surface molting

whitepurplefrog · Post by **whitepurplefrog** » 10 Mar 2007, 07:01

when a crab surface molts, how do you know if it's dead or molting. Also, how long does it take do they lay there for a while or do they shed their skin and then go right back into there shell. I'm asking because I had this happen and don't know if he's dead or molting. And if he's molting can you move him to and iso tank carefully or just cover him up.

Cheyenne · Post by **Cheyenne** » 10 Mar 2007, 10:58

If he doesn't smell like fish, he is probably not dead. They dont take very long to shed their exos. Be sure to ISo your hermies, so he doesn't get attacked. Do you have deep substrate for him to molt in?

iluvhermies · Post by **iluvhermies** » 10 Mar 2007, 18:36

The way you can tell if he is molted or dead is to look at what ever it is you think is your hermie. If it is hollow carefully look into the shell. Yes you can move them to ISO very carefully and place the EXO in there along with fresh and salt water a hiding place and extra calcium.

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 11 Mar 2007, 09:44

zeus molted his skin over night. i moved him and his exo into ISO and he's been eating the exo just fine. i put food w/calcium and salt water in there with him. he's covered and is doing well. try not to disturb him when you put him in ISO, if you keep checking on him (if he did do a surface molt) he could get too stressed.