Best habitat for a hermit crab

Hope this helps :)

“ hermit crab habitat MUST include several things, in order for them to have a chance at a long, healthy life.

      A leaky aquarium (brand-new works just as good) is a good start for a "crab habitat"


      The habitat must have a lid.  Hermit crabs are excellent escape artists and should never be underestimated.

• The purpose of the lid is also to retain heat and moisture. (discussed in-depth later)

      Unless you live in the tropics, your habitat also needs a heat rock or blacklight fixture to keep the night-time temperature above 60'F.  (This is a MUST.  If crabs are subjected to temperatures under 60', they might become dormant.  They will probably live, but it is not good for them.)
  
  
      The habitat shouldn't be placed in direct sunlight or next to/under an air vent.  (You don't want baked crab or crab icicles.)
  
  
      A habitat needs 1 or 2 inches of sand or aquarium gravel.  (Sand is best.  Something that works well and is inexpensive is "play sand".  This is usually purchased at a hardware store.  It should be screened and rinsed.)  The level of sand is dependant upon the size of the largest crab in the habitat.  All the crabs should be able to bury themselves fully, if they should choose to.
      !!! Note: DO NOT USE CEDAR / WOOD CHIPS!    This can create a germ-breeding environment.
      You can evaporate an amount of sea/salt water (from a pet store or beach) in the sand or gravel.  This will allow the crabs to consume the minerals just as they would in the wild, by absorption.  (more on salt/minerals later)
  
  
      "FURNITURE" and "TOYS"

Climbing is part of the way of life for a land tree hermit crab. Places for the crabs to climb to are a necessity for the crabs’ longevity, activity level, and appearance while in captivity.

• Reptile toys from the pet store are an excellent source of starter pieces and ideas. Play equipment layout is limited to your budget and imagination only. Be aware of the danger of a crab getting his shell caught and stuck in between items and the glass. Palm tree plants, hiding logs, rocks, vines, coral, plastic aquarium plants, and wood pieces are excellent items to look at for habitat use.”

Cite: http://crabcolony.homestead.com/Care.html