Worried about possible molting crab

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:50 pm

I'm a bit worried about my small crab, Pic. I think he burried himself last night. I looked around for him and couldn't find him anywhere. Finally I discovered a fresh pile of sand in the lego hut. I think that's where he dug down.

I tried to find him in the sand. >:( I didn't find him because I was afraid to probe around too much but now I feel bad for being a disturbance. :S

BAB · Post by **BAB** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:20 pm

How long have you had this little guy?
How deep is your sand?

OH and how's your temp and humidity while we are at it.... hehe...

I hate it when my teeny tiny ones disappear in the tank. My first thought is always, "oh no, did I leave the lid open??! Did they CLIMB out?!" It's a crazy thought because I've never seen them climb out or even come close to the lid before... hehe...

I'd say it's probably a molt or a having fun digging. Don't poke around too much before if the poor little thing is molting now and you collapse the sand around 'em then they could have a problem.

The hardest part about these little critters is waiting for them to come back up! Keep patient.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:40 pm

I've had him for about 5 days. My sand is 2 1/2 - 3 inches deep.

And my temperature is at 81F while my humidity is at 80% (gauges are about an inch above the sand in center-left of the tank).

I have a confession to make. I don't have a salt water pond, and I'm going crazy over it. I know they require salt water to survive and I haven't been able to find any at my local petstores. I feel terrible.

I've had Chipper, my medium PP, for a week now, and that's a week she's gone without salt water - and probably more, because they didn't have salt water in the tank at the petstore.

I don't know why none of the osik'la petstores in my area don't have marine salt. I don't have a car and I hate having to ask my grandmother to drive me because she's busy.

Thanks for the kind words. I know you're trying to cheer me up. :\

DustAndEchoes · Post by **DustAndEchoes** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:58 pm

No marine salt?!?! DOn't that beat all! WOuld it be possible for you to order online?

BAB · Post by **BAB** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:08 pm

Wow! Huge bummer on the salt business... Can you call the stores before going to find out? That way you aren't driving on a wild goose chase.

I'm sure that's a frusteration for ya. Try not to beat yuorself up too much over it though. We've all been there. I remember when I first started that I didn't realize they needed sand! Huge duh moment for me. They had to wait a few days and I know that's why I lost one right away too. It's a learning experience and you are doing your best.

As for the crabbie in question, I'd say it's destressing more then anything. Someone else may have had it happen, but none of my crabs have ever molted within 3 weeks of being home with me. Give 'em some space and hopefully he'll pull through. Focus on your salt issue and I hope that works out for ya!!