Molting advice

ILoveHermies · Post by **ILoveHermies** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 11:45 am

I just got 3 new hermits last week (Wednesday) and I'm pretty sure that one is molting. The other two don't seem really stressed anymore after their big move but one kept burying himself. He was drinking and eating a lot which I know is a sign of pre-molting. I know the different signs of molting, but the crab never leaves his shell when I'm around/awake. I move that crab to an ISO tank and added fresh/saltwater (both dechlorinated) and new food. The tank is under correct conditions, but was it a good idea to move him away from his permanent tank since I've only had him for a week?

finalfantasyxii · Post by **finalfantasyxii** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 12:25 pm

I don't isolate molters. I definitely take a more hands-off approach. If you provide the appropriate conditions and nutrition you need to trust the crabs to do the rest.

ILoveHermies · Post by **ILoveHermies** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 12:30 pm

Is it bad that I moved him then? That's what every source I have seen suggests. I only have a 14 gallon tank so I didn't feel too comfortable leaving him in there with the other 2 crabbies

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 1:14 pm

It's probably not too bad, as long as the ISO tank maintains the same conditions as the main tank.I definitely wouldn't move him if he's currently buries though.

finalfantasyxii · Post by **finalfantasyxii** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 1:15 pm

I don't know that it was bad just maybe not necessary But since I don't do it I am not the one to ask! The main reason (from what I've read) people isolated molters is to prevent cannibalism. If you have enough substrate the crab will bury - basically isolating himself. I've never had any issues with letting them do their thing. That being said, if I had a surface molt or something I would totally isolate them.

ILoveHermies · Post by **ILoveHermies** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 1:23 pm

Thanks you guys so much! This is the first time I've owned hermit crabs while actually knowing what molting is. I've had them before but never knew they went through this process. I was definitely scared when it first started to happen!

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 1:41 pm

i have a 10g tank and has 3 crabbies one has "gone under" and i think she will be fine the other big one is starting to dig and i think he will go down soon as well the small on is getting the black sac ..and i have read that could be a sign of getting ready so we will see but im letting them do there own thing