2 First time molters at the same time int he same tank

[britbart]

I've had my hermit crabs since early July of this year. Since then, I've been researching a lot and just recently realized I needed to have a salt water dish in the tank so they can molt. Shortly after I put this in the tank Marco began molting. The other hermit crab Bart kept trying to dig him up and finally he disappeared under the sand to molt as well. Should I be worried about Marco since it's been almost a month since he's been buried? I also worry about Bart getting harmed when Marco comes out of his molt (if he does). I know i'm probably being overly worried, but I just wanted to see if anyone else had this happen before.

I don't have an isolation tank, just a 5 gallon tank with coconut and sand substrate in it.

[Wai]

If they are buried in different areas then you don't need to worry. Otherwise, if they are near each other, separate them and put a divider in the tank to split it in two halves. Make sure they can't dig under or climb over the barrier.

[britbart]

I'm not sure where they are buried in the tank. I have an idea, but I don't want to risk stressing them out by digging around them to find them. Do you think it would be bad to move the sand a little bit to see if I can find them?

[Wai]

A rough idea is fine, as long as they are reasonably apart.

[CrabbyJo]

No, don't dig around even a little. It will stress them. Just check on them frequently throughout each day, and place a separator if and when one comes up before the other, since you have a rough idea of where they are.

[britbart]

Just an update Marco came out and he looks great and is doing really good too He hasn't been bothering Bart (who should be coming up soon) so I think all is well. Thanks for the input!