SURFACE MOLT? Crab was molting then surfaced with no shell!!! UPDATE! He's doing really well now!!

[katieschmatiee]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? 7-8 inch substrate across the tank, mix of 80% eco earth and 20% sand,


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? I have digital gauges that measure both, the are located on the left side of my tank where my pools are.


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? I have an overhead heat lamp and a heating pad located on the right side of my tank

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)? I use instant ocean for my saltwater pool, and dechlorinated water for my fresh. (I use the ratio on the instant ocean box)


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? I replace my food every day, I use fresh foods. ( Greens, Shrimp, Turkey, Coconut, Moss, Oats, Chia Seeds, Dried mealworms, Fruits, etc.)


6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I have four PP's and the one I'm worried about I just got 6 days ago. (His name is Runty)

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? He started molting almost immediately after I got him, so 4 days ago.


8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? 20 Gallon tank, I'm going to upgrade to a 40 next week. It is a metal mesh lid.


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? There are 4, Bug Chungus is large, Hermes and Hermione are Small/Medium, and Runty is very small.


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? I have about 20 shells in the tank right now.


[i][color=#A9A9A9]11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No


[i][color=#A9A9A9]12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I clean the water once a week (I have a bubbler so it stays cleaner longer) and I spot clean 2-3 times a week.

[i][color=#A9A9A9]13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? No sponges


[i][color=#A9A9A9]14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? Yes! I got a moss pit for them, I'm using a finch basket

[i][color=#A9A9A9]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.)? I don't handle them ever, the only time I'm around the crabitat is when I mist for humidity and change the food out.


[i][color=#A9A9A9]16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
My crab Runty surfaced from his molt with no shell!! He looks terrible, I'm sure he isn't finished molting yet, it's only been 2 days! I'm so worried about him, my other crabs are sleeping on the other side of the tank, but I'm worried that one of them will attack him?? I don't want to move him or stress him out any more. What should I do??

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[JoeHermits]

That hermit crab needs a shell above all else or it risks desiccation or injury. We wrote a guide for a how-to as well as troubleshooting potential stressors: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... p?t=122302


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[Hermit lover 360]

https://youtu.be/yrdxXMBBsb8

I recommend watching this video it is very informative on what you need to do. Good Luck! Keep us updated.

[FJrocks003]

Can you fill out the rest of the forum sense surface molting is usually caused by an issue in the tank. That way we can help you find what's wrong.

[jonathon1989]

How is he doing?


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[crabbycasey]

Hope he’s back in a shell and doing ok...


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[jonathon1989]

We’re here for you if you need us.


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[katieschmatiee]

Thank you everyone so much!! He is doing extremely well now, he found a shell about an hour after I posted this and I completely forgot to update/check the forum! He's gotten a lot bigger and much more social with the other crabbies. Thank you again everyone for your help and recommendations!

[katieschmatiee]

Thank you everyone so much!! He is doing extremely well now, he found a shell about an hour after I posted this and I completely forgot to update/check the forum! He's gotten a lot bigger and much more social with the other crabbies. Thank you again everyone for your help and recommendations!

[HermieBingo]

Congrats!

But you may want to tell us your tank conditions and everything, because a surface molt may be a sign of not-so-good conditions.

Anyways, good job on the successful molt!