Temperature and molting

[Lsal]

We have 1 crab down and presumably molting and 2 up. I want to upgrade the tank and would need to move the UTH to the new tank. If we wait for the down crab, I'm worried there won't be a time when all 3 are up (he's only been down about 10 days). My question is what is the temperature requirements for the buried molting crab if we leave him in the old tank until he surfaces? Could we use a CHE or heatlamp until he surfaces?

[curlysister]

Temperature requirements are the same for molting crabs as for crabs above ground.

[DevilNDisguise]

UTHs don't heat the substrate that well to begin with considering the depth that's required, but removing the tank's heat source would probably only make it worse. 75-85 degrees is typically needed.

Would you be able to purchase another heat mat? You definitely don't want to remove a necessity from one tank while there is still someone left in there. Cooler temps won't be able to hold the neccesary humidity as well, which in turn won't only affect the crab but also the substrate that he's buried in.

You could use a heat lamp if absolutely wanted, but keep a close eye on the humidity level, as they tend to zap it. Depending on the heat lamp and how many are used also, they will direct most of the heat at the spot they're facing. The variance can change depending on bulb usage too.