HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I posted before I have finally got a good substrate for my crabs. I bought Eco Earth and its about 5 inches deep, 2 inches deeper then I originally wanted, since my largest crab Ernie, is barely an inch in height.
Any who, as soon as I put them back in the tank, Ernie started digging. He was always digging with the gravel, which made me concerned he might surface molt. A couple weeks ago, I noticed what looked to be a water sack on the side of his little body. My boyfriends mother bought me 3 large bricks of the Eco Earth, and yesterday me and my mom set it up.
He dug around twice and kept coming back up. Finally, when I think he's all settled and finally going to molt, he comes right back up all dirty and hangs out by the fresh water.
I got up a few minutes ago and notice Ernie was missing. Obviously I knew he dug down, but the only place I saw that was moved was his little corner. I didnt want to dig around, afraid I would disturb him/and or find him grouchy and have him pinch me. So I moved the Eco Earth just a little bit and he was no where to be seen.
This is my first (hopefully) molt with a crab and Im just very nervous he might get hurt or die molting or idk >.< He's right next to the fresh water and I dont want to accidentally pick it up and see him or move him by accident. Also, I need to know which spot to pay close attention to while misting. I dont want to mist the wrong spot!
Does anyone have any advice in case he really is molting and what to do :/

Update: I have found the little culprit dug waay down!
But tips would still be good!



Mommy to 4.
3 crabs; Bert, Ernie&Junior (All PP's)
1 puppy; Roy (whom I share with the beloved)

Just don't worry about him. If you end up picking up the waterdish and he's there, it'll spook him from burrowing against it, if he's smart about it. And if not, better you find him than another crab


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Don't worry about it! Going through my first fault my nerve wracking considering my one crab had had a surface molt! I was inexperienced at the time, and quickly isolated him before burying him down in the Eco earth myself, putting his exo right on top of him. A few days later he popped up good as new! It was pure luck. If you have to pick up the water bowl or anything, just do it very slowly invade he's down there. Otherwise just leave him be, and make sure none of the other little crabbies seem to be going down and bothering him. In a few days or weeks, he should come back up healthy and slightly bigger! The only time you should worry is if you smell a fishy kind of smell, or if you find him naked without a shell. But for now he seems like he's just trying to find the most comfortable place to molt! and he made himself a molt sac already too!


My four hermies ~ Hulk, Biscotti, Sampson, and Double D <3

You can use a baster or a pipette to drain the water without having to pick up the water dish.

Wishing you and him the best with his molt