power outage question

[Will13]

so i lost power yesterday for 18 hours. temp dropped to 68. it came back today and temp is increasing.

all 4 crabs have been buried for a long time now. i assume they are molting since i dont smell anything and they were purchased 3 months ago.

so, in this situation what would be best, leave them in there and hope power comes back or dig em up?

[wodesorel]

68 is okay for molting temps for short stretches. A lot of people don't take into account that while the enclosure is heated to 80 degrees, at the bottom of the substrate where crabs usually molt is going to be at or close to room temperature which for many homes is around 68-70. In the wild it would be cooler underground, so this temperature gradient mimics their natural environment. It's not ideal for the entire tank to get to those temps as some crabs will molt closer to where it's warmer because they prefer that, but in an emergency it's alright.

For 18 hours and with them all under, I personally wouldn't be worried. They're new so it is very likely they are currently molting! It's never a good idea to dig unless you really believe there's a danger, or you have no other choice and have to move them without the tank.

[Will13]

Ok