First Molting

[Jparetzky]

I recently got three hermit crabs in a quick decision with my friends . I removed my fish from my ten gallon tank and am slowly turning it into a crabitat. I have empty shells, 4 inch of sand and exo-substrate, water, food and moss in the tank right now. One of my hermit crabs has hardly can eout of its shell and now is buried in the sand. How do I know if it is molting or if it is sick/dying?

[JoeHermits]

Truthfully, you can’t. If your hermit crab is digging, all you can do is leave it alone. It can remain underground for as long as four months in some cases, so you’ll have to be patient.

Digging is a normal behavior, especially with new crabs who need to destress.

FYI, the HCA recommends your substrate depth be the deeper of either six inches or three times the height of your tallest crab for safe molting.

What’s “exo-substrate”?

[Rawrgeous]

Hi! Welcome to the HCA, go ahead and check out our care guides when you have a chance. viewtopic.php?f=51&t=92457
Most likely the crab is fine and is just digging down to de-stress as Joe said. He has already stated the necessities for substrate so I won't go on with that. Are you referring to exo-terra coconut fiber substrate/ plantation soil? If so, great! If not I too need to be filed in on what exo substrate is.

[Jparetzky]

Thank you for your advice. I was referring to eco-earth substrate.