How deep should substrate be to molt?

[anniehorsekrab]

My substrate is about 1 inch deeep (I have small crabs so they can fit all the way under). Even though they can fit under, I was wondering how deep the substrate should be for molting. I'm using Calci-Sand (I will take it out) and coconut fibre as a substrate.

[Wai]

The substrate depth should be at least twice the height of your biggest hermit crab.

[emmac350]

I agree with Wai's guideline. Many of us use much deeper than that (my shallow end is five or so inches and my deep end almost a foot, but my biggest crab is a small). You want it to be deep enough that no other crabs can smell the smell of a molter hidden under the substrate (if they do smell it, they will most likely go down and steal the exo - it's irresistible to a crab). If you have jumbos, you'll need to have at least 6 or so inches, I'd imagine, to ensure a safe molt.

[anniehorsekrab]

Ok, I only have 4 small hermies and 1 medium, so my substrate should be about 3 inches deep. Thanks, guys!