Argh! Now Sam molted too...***UPDATED***

[cranlsn]

OK...I don't know when he did it. Sam and Curly & Larry have been sharing the hermie hut on the left, upper side of my tank for several days.

This morning, I noticed Larry (it's ALWAYS Larry) trying to flip Sam over.

So I picked up the hermie hut, and moved Larry (bad crabby!). I thought Sam's shell was empty for a minute, but when I picked him up there's exo all over.

I looked closely at the shell and he's WAY back there, but OK. No death smell. So here's my problem.

There's no real room on that shelf to dig down, or any real good way of isolating that area. I turned the Hut around to block the entrance for now, but that won't last long. They ALL love that hut...

Should I fire up our 5 gallon? It's got the UTH, glass cover and a hood. If I buy another "night" light I should be able to keep it dark & humid pretty easily.

I don't think I have any real choice but to move Sam. Any advice is appreciated.

Basics:

Sand Substrate, temp 75-80, humidity 80-85. Nothing new, except we had to replace substrate last week because of fishy smell (buried shrimp).

And...other than Larry this morning there hasn't been any aggression or pre-molt signs.

I guess my diet must be OK for them as they haven't really gone after Tony or Sam.

[OIF_VET]

If U can, Place Sam down below and leave Larry up above with the cocohut.
If U have a 2nd Cocohut, I would use this. I have had Crabs in Shells that were way too big for them and have found them tucked Deep into the shell.
This, in a way, is a good thing for Sam. Larry will have a harder time at trying to get at Sam. Another thought for now, If U have some empty CD Cases or an empty 2 liter bottle, U can try and Isolate Sam in this Manner.
As for now, This is what I would do. U need to get to work and to put ur mind at ease.
I really wouldnt worry too much about Sam...
Good Luck

[cranlsn]

Hi,

I had a 1/2 day today anyhow!

Thanks OIF! I ended up ISO'ing him anyhow...we have two hermie huts, but ALL the crabs like to use them. And with Tony in ISO in the tank, there simply wasn't room to do another in tank ISO.

We got the ISO to the same temp/humidity as the main tank, made him a shelter, and put some fresh & salt water nearby, as well as some honey/peanut butter/cuttlebone combo (in case he gets tired of his exo ).

We also threw in a couple of shells in case he gets a hankering to switch.

As for Tony, I think I might have "after" pics later tonight or tomorrow. He already looks really dark and doesn't appear to be to interested in the rest of his EXO. I'm going to toss in a piece of popcorn and if he goes after that, I think it'll be pretty safe to take down the walls.

Wish me luck!

[Guest]

*wishes luck*

sounds like you've got this under control! I hope all goes well for Sam - sounds like will too. can't wait for pics!

[cranlsn]

He didn't move most of yesterday (probably exhausted!).

But this morning, he had rolled over and was munching on his exo. From what I could see without bothering him, all looks well.

I'm very excited for Sam, because based on his previous living conditions I think his "gill health" was probably not the greatest. AND...maybe this'll motivate him to change shells.

I'll let everyone know how this turns out! And thanks again to everyone for all the help/well wishes!

[cranlsn]

Well on my lunch break today, we took a peek at Sam. He's pretty much finished his EXO, AND he's hardened up too. His color is beautiful, but he's pretty skittish right now.

He has all six legs (soooo pointy!!! ) and looks like no deformities. I'll be filling out the molt template tonight, and trying to post some before/after pics for you guys.

I just wanted to share! Sam's back in the main tank perusing a few of the new shells, so I'll keep my fingers crossed there too!

[Guest]

Congrats! Nice work there. Can't wait for pics.