New crab digging after a molter?
New crab digging after a molter?
Newbie question. I inherited two crabs from a neighbor. Upgraded tank, keep close eye on humidity and temp so believe conditions are good and we've had them for four months now. One guy (the largest) went under (I assume for molting) and has been under for about three weeks. I think he's okay because sometimes can hear him digging. Problem is I didn't know anything about molting until recently, didn't know signs to look for, and hence no isolation tank for him. He's in the main tank. To make matters worse, I felt sorry for the sole crab left in tank by himself so one week ago we added a third (much smaller) crab to keep crab #2 company. However the new crab is digging all over the tank (which I also learned is normal). But do I have to worry about him going after the 'molting' crab? Can the molting crab defend himself if they run into each other (he is substantially larger than the new guy)? Also I hear noises today and I can't tell if it's normal digging sounds or if I might be hearing chirping from under the sand.Is it time to try to dig to find crab #3 to keep him away from my molter? I know most of the time you're supposed to let them be, and from what I read cannibalism is rare, but I'm worried about my molter.1) How long have you had your crabs and how long have you been caring for this particular crab in distress? - Above2) What size is your tank and what kind of lid do you have? - 15-gallon, use a cover over mesh lid to keep humidity in.3) What are you using for heat? Please be specific and include fixture type, watt or mat size and where the heat source is mounted. - Mat heater on one side of tank (temp guage runs in yellow)4) What kind of substrate do you use in your tank and at what depth? Is it dry or damp and sand castle consistency? - Clean beach sand, sand-castle consistency, Unfortunately only 4-5 inches deep (will increase to six once all crabs come up)5) Do you dechlorinate your fresh water and if so, with what product? Do you offer aquarium salt water in addition to fresh water? Again, what product? - Reverse osmosis fresh-water, and separate salt-water bowl6) What do you normally feed your crabs? - Hermit crab food, fresh fruit/veggies, chicken, egg shells, peanut butter7) Do you bathe, mist or handle your crabs at all? - Mist tank daily, rarely give crabs baths (every couple of months), play once/week8) What are the temperature and humidity readings? Please be specific and include high low fluctuations if you're aware of them. - Temp 75 deg F., Humidity 60-65
New crab digging after a molter?
Welcome!It looks like you're doing pretty good so far. You may want to increase humidity to 70, but besides that everything looks good.I'm pretty sure they'll be all right in a 15 gallon tank. Don't dig them up: that'll just cause even more stress. Best of luck!