First time owners, worried about 2 month molt

[legobrickmaster]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
   Coconut fiber and sandbox play sand mix, about 5" deep.
2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
   Yes. Both are in the correct zone for temperature for humidity; gauges have blue (cold) / yellow (just right) / red (hot) scale, and the needles are both in yellow. It is located towards the top of the tank, on the opposite side from the heater.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
   Yes. Zoo Med Hermit Crab Heater.
4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
   Both fresh and salt water available. Zoo Med Dechlorinator and Salt Water Conditioner, as directed.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
   Everything from homemade mix of ground-up oats and nuts, lettuce, broccoli, peanut butter, dried fruits, assortment of baby foods, and store-bought hermit crab mix. Currently, we change the food every 2-3 days.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
   First crab late August, second crab a couple weeks later. Second crab we believe is a purple pincher, but first crab unknown.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
   We believe both are currently molting; this would be their first since obtaining the crabs.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
   Glass 5.5G aquarium with a mesh lid. The mesh lid is covered with tin foil to keep the humidity at the correct level. Yes, we know this tank is too small, it was meant to be very temporary, and we can't replace it until the crabs come back up.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
   Two crabs; I guess they would be considered small to medium. The purple pincher is larger than the other. We have not seen the crabs in a while, so from memory (and judging by the spare shells in the tank), the shell openings vary between 3/4" and 1-1/4"
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
    We have 4 at the moment. We had 5, but one crab changed shells before it buried itself, and we removed the painted shell we received it with.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
    No.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
    Cleaned tank at end of August / early September before crabs entered for the first time, have not cleaned since, due to unknown status of the crabs.
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
    Not currently.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
    Everything was new, all toys / bowls / etc., boiled in salt water prior to tank setup.
15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?
    No.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
    This is just like every post on the forum, but we're new crab owners, and we're getting very worried.
    
    We obtained a small crab in mid-late August, and another slightly larger crab in early-mid September. For the first 3-4 weeks or so, they would both dig and bury for 1-3 days at a time, eat, drink, climb, play, and look adorable, as hermit crabs do.
    
    At the very beginning of October (going by memory, between Oct 1 - Oct 4), was the last time we witnessed the second (slightly larger) crab buried itself. The following day the smaller crab changed shells and then buried itself that night. We have not seen either crab since.
    
    For the first month we did not worry, we know they need to de-stress and molt. However, it's been two months, and they have not surfaced.
    
    No food has been eaten, and the water levels have only changed slightly (evaporated). After the first month, I smoothed out the top of the sand, and can confirm that no one is sneaking up late in the night for food / water, and burying again before morning.
    
    The tank does not smell any different than normal (no rotting fish smell). We do not want to disturb them, so I haven't removed any sand to try and locate them or anything. We just keep changing the food and water, and hoping they are both alive.
    
    We physically moved the tank from one part of our living room to another, a couple weeks ago. I know this was not a great idea, but we would have done it before, had we known they'd bury this long. We tried to be as gentle as possible, to minimize disturbing them.
    
    Correct me if I am wrong, but these crabs are not very big, so from what I've read here and other websites, the molt should be done by now? Should we do anything to confirm they are ok, or just wait it out?

[GotButterflies]

I am sorry that I do not have time to reply to all of the other issues right now, but being that you moved the tank, it is highly possible that their tunnels could have collapsed and they could have suffocated. I would very carefully dig them up and be ready to keep them separated if they have survived. Btw, Very normal for molts to take that long. Several issues to address, will get back to you ASAP. Best wishes!!


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[GotButterflies]

[quote="legobrickmaster"]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
   Coconut fiber and sandbox play sand mix, about 5" deep.
   
   GB: The substrate needs to be at least three times deeper than your largest crab.
2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
   Yes. Both are in the correct zone for temperature for humidity; gauges have blue (cold) / yellow (just right) / red (hot) scale, and the needles are both in yellow. It is located towards the top of the tank, on the opposite side from the heater.
   
   GB: You have analog devices. They are not accurate. It is highly recommended that you get a digital gauge. They can be purchased at Walmart for around $9.00. It is best to keep it down by the crabs, so you have an idea of what the crabs are experiencing. It is recommended that the bare minimum is 80 temp 80 humidity. Hermit crabs have modified gills, and therefore require humidity to breathe. They are used to the warmer climates as far as living conditions as well. You really need to know the actual temperature, and actual humidity levels so that you can adjust them accordingly
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
   Yes. Zoo Med Hermit Crab Heater.
   
   GB: Zoomeds do not tend to be reliable, but you have to do what ever works for you, and whatever you can afford, as long as your crabs are within the recommended range of temperature. You cannot insulate zoo med heaters, but you can safely insulate ones from http://www.reptilebasics.com. In the meantime, you can insulate the rest of the sides of your tank with cardboard & aluminum foil, or purchase a product called Reptiflex. Some of the HCA crabbers have used warm towels to keep the tanks warm. (No softners)
4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
   Both fresh and salt water available. Zoo Med Dechlorinator and Salt Water Conditioner, as directed.
   
   GB: I'm not sure I understand your answer. Dechlorinator needs to be used for both waters, (Prime is a great product), but what kind of salt are you using? Please make sure that you are using a marine grade salt. For instance, Instant Ocean. These salts are mixed with dechlorinated water to make saltwater fish tanks. This way the crabs are getting enough minerals that they need. The pools should be deep enough for them to submerge into, and they should be able to climb out of it safely. Crabs can stay submerged for long periods of time, but do need ways to get out of the pool or they can drown.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
   Everything from homemade mix of ground-up oats and nuts, lettuce, broccoli, peanut butter, dried fruits, assortment of baby foods, and store-bought hermit crab mix. Currently, we change the food every 2-3 days.
   
   GB: Please check the safe food list under crab care in the forum section. Several foods that are prepared for hermit crabs are actually not safe for them. Also, make sure you provide plenty of calcium sources (egg shell, oyster shell, cuttlebone), protein, veggies, fruit, fat/oil, misc. They have a food pyramid just like us.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
   First crab late August, second crab a couple weeks later. Second crab we believe is a purple pincher, but first crab unknown.
   
   GB: Would be great to know the other species when possible.
7. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
   Glass 5.5G aquarium with a mesh lid. The mesh lid is covered with tin foil to keep the humidity at the correct level. Yes, we know this tank is too small, it was meant to be very temporary, and we can't replace it until the crabs come back up.
   
   GB: Sounds great! Each crab needs a minimum of 5 gallons, and even then that depends on the size of the crab.
8. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
   We have 4 at the moment. We had 5, but one crab changed shells before it buried itself, and we removed the painted shell we received it with.
   
   GB: I would recommend more shells. At least 6 per crab. PP's love turbos. You can look under the forum section for ideas.
9. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
   No.
   
   GB: Please keep in mind that glass/acylic is porous (even though it doesn't look like it). Anything used in the same room can penetrate into the tank. Just be careful
10. How often do you clean the tank and how?
    Cleaned tank at end of August / early September before crabs entered for the first time, have not cleaned since, due to unknown status of the crabs.
    
    GB: What did you clean the tank with? Only vinegar is safe. Not really necessary to clean the tank other than to remove old food or wipe down glass. Unless you have bug overgrowth, or an issue.
11. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
    Everything was new, all toys / bowls / etc., boiled in salt water prior to tank setup.
    
    GB: Remember to use dechlorinated water - even to boil
    
    Okay, I replied to your questions that needed a response by posting GB (GotButterflies). I hope that information helps and that your crabs are okay! Sorry it took me a few hours!

[legobrickmaster]

I am sorry that I do not have time to reply to all of the other issues right now, but being that you moved the tank, it is highly possible that their tunnels could have collapsed and they could have suffocated. I would very carefully dig them up and be ready to keep them separated if they have survived. Btw, Very normal for molts to take that long. Several issues to address, will get back to you ASAP. Best wishes!!

Thanks for all your answers.


Before I start digging, how will I know if they are alive an still molting / post-molting, or if they are ready to come up? How would I know if they have died, other than by smell?

If I am digging and I find one or both, I don't want to pick it up at cause further harm, if everything is going well and they just need more time. If it's all good, do I gently put the sand back, and let them come up when he is ready?

Thanks again!

[GotButterflies]

If they are under the sand, you will want to isolate each one. Use Tupperware containers, or Kritter keepers. Be extremely careful. You want to go very slow. As soon as you feel something, I would dig lightly around it and lightly come under it very gently. When crabs molt they are really soft and then they harden. They shed their exoskeleton, and they eat it. If you find a crab, and the legs are hairy, black pointed tips, it has already molted. Might need to harden, or could be destressing. Crabs dig for fun, to destress and to molt. If you find a crab that does not move, and it smells, it might still be ready to molt, or it might be dead. Molting smells like sulfur. Dead smell is obvious. Dead crabs usually fall out of shell, so could exoskeleton. Just be careful. Make sure you find two crabs. Good luck! I hope that I have explained it okay! . I have heard some people use large spoons before.


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[Rawrgeous]

Crabs can remained buried for a long time. While many crabs take less than 8 weeks to molt, 8 weeks isn't really that long. There are members that have reported crabs being underground for up to a year. I urge you not to dig, as if you find them while they are soft they really might pass. We only ever recommend digging if there is an extreme emergency such as flooding, etc. Try not to worry yet, though it might be hard. They will likely pop up here soon! viewtopic.php?f=51&t=92457 that is a link to our basic care guide, I suggest reading it thoroughly as it covers most of the pertinent areas or care. If you can read all the stickies too, as it will seriously up your crab game! We recommend 3-4 shells of appropriate size per crab of the preferred shell type. More info is available in the preferred shell guide sticky in the shell sub-forum. Though, having more never hurts. Otherwise, Got butterflies covered pretty much everything else as far as care goes as far as sub depth, the water, etc.

[Kermie16]

I have a medium sized PP - he has been down for his third molt for 4 months now. It is normal that u feel worried. I'm sure I'm speaking for the lot of us who have been there and done that. But try to remain patient and have faith that ur crabbies know what they are doing under there and doing what they need to do to stay healthy and continue growing. As long as their temp and humidity remain stable and the sub remains at sand castle consistently, then the best thing for ur hermies is to wait. If they have made it through their molt successfully, they will emerge when they are ready


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[GotButterflies]

@Rawrgeous ~ I normally would not have told them to dig up the molter, but they had physically moved the tank since the molted went down. I just wanted to point that out, I wasn't sure if you saw that. I was concerned about a tunnel collapsing when the tank got set down, which was why I suggested it. I didn't want them to suffocate.


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[Rawrgeous]

I did not, so I apologize. Though, if the tank wasn't jostled much,and moved carefully and the sub is sand castle consistency I don't think the sub would have collapsed. Several people, myself included have moved tanks with molters down with no issue. I mean, if the tank was really jostled, and moved around, by all means use your best judgement. I would never want to lead somebody astray, and suggest something that could potentially suffocate their crab. But usually, especially with those who are a bit more inexperienced, it is better for the crabs to just leave them. As for the OP, I would use your best judgement. If you feel like the tank really got jostled/ moved around then by all means make sure they are okay. If it was just a quick move though, I really don't think they would have collapsed.

[legobrickmaster]

Update: Both crabs are alive and well. So I did dig, just until I found them, and then gently recovered them.

The larger crab returned to the surface that evening, and has been eating, drinking, and climbing like a champ since. Looking fresh too!

The smaller crab had been returning to the surface every other day or so, hanging out with the other, then burying again.

Not sure if moving the tank did anything, but all seems well. We'll definitely not disturb them during their next molts.

Thanks again everyone!

[Kermie16]

So glad they both pulled through their molts successfully!! Congrats!!


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[Kermie16]

Oh, and u had said u had recovered them after finding them. Hoping u recovered them with a large shell or something and not sub;)


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[NLindsey921]

Ok so when crabs dig down they create a bubble around them that holds air. If you dig a crab up you are not supposed to recover them because humans cannot recreate that bubble. It's the same as if their tunnels collapsed on them. If they were not already finished molting and were still soft then they would suffocate. If you have to dig them up then you need to iso them afterwards and not cover them.

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[GotButterflies]

Update: Both crabs are alive and well. So I did dig, just until I found them, and then gently recovered them.

The larger crab returned to the surface that evening, and has been eating, drinking, and climbing like a champ since. Looking fresh too!

The smaller crab had been returning to the surface every other day or so, hanging out with the other, then burying again.

Not sure if moving the tank did anything, but all seems well. We'll definitely not disturb them during their next molts.

Thanks again everyone!

So glad they both are doing good!


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[Rawrgeous]

I'm glad to hear they are doing well! As lindsey mentioned, you never want to rebury a crab if they have been dug up. They create molting caves around themselves when they dig under so they have enough oxygen. Compact sub around then can suffocate them..just an fyi for next time.