Hello. I am new here and a new crab owner!! HELP!!

[jmsavage40]

Hello. I am a new crab owner...never owned one before and bought one on a whim while on vacation. Started researching and came home a bought him/her a friend then started setting up a proper tank. We are all in love with Mr. Crabs and Superman now. LOL. We've had them about two weeks and my substrate is not deep enough...I know this. It's about 3 inches deep. I was planning on getting more sand this weekend. But now it appears Mr. Crabs has buried himself WITHOUT his shell. He switched shells last night overnight, and when I just checked them he is not in any shells!! Everything I am reading says they will bury themselves WITH their shells!! I am concerned....but I don't want to stress him out more by digging around looking for him. Can anyone give me some thoughts?? Would he be molting or going to die?? HELP!!

[C_fiesta]

Welcome!

First are you absolutely sure ALL your shells are accounted for? He could have took another one with him.

If you are absolutely sure ALL your shells are accounted for and he is not in any shell (and assuming the other crab is above ground), you should gently look for your crab. When you find him, isolate him from the others by using either a small seperate container or place over him the top half a soda/milk jug w/o the cap. Offer him several shells. If he doesn't take one right away, gently place him inside of one. Be very careful as their abdomen with all their organs are exteremely fragile. Offer him organic honey, calcium (such as crushed egg shells), and a protein. Try to make sure the isolation chamber is moist. If you have a natural sea sponge or some crab approved moss, wet it and add it to his area.

Sorry you're going through this!

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[GotButterflies]

Agree with the above!

Are you positive your temperature and humidity are correct? Temp should be 79-85. Humidity minimum 80 or above.
Calibrate your gauges to make sure.