Oops. Molting crab was under the water dish!

This forum is where you discuss issues relating to molting hermit crabs, including pre- and post-molting issues. If you are having a molting emergency please post in the Emergency Forum.
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jwhite1083
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Oops. Molting crab was under the water dish!

Post by jwhite1083 » Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:50 pm

I have one molting crab that I haven't seen in a while and one who is... very energetic. I call him Mr. Energy.

He made a complete mess in the fresh waterbowl and I went to clean it out when lo and behold, Mr. Shy, my molter was under there. I quickly replaced the dish.

I hope I didn't do any harm.


Giner13
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Re: Oops. Molting crab was under the water dish!

Post by Giner13 » Tue Jun 14, 2016 8:45 pm

I have one under the main food dish. I just go very careful when replacing!


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IBlab crab
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Re: Oops. Molting crab was under the water dish!

Post by IBlab crab » Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:18 pm

You can use a turkey baster to suck all the old/dirty water out and replace with new,to not move the dish.

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soilentgringa
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Re: Oops. Molting crab was under the water dish!

Post by soilentgringa » Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:32 pm

If you are using tupperware type dishes, or reusable plastic bowls, you can nest one inside the other.

For example: You can have a plastic bowl, a couple of flat shells or rocks in the bowl, then another plastic bowl inside of that. The shells or rock prevent a vacuum from forming between the plastic bowls, so that suction doesn't cause you to pull both bowls up anyway, or knock water all over the tank.

All you have to do is pull up the inner bowls to change water and wash. Any crabs underneath will be fine.


Nate the great
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Re: Oops. Molting crab was under the water dish!

Post by Nate the great » Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:09 am

I have large seashells shells I keep around for this problem.

Whenever I find a hermie under a water dish or decoration, I put the shell over the hermie and then pile a little substrate on top.
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Kermie16
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Re: Oops. Molting crab was under the water dish!

Post by Kermie16 » Fri Jun 17, 2016 9:56 pm

Nate the great wrote:I have large seashells shells I keep around for this problem.

Whenever I find a hermie under a water dish or decoration, I put the shell over the hermie and then pile a little substrate on top.
Thanks for sharing your idea! I will need to keep some on hand. I already keep my Tupperware nestled into another to avoid possibly uncovering a molter but to also avoid any of the sub moving back into the pool area when I take the pools out to clean them. But I wondered what to do if I uncovered one under a decoration or food dish by accident.

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