my naked crab molted

Questions about unexpected problems.
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raginggnome
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Re: my naked crab molted

Post by raginggnome »

Good Ideas, thanks! None of my hideys are really the type that I could place over her, and she's more or less in the middle of the tank, but nonetheless I found a better solution. While moving things around I also found her exo and placed it near her. I've seen her move a little, so I know she's alive. I think after a week or so everything will be fine.

Thanks again for all your help everyone!
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emmac350
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Re: my naked crab molted

Post by emmac350 »

She'll need more than a week to fully harden and 'normalize' to the point that you can release her with the other crabs. Until a crab is fully hardened (usually takes at least 2 to 4 weeks), wetting them can mess up the hardening of their exo, and without bathing her, you run the risk of other crabs either stealing her exo or trying to mess with her because she smells like molt. I'd say wait at least a month from her molt before you release her with the other guys, or at least until she's active again and seems eager to get out of the ISO area.
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CrabbyJo
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Re: my naked crab molted

Post by CrabbyJo »

One last suggestion on a hidey - I created one from a small plastic planter. I cut a doorway in it, and viola, a hidey! :)
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ladybug15057
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Re: my naked crab molted

Post by ladybug15057 »

I have been reading along, but being this hermie is a surface molter she should be sectioned off from the others while she is so vulnerable. From the way you mention you found her and her shell less with the other having an empty shell by him it sounds as though she had her shell stolen after molting. Do you have a margarine dish or such that you can use to separate her from the other hermies? Place this in the corner of the tank so the others can have run of the rest of the tank. (which I do not see the size tank you have in your info?)
It may not take her all that long to recover from her molt IF she can destress now as well as recover from her molt. I have surface molters and majority of them are ready to return to the main tank with their tank mates in 4-7 days. (of course there are a couple who aren't at times) Seems surface molters do not take as long to recover as those who burrow in damp sand/substrate.
You will be able to tell from her actions as well as if she has any 'blotches' of lighter coloring as to when she is ready, she will let you know.
Marie (aka ladybug15057)

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