Hardening Time

This forum is where you discuss issues relating to molting hermit crabs, including pre- and post-molting issues. If you are having a molting emergency please post in the Emergency Forum.
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CrazyDiabetic
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Hardening Time

Post by CrazyDiabetic » Sat May 02, 2020 12:40 am

One of my crabs just came up from a molt a few hours ago. Hes drinking like mad and is pretty active. I'm wondering when it would be safe to re-add him to the main tank with the other crabs? How can I tell when he's properly hardened?

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JoeHermits
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Re: Hardening Time

Post by JoeHermits » Sat May 02, 2020 8:48 am

If he’s active then his exoskeleton is fully hardened. Go ahead and put him back when you’re ready.


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Re: Hardening Time

Post by curlysister » Sat May 02, 2020 11:06 am

Why was he in a separate tank? There is no need to isolate crabs to molt. As long as you have enough sub and your tank is not over crowded, the crab should be fine in the main tank.
Crabs will stay under ground until they have hardened, and will then come back up to the surface.
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Hermielover121
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Re: Hardening Time

Post by Hermielover121 » Sat May 02, 2020 11:16 am

Did he surface molt?


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CrazyDiabetic
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Re: Hardening Time

Post by CrazyDiabetic » Sat May 02, 2020 12:21 pm

Hermielover121 wrote:
Sat May 02, 2020 11:16 am
Did he surface molt?


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No, all of my crabs burrowed into the substrate a couple of months ago, no surface molts.

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CrazyDiabetic
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Re: Hardening Time

Post by CrazyDiabetic » Sat May 02, 2020 12:24 pm

curlysister wrote:
Sat May 02, 2020 11:06 am
Why was he in a separate tank? There is no need to isolate crabs to molt. As long as you have enough sub and your tank is not over crowded, the crab should be fine in the main tank.
Crabs will stay under ground until they have hardened, and will then come back up to the surface.
Ohh, okay. I'm a first time owner, and all my research said that you need to iso them when they molt. I guess that's only if they attempt a surface molt, then. Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it!

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CrazyDiabetic
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Re: Hardening Time

Post by CrazyDiabetic » Sat May 02, 2020 12:24 pm

JoeHermits wrote:
Sat May 02, 2020 8:48 am
If he’s active then his exoskeleton is fully hardened. Go ahead and put him back when you’re ready.


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Okay! Thanks for the advice!

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Hermielover121
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Re: Hardening Time

Post by Hermielover121 » Sat May 02, 2020 12:25 pm




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