HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Quick question: Is it ok to iso a crab for 24hrs after it has been observed clutching a crab's shell while the former occupant looks on naked? Or is that too long?

I bought 3 new crabs over a week ago and have had them in a 29gallon iso together. They've all been changing shells pretty regularly - they have 12 to choose from (they also have lots of good food, fresh and salt water, big cave, climbing toys and 6 inches of sand + ee as a substrate). On the third day I found Bonkers naked and Curly standing near him, both a bit a away from the shell Bonkers had left. After moving Curly to another end of the tank, Bonkers returned to his shell (I bathed him after to clean him of any sand and also check for mites wondering if maybe he left his shell because of that - found none). Just last night I found Bonkers naked in the fresh water pool and beside him (also in the pool) was Curly clutching his shell! So I picked Curly up and placed him near a shell very similar to the one he was "stealing" from Bonkers. Bonkers returned to his shell.

So after some re-arranging, I now have Curly on his own in the iso with 11 shells to choose from, including the one similar to the one he was taking from Bonkers. I was planning on leaving him on his own in the iso for 24hrs to let him calm down and have completely free, unchallenged access to shells, food, and water. Is that ok, or is that too long for him to be alone? Will he get lonely? Please help! I'm a new hermie mommy and am a tad paranoid and scared to inadvertently harm her babies!!!

Thanks in advance!!! And sorry about rambling on!

Personally I wouldn't think that would hurt him being alone that long. Many people have only 1 crab for months before buying them a buddy. I sure hope Curly changes shells very soon so there won't be anymore fights.

I have one hermit crab who is alone because the others are molting. He's fine about it. It's been two weeks since he's had a buddy. He still eats and sleeps.Although I haven't seen him burrow or dig around but he's climbed the grass I have in there and I think he could have climbed to the top of a hut I had in there. The only way I know is because there is a little bit of sand at the top.

That's fine. I'd give Curly every opportunity to find a shell he likes better before returning him to the main tank with Bonkers. Even if he stays in there a week or so it would be fine. Unfortunately, the shell Bonkers has may be what Curly sees at the perfect shell, so you may have to still keep an eye on them when Curly returns to the main tank. I'd also provide good shell options for Bonkers and maybe he'll find a shell he likes better, which leave his old shell available for Curly.

Thanks so much everyone! I'm gonna give Curly a few more days I think... We'll see. I kinda hope Bonkers switches shells so I can just give his to Curly!!