Naked crab. Help!!

[Wendy UK]

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?


2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?


4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?


6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?


8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?


11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?


12. How often do you clean the tank and how?


13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?


14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?


15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

Please advise. Crab up from molt without shell. Have surrounded him with shells but not interested. Have another big crab in tank. Tried to keep separate but difficult. Please advise
Thanks Wendy
.

[wodesorel]

He needs isolated. Rinse him and a few shells off with dechlorinaged water and put them into a small container, like a tupperware or clean margarine tub.

[Crabby in NJ]

Anything can work in a pinch. Just like wode said, Tupperware anything! Y’all r in my thoughts n prayers. Good luck.

[Wendy UK]

Oh goodness, how stressy is this!!
Thanks guys for quick replies xx

[Crabby in NJ]

Oh goodness, how stressy is this!!
Thanks guys for quick replies xx

I completely agree with you! Just went through my first molt with my baby and my small. Still going through the post molt. Keep us updated!

[Wendy UK]

Hi.. I have a small plastic container.. I'd usually wash out with bleach sol. Then rinse thoroughly before crabs go in it when I change substrate.

It will just fit in tank but I haven't time to do the bleach bit.
Will it be safe if I just rinse it thoroughly with dechloified water then dry it?

Thanks x

[wodesorel]

Yeah, it'll be fine with just water, or soap and water. In an emergency I use the ones I have in the cupboard for leftovers.

[Wendy UK]

Thank you. Shall I put shells, a little of the substrate in it +small dish of water?
Then pop it into tank you think?
X

[Wendy UK]

One more thing if I may.. What do I do if he doesn't get into a shell?
Sooo worried

X

[RiNiKy506]

Check his shell and see if maybe something is stuck in there and that’s why he got rid of it and you can try to help him get it back on. I hope he’s back in his shell already by the time you read this. Also offer him some healing foods to boost his energy. Sending healing vibes to crabby, I hope he’s ok. <3

[Wendy UK]

Hi. So i cleaned up his old shell which I found very close to the surface complete filled with substrate, tried to encourage him in to it with no luck. Due to being up all night I fell asleep. Just woke up to find him in his shell!!
I think I'll leave him be for a few hours before releasing him into main tank?
I really was fearing the worst!
I'll offer up some booster food first I think?

Keep you posted.

Wendy x

[RiNiKy506]

So glad to read he’s back in his shell! Hope everything continues to go well.

[Wendy UK]

Thank you x

[Wendy UK]

Update....I popped crabbie into main tank in a little private area, he's still in his shell and nibbling at some fresh coconut.
Not really moving about yet just looks a little weak.
Encouraged that he's eating so fingers crossed!
X

[Crabby in NJ]

Fingers crossed for ya!