How to protect crab during molt

[teachincrabbie]

My big guy is molting. He decided to do it against the glass so I have a perfect view. He shed his exo about 4 days ago and is eating it. However I’m worried because my other crab (slightly smaller than the molter) just went down. I don’t know if he is molting too. He goes up and down a lot. However I can hear him moving just the tank floor. I’m worried he will smell my big one (by big I mean the size of a golf ball, which is big to me) and attack him. Should I be worried? They have meat available (bloodworms, mealworms, and dried crickets everyday).

[odelayheehoo]

I personally wouldn't worry about it too much, many keepers including myself have had more than one crab underground molting at the same time with no issues.

[Motörcrab]

I currently have 5 of 8 underground doing whatever they do. My guess is plotting to destroy the world. They dig all down in one spot and come up in another. Not much you can do like odela said.

All I would do is cover the window your guy made with a piece of cardboard. That way he will not be disturbed as easy from light changes and movement outside the tank. It's neat to check on them to see what they are doing but it can cause them to move too soon and possibly cause molting issues. I know when I'm changing my clothes I don't want strangers watch me! LOL

[teachincrabbie]

Thanks you everyone! I'm glad he should be fine but I'll cover the window because I keep looking at him Ooops!

[curlysister]

How deep is your substrate?

[teachincrabbie]

How deep is your substrate?

It’s 6 inches deep.

[scuttlecrusty22]

I just had the same problem with my crabs, Crusty (first 1 down) was molting for a few days and then Scuttle ( 2nd one down) followed him. I was so scared he was going to eat him, but now all is well and they are both done molting and are very happy, healthy (and hungry.)

[curlysister]

The only time I had a problem with a crab digging up another crab was when I didn't have enough substrate - they had grown and I hadn't kept that in mind with the depth of substrate. If they have enough space and sub, they should be fine.