This is another post in my series, “Molting 101,” and it is about what to do if you see the signs that your Crab is going to Molt and what you should do if you missed the signs and your Crab is already in a Molt. Before I begin, if you don’t know the Molting signs, I would recommend that you read my previous post in this series.
So if you are reading this, congratulations! Your Hermit Crab is either going into a Molt or is in a Molt! Or maybe you just are doing some research ahead of time. Whatever the cause may be, Hermit Crab Molting is not something to take lightly. Some Hermit Crabs may die in the process if not looked after or given the tools to successfully Molt. This is why I am writing this post to help you prevent that! Let’s begin!
If you have seen the signs for a Molt, you could and should, first, set up an isolation tank of some sort. Isolation is key, as a Molting Hermit Crab is very vulnerable, and can sometimes be eaten by another Crab! The first option for an isolation tank is a small, 2.5 gallon tank filled with at least 4 – 6
This is a great example of a small Isolation Tank from the Hermit Crab Association
inches of suitable substrate. I would recommend Eco Earth, as I have heard many great things about it. This tank should also the same basics as the main tank, which means the tank must have a Salt Water and Fresh Water pool, as well as a food bowl filled with hardy and nutrient – rich foods of some sort (Calcium rich foods are great). Also give a selection of shells. However, the most important aspects are heat and moisture, as these are the key aspects of Molting. The tank should be no colder than 78 or 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and no dryer than 70 – 80% humidity. After you have set up the isolation tank, place the Hermit Crab in it as soon as you have clarified that it is going to Molt. Another option, one that I believe I am going to try myself, is to wait for the Crab to dig under in the main tank, then place half of a large soda – bottle with the lid off around the area and press it gently into the substrate to secure it. The tank must be up to the same standards as the isolation tank, however.
Unfortunately, there may be instances where an owner does not catch any of the signs and the Crab buries itself one day. If this happens, the most important thing is to not dig the crab up! This action can lead to death. If your Hermit Crab is Molting and you do not know where it is in the tank, there is nothing you can do, you just have to let the Crab Molt on its own. After all, a Hermit Crab does do it all the time on its own in the wild.
Thanks for reading! I hope this post helped you! Follow my blog for more posts about Molting. Also, comment if you have any questions or concerns about your Goldfish or Hermit Crab, and tell me how many times your Crab has Molted!
Talk from the Tank 