Crabs staying underground through the day.

[crabgrammy]

First off, let me say that I am new and although I have done tons of research I find myself back at this site for the best info. First a bit of history: I got our first 2 crabs in late July when I had my grandson at Petland. He loved them and wanted to bring them home so we did. After a week or two everything in our 30 gallon tank (heat, humidity, substrate depth, extra shells, hiding places, waters, and food etc...) was so great, according to the standards on this site, that we added 3 more crabs. They were spending a lot of time on top at that time, hiding through the day, but still on top. This continued for about another week. Then they all went down to molt. Two have since come up and look really good. Now for the questions: These two newly molted crabs now spend all day in underground tunnels instead of hanging out in hiding places on top. Is this normal? If it is normal, how do the crabs ever get any daylight? I have a moonlight bulb and a natural-light bulb in place and use them. But I guess I'm a bit concerned that they aren't getting what they need from the day light. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[CallaLily]

It is completely normal. They're mostly nocturnal but as they adjust, you may see some of them out and about during the day some. I find providing a lot of cover (fake plants, hides, branches, etc) helps too.

Welcome to the HCA!