Newbie - Water?

[JamesJr]

Hi people! I am very new at this and am sorry if this is in the wrong section or something. Anyway, I would like to begin keeping hermit crabs. I currently have a 10 - gallon aquarium and I went to Target and bought a shower caddy to provide a second level. Anyway, I know about the temperature and humidity, so I will let me tank "run" for a week before actually getting the crabs, to get it the correct percentages and all that. Wait, would it be better to have conditions similar to the pet store and slowly bring it up to optimal conditions? I read somewhere to have it like 50% humidity one week, then 55% the next, and slowly increase it. Which way is better? I live in a beach/tourist town, and actually work at a gift shop that sells hermit crabs. I know those poor crabs are miserable because they are only fed once a week and i wish I could help them but hopefully I can save a few...okay going WAY off topic...

My question:
Which is the optimal method of providing salt water for hermit crabs?
a) Get the salt mix stuff and mix it; they sell at stores
b) Go to the beach and steal some ocean water
c) Go to the marsh and steal some marsh water

If it is b or c, do I need to boil the water or anything to get rid of any bad organisms? I think I am lucky enough to live near such sources. Also, I was thinking of going to Lowes and getting play sand, but would beach sand be better? I was thinking beach sand may have critters and other nasty things, so it might not work.

[iluvhermies]

First off wtg on researching first. Welcome to the addicting world of hermit crabs.

I would have it all ready and then bring them home. as you said pet shops tend to not have the right set ups and conditions are bad.

The water I am not sure on which way would be better so I would go with the salt mix unless someone else knows and answeres you on that one.

The sand if you do get it from the ocean you should bake it first to remove anything bad in it. The playsand make sure it has no bad smells to it or any bugs that you can see.

[HermieLove19]

iluvhermies got it perfect

i can't believe they get fed once a week. thats so sad. i feed mine everyday and cook for them. my family thinks ive gone nuts. i hate seeing all those poor little crabs down the shore.

[JamesJr]

I went to Petsmart and bought some Oceanic Salt Water Mix and a TopWing Cuttlebone. Are these reputable products?

[iluvhermies]

Yeah they are ok.

[HermieLove19]

zoomed is a good brand too