Small crab been down a while

[FJrocks003]

I've had a small crab (imbtween quarter and golf ball sized) down for almost 4 months now and will have to move the tank in the next few weeks, when should I dig?

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[myllkti]

How big is your tank? Digging up a molting crab is almost never good so if it is a small enough tank maybe you could move it by recruiting one or two friends to help carry.

[JTKermie]

I'd hate to move a fully loaded hermit crab setup for fear of the crab's molting space collapsing on them.

I assume the others have been placed in their temporary shelter for moving?

[curlysister]

Not really a right or wrong answer....dig when you are ready and comfortable. Immediately before the move might not give enough time to empty the tank, etc. But more than a few days and you might not be able to keep him isolated (if need be) and in good conditions. Moving the tank as is would not be recommended. Many people have successfully dug up crabs to move, go slowly and carefully and be ready to isolate when you find a crab.

[FJrocks003]

How big is your tank? Digging up a molting crab is almost never good so if it is a small enough tank maybe you could move it by recruiting one or two friends to help carry.

Tank is 55 gallons with a foot of substrate so it needs to be emptied.

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[FJrocks003]

I'd hate to move a fully loaded hermit crab setup for fear of the crab's molting space collapsing on them.

I assume the others have been placed in their temporary shelter for moving?

Yeah, the others are isolated and the tank is big so we have to empty it before moving, that's why I need the crab out.

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[myllkti]

Tank is 55 gallons with a foot of substrate so it needs to be emptied.

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Aww dang. Sorry about that, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision when it’s time to dig the little one up. Best wishes!!

[wodesorel]

The 4 month mark for me has been absolute in determining survival, but that is when I know without a doubt the crab has been down the entire time. They can be sneaky, they can come up and recharge without being seen and go right back down again. Have a isolation tub (even just a cool whip or big margarine container) handy to put him in when you find him. He'll be okay! They generally do okay with being moved if it's only once, just protect him from the others until he's eating and acting normal again. Never assume anything about a crab found underground, isolate and observe for a few days first for safety.