Molting crabs too close together?

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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JulieK0311
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Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2016 6:33 am

Molting crabs too close together?

Post by JulieK0311 » Sat Sep 03, 2016 8:25 am

This is our first experience with molting. We currently have 5 crabs in a 10 gallon tank, have had them for about a month. I was getting ready to move them into a 20 this weekend. One dug down under their favorite log 2 days ago and I haven't seen him come up since, so I'm assuming he went down for a molt. This morning I see than another crab has buried himself directly on top of where the other guy went down! I'm sure he's gone down to molt too (he Never dug before and was eating all the time for the past few days). Is this dangerous to have 2 crabs down molting so close together? Any advice would be very much appreciated!

I'm planning on moving the other 3 into the new tank tomorrow and leaving the molters in the 10gallon until they come up. Does that make sense? Thanks!!


Giner13
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Re: Molting crabs too close together?

Post by Giner13 » Sat Sep 03, 2016 9:08 am

I would just to be on the safe side!! And I'm glad to hear you're moving them!!
One of mine did that exact thing before a move. I moved one crab & left the molted in the old one until I saw signs he was up & done.


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KayedeeLove<3
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Re: Molting crabs too close together?

Post by KayedeeLove<3 » Sun Sep 04, 2016 4:27 pm

Hello! Just wanted to mention 5 crabs in a 20 gal is still a tight fit! Also keep in mind that a crab will need even more room as they grow!

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isadoraisacat
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Re: Molting crabs too close together?

Post by isadoraisacat » Sun Sep 04, 2016 5:43 pm

Depending on size i think 4 is prob Max in a 20. I have 4 in my 20 mine crab is about a quarter size. 2 others are slightly larger and one is a ping pong ball or golf ball size. If their all big id say 20 is a tight squeeze. I'm waitong on one molter to move them to the larger tank.

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