Post Molt Care

[Nireen]

Hi!

My first ever Molter Zippy (I'm new to crab keeping) has just resurfaced after three weeks under the substrate.

He is in an isolation tank with another suspected Molter still underground. I have supplied water and food but am wondering what the next steps are for the coming days.

Are there any particular foods that will help him regain his strength? Do I need to bathe him? And generally speaking how long until he is strong enough to go back in with the other Crabbies?

Any advice is appreciated. I'm so happy to see him again! It's like he timed it perfectly to surface on New Year's Day.

[myllkti]

Hi! You don’t need to separate molters (besides special circumstances) so I would think he can just go back in the tank! Only surface molters need to be bathed because resurfacing will get rid of the molt smell as he digs his way back up. You can give him extra calcium and protein to help him recover if you want

Happy New Year to you both!!

[aussieJJDude]

You may find, to dip him in the freshwater when introducing to the main tank so he smells like the other crabs, but otherwise, now that he has surfaced, he is good to go!

[Nireen]

Thank you both for responding!
Today I am giving Zips some extra calcium and protein and tomorrow after a little freshwater dip, I will introduce him back to the other crabs.