Introducing new crab

[bretbrit022]

I’m a new crab owner, started with 2 from a beach shop (sadly) and then just adopted one from someone near me yesterday. I want to move all of them into the new tank that came with the crab but the new one keeps going under during the day. I know he’s not molting but I’m scared to move him into a carrier tank. What if I kinda dig to find his shell and then carefully scoop him out with a bowl? I could keep him buried that way and safely move him, so I could clean the new tank. Also I’m unsure how to introduce my crabs to him. They’re all purple pinchers

[bretbrit022]

Also the new one has been alone for about a year, so that is a factor. Will he be more aggressive or happy for the new buddies?

[JoeHermits]

If he’s digging it’s easier to wait until he’s on the surface, otherwise you’d need to keep him isolated in case he’s molting.

New crabs don’t always get along but dipping their legs in the freshwater neutralizes their scents, which does help.


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[bretbrit022]

The thing is he won’t come out until nighttime, and I’m trying to clean and set up the tank he’s in for the others. So if I could successfully scoop him out with a bowl, he can just sleep in the little carrier, right? Or would he notice that movement and stress to death? Lol I’m so scared of stressing them too much

[JoeHermits]

A quick container transfer isn’t going to kill him. If you need to scoop him up quick there’s not much harm in doing so.


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[bretbrit022]

Ok so I’ve set up the new tank really nice, and the new crab is buried right now. One of my others seems super stressed, as the first tank I built isn’t set up as good as it should be. Would it be ok to put him in the new tank with the buried crab so he can have a nice space?

[JoeHermits]

Yeah, if your substrate is deep enough the risk to the buried crab is minimal.


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