Moving crabs

[ha_haley]

Ok so this maybe a dumb question, but I definitely just want to make sure it’s alright before I do it.

I have a 40 gallon tank with 4 crabs and a 75 gallon with 6 crabs. Currently no one is molting in the 40, in the 75 I know 2 or 3 are molting. I think the crabs in the 75 gallon should be coming up pretty shortly (maybe? I think one may have just gone down last night. I’m hoping he’s just digging for fun.).

I want to make some major upgrades to the 75 gallon (new decor, 6-8 inches more substrate, moving pools, etc.). My problem is I’m lucky to work less than 65 hours a week, I definitely don’t have time to add an inch of substrate a day.

So, I was wondering if it would be okay if I temporarily moved the crabs that are up in the 75 gallon into the 40 gallon until everyone is up in the 75. I’d like to have every crab moved or accounted for before I start making upgrades. I don’t want to collapse tunnels and I’d like to get the upgrades done here pretty soon, but I’m worried the crabs that are up will go down before I can get it done.

Would moving them temporarily be okay? Any advice, tips, suggestions?






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[GotButterflies]

I would not recommend that. I think it would be way to crowded. Plus, you also wouldn't be able to prevent anyone from digging down in the 40 gallon. Plus - it will stress your 40 gallon tank crabs out and they would all have to establish the pecking order again. How long would it take you to add the substrate? Because really that is the main issue. Once you add the substrate, you can do the other stuff with no issues. Do you have a large tote or huge container around that you can put them in temporarily?

[ha_haley]

I would not recommend that. I think it would be way to crowded. Plus, you also wouldn't be able to prevent anyone from digging down in the 40 gallon. Plus - it will stress your 40 gallon tank crabs out and they would all have to establish the pecking order again. How long would it take you to add the substrate? Because really that is the main issue. Once you add the substrate, you can do the other stuff with no issues. Do you have a large tote or huge container around that you can put them in temporarily?

Thanks for the advice! I didn’t even think about pecking order.

I was able to run to the hardware store on my lunch hour and picked up all the sand I’ll need plus a large tote. I also managed to flip over my shopping cart with 300 pounds of sand and about cried from embarrassment lol!

5/6 crabs were up earlier and I got them moved into the temp tote. My last crab down has been moving around and making “windows” against the glass, so I think he’ll be up either tonight or tomorrow and I should be able to get it all finished hopefully Sunday!


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[fandt94]

I would not recommend that. I think it would be way to crowded. Plus, you also wouldn't be able to prevent anyone from digging down in the 40 gallon. Plus - it will stress your 40 gallon tank crabs out and they would all have to establish the pecking order again. How long would it take you to add the substrate? Because really that is the main issue. Once you add the substrate, you can do the other stuff with no issues. Do you have a large tote or huge container around that you can put them in temporarily?

Thanks for the advice! I didn’t even think about pecking order.

I was able to run to the hardware store on my lunch hour and picked up all the sand I’ll need plus a large tote. I also managed to flip over my shopping cart with 300 pounds of sand and about cried from embarrassment lol!

5/6 crabs were up earlier and I got them moved into the temp tote. My last crab down has been moving around and making “windows” against the glass, so I think he’ll be up either tonight or tomorrow and I should be able to get it all finished hopefully Sunday!


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Good luck! Hope that last little booger cooperates for you so you can get it all done!

[ha_haley]

He came up last night and I finally got to finish












Everyone seems to be enjoying the new set up!








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[GotButterflies]

That looks nice! I love the color!

[fandt94]

Wow! Really nice set up! Glad you were able to get it all done!