the tank. It is also suggested to insulate that by covering it with Reflectix (can be picked up at any hardware store or amazon)
• Shells, You want to have a good variety and selection of natural shells. I will provide links to some reputable vendors. If you have Purple Pincers, you want to specifically look for "turbo" shells. the snakeskin turbo and Mexican turbos seem to be the most popular in my tank.
• Lastly is the diet. They are scavengers so they eat a wide variety of foods, but you should be aware of their requirements to make sure you always have certain staples for them and also to be aware of what is toxic to them. Here is a great resource for all things hermit diet: Kilimanjaro's Hermits: Kilimanjaro's Guide to Hermit Crab Nutrition
  

​

Here are some links to tried and tested products.

UTH: https://beanfarm.com/collections/heating/undertank-heaters

Reflectix: https://www.amazon.com/Reflective-Insulation-Industrial-Commercial-Weatherproofing/dp/B07G653KPM/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=reflectix&qid=1581006697&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEySTdKN0pNOENWUU40JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjcwMTY0M042UkhSOEo1WFk4QiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTM5MzE2MUQ4N1ZDS1AxVUdBMyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= Price size and brand can vary.

Water conditioner - https://www.amazon.com/Seachem-Prime-Fresh-Saltwater-Conditioner/dp/B00025694O/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=prime&qid=1581006762&sr=8-2

Salt - https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Ocean-Aquariums-Nitrate-Phosphate-Free/dp/B000255NKA/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=instant+ocean&qid=1581006790&sr=8-2 You ca use Insta-Reef salt as well.

Shells - https://deltonaseashells.com/turbo-trochus-shells

http://naplesseashellcompany.com/hermit_crab_shells_with_round_shape_openings.html

https://www.etsy.com/listing/248492842/mexican-turbo-sea-shell-beach-craft

Aquarium - hit up pet supplies plus for the 1$ per gallon sales or search our craigslist in your area (sometimes you can get them free if you pick them up)

Pre-made hermit food that isn't toxic - https://www.etsy.com/listing/622045529/sampler-pack?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=hermit+food&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&bes=1

Cocofiber - https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Eco-Earth-Pack/dp/B0010OSIHW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=coco+fiber&qid=1581007162&sr=8-2

Sand - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-50-lb-Play-Sand-111351/100318476

Glass lids - https://www.amazon.com/fish-aquarium-hoods/b?node=2975457011

Pools - you can use anything from Tupperware to Kritter Keepers. Just make sure that you have at least a bubbler in each. it will help aerate the water and push it into the air to build humidity.

I'm sure many others will chime in. there are a lot of options and different setups out there. the key is making sure you have all the key parts covered.

Wishing you the best! Once setup, it is SUPER easy to maintain.