But after reading the Molting forum, I think everyone will tell me just wait and see what happens! Polkie Dot has been under for almost 2 weeks, and Valentine has been under for about 4 days, maybe. What makes it hard to estimate is that we've only had them in this tank since 7/19 (3 weeks) so I imagine they're all also de-stressing. Bunny even spends a lot of time half buried. Ironically, they were way more active in the bare bones 5 gal tank I put them in for a week when we brought them home from the beach (7/13). Anyway, that's the current situation!! I love them so much I wish they weren't nocturnal haha. I found this questionnaire in a reply in the Molting forum--I know questionnaires aren't polite comments in this section, but it's ok if I preemptively do one, right?
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
6"-8" (one end of the tank is deeper); quickcrete playsand mixed with coconut coir.
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; they're at one end...which I've just learned isn't ideal. They're usually 75 ish degrees and I'm having trouble keeping my humidity steady. Aiming for 80%.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
3 under-tank mats stuck to the outside sides of the tank.
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)?
Fresh and saltwater pools; freshwater is untreated filtered well water, saltwater is made with Fluker's soaking salt for hermit crabs.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
The first thing I looked up was how to feed them since I could tell the corn-based pellets from the beach were trash. So far: coconut flour, almond flour, cucumber, apples / applesauce, peanuts, egg shell / raw eggwhite still stuck inside, scrambled cooked egg, raw chicken wing tip, blueberry, strawberry....hmm I'm probably forgetting something.
Commercial foods: I use Zoomed aquatic frog pellets as their 24/7 always available food, because I had it leftover from growing tadpoles. The first ingredient is fish and it's 50% crude protein. I also have Pangea Gecko with fig and insects and Pangea Gecko with apricot.
I replace their food roughly every other day. They don't seem to eat much though?? So I try not to waste, since a lot of the foods are dry and aren't getting gross.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Almost a month, and unknown.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Polkie Dot- Maybe is molting right now?
Valentine- unknown. Might be molting now.
Bunny-unknown.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
55 gallon (48" by 13") tank, standard aquarium lid with front flaps--I have the back part where water filters would go covered in plastic wrap to make it as air tight as possible.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3, quite small I think? Polkie Dot was downright tiny. Valentine and Bunny are small-medium.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
14 right now, with more in storage.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I haven't yet! tips for how often / how to clean welcome.
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Yes--I bought a bunch more greenery and some climbing toys this week to see if I can help make them more comfortable and potentially a little more active in the evening when we might see them. Placing a stem of greens is when I think I might have disturbed a molt cave
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.)? I love them and I'm doing my best! I'm so glad to be here
What's the best way to post pictures? They have to be hosted somewhere else, yeah?
