Crab is always above surface

[crabbyRVAmom]

Backstory: I've had this particular crab for 6 weeks now. He keeps switching shells; doesn't seem satisfied with any of them but he frequently goes back and forth between two of the shells. He doesn't dig or bury himself; not that I notice. He is typically awake and always watching me. I know it sounds crazy but their tank is in my office. It's quiet during the day when the kids are at school. The temperature is around 70-75 (I know it should be close to 80/85) so maybe it's too cold for him? The humidity is within the normal range too - sitting between 75-80. I have 7 crabs altogether (split between two tanks). The others seem fine. I've switched him to the larger tank thinking he would be happier, but still nothing has changed. I will say he eats and is active... Ideas as to way he doesn't bury himself? Thoughts? Should I just assume is he fine? Thanks in advance.

[hermitsinnc]

One of mine stayed up for about 6-8 weeks before (finally!) going down. She was active the whole time.

I think it may be a personality thing. Some crabs dig a lot, some don't. Some switch shells a lot, some don't.

[crabbyRVAmom]

That’s what I was thinking but still makes you wonder and question… right? I feel like I’ve done everything right — well trying to- and still questioning myself.

[MotleyMusicana]

Is your substrate at least 6 inches deep, or three times the depth of your crab? And what kind of substrate are you using? As long as it's an appropriate depth, and wet enough that you can poke your finger deep into the sand without the hole left by your finger collapsing at all, then it's suitable for burrowing. Although some substrates aren't suitable by nature (calcium sand for example has a tendency to cement together when wet, which can trap them underground and sometimes even trap them in their shells) Sand and/or cocoa fiber is best (most crabbers use a mix of both). So as long as all that's good, then your crab has the opportunity to dig down anytime they want to. And that's the most important thing. Some crabs will stay up for weeks. They go down when they're ready. Your crab knows what he needs and wants and as long as he has the option to do something, he'll do it when he's ready.

[crabbyRVAmom]

Yes, it’s between 5-6 inches as they have moved it around. I’m doing the 5:1 (play sand:coconut fiber substrate) with the consistency of “sandcastle sand.”

Can I add more substrate on top of them or do I need to wait until they are on surface?

[crabbyRVAmom]

Yes, it’s between 5-6 inches as they have moved it around. I’m doing the 5:1 (play sand:coconut fiber substrate) with the consistency of “sandcastle sand.”

Can I add more substrate on top of them or do I need to wait until they are on surface?

Thanks for everyone’s feedback! I appreciate it.

[MotleyMusicana]

You should be able to put more substrate on top, just be careful not to pack it down at all. and don't drop it from a height when you're putting it in. place scoops directly on the surface. they should be able to dig their way back up through new sand, as long as their burrows aren't compressed and destroyed. (correct me if I'm wrong but that seems to be the consensus on here)

[crabbyRVAmom]

Thanks; that’s what I was thinking as well, but I wanted to see if there were issues that people may have encountered while doing this. I think you covered it by explaining the placement and force.