Hermit Crabs Molting/Burying In One Spot Together?

[Aurora Quartz]

Hi! I just made an account here specifically to seek help about this.

I got four PPs three days ago. I was at the beach with my partner, we went to buy natural shells and barnacles and things because we planned to get hermit crabs. I have been researching for a lonnnggg time. I ended up spending $40 on just shells. Hehe.
We were exploring the tide pools when my partner found a PP upside down in a painted shell in the bottom of the pool. They ARE NOT native in my area whatsoever, we put two and two together that someone bought one in the shops to "free" it. Leaving it was out of the question. We did not want to support the shops, but we got three companions so it would not be alone. They are all PPs. The food they came with looked and smelled like horse food. I tossed it and bought a fruit cup. I mashed it together with fresh water and made them a smoothie. They freaking loved it.

We brought them home, set up a temporary 10 gal for them for over night. The next day we went out. Got dishes, substrate, etc. I moved them into a 20 gal. This is still temporary. The substrate is only roughly five inches right now, they are small and one is medium, the tank is not very tall so it cannot be very deep. Hence it being temporary. I plan to get a tall 29 gallon and put eight inches of substrate.
I believe they are destressing. They are not moving or seemingly eating fresh fruits and veggies. The one we found in the ocean dug down almost immediately. I assumed molting purposes. But then another crab buried down right in front of where the other one did. Now I see a third one in a large hole on the right side of the original one.
My biggest concern is someone getting eaten during molt. I see no evidenc of it yet. I just know there are two fully submerged side by side and a third in a deep hole beside them. The fourth has been destressing in a corner.
I have a 40 watt heat bulb and keep half the tank covered to keep humidity in. Our gauges are coming in the mail soon. Not knowing the exact heat and humidity adds to my anxiety, for they could possibly be hiding because the levels are not sufficiant enough. I have two parts sand and one part coco fiber too. Salt and fresh water pools that are pretty big. And drift wood standing up in the middle for climbing and hiding.

I am concerned one or two are trying to molt, or one already ate the other, or if the third is down there to do that. Or if they are just all hiding together I have no idea. I know the importance of not digging up your crabbies. I never will. I think it is just a stressful waiting game.

What do you think?

[GotButterflies]

First of all...HI! Welcome to the HCA!

You nailed it....it's a waiting game! So just because they all went under in the same spot, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are in the same spot under the sand. They dig all sorts of tunnels under the surface. They could be destressing, chilling out, or starting the molting process. You just never know! Provide plenty of calcium, proteins, and other foods from the food pyramid (definitely sounds like you have done your research). Whatever you do...don't dig!

Welcome to the wonderful world of crabbing...it's highly addicting!!

Edit: make sure you provide dechlorinated fw and dechlorinated msw - pools should be deep enough for them to fully submerge by themselves and get out of safely.

[piratetoothgir]

Welcome to the HCA!

Awesome! I am very glad you did good research beforehand, that's great!
I am not sure, but they do dig to destress, usually after purchase. Whatever you do, don't try to dig for them, and they will most likely be just fine.
Usually, there will only be problems with molts if there isn't enough substrate, so I really encourage you to get that eight inches you mentioned.

Glad to have you on the forum, hope it goes well!

[Aurora Quartz]

First of all...HI! Welcome to the HCA!

You nailed it....it's a waiting game! So just because they all went under in the same spot, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are in the same spot under the sand. They dig all sorts of tunnels under the surface. They could be destressing, chilling out, or starting the molting process. You just never know! Provide plenty of calcium, proteins, and other foods from the food pyramid (definitely sounds like you have done your research). Whatever you do...don't dig!

Welcome to the wonderful world of crabbing...it's highly addicting!!

Edit: make sure you provide dechlorinated fw and dechlorinated msw - pools should be deep enough for them to fully submerge by themselves and get out of safely.

Thank you, that does make me feel a lot better. :'3
I have tons of freeze dried -natural- worms and bugs I have used from our bearded dragon. I made sure there were no perservitives and added things in them. I also sprinkle calcium on their fruits. For proteins I want to lean more towards samon, shrimp and other meats. Keep it as fresh as possible. Nuts too!
I did treat the chlorine in their water dishes, and used Instant Ocean in one. The fresh water has a log and a pile of rocks to get in and out. The salt water has a staircase of stacked shells. I put rocks and shells down so the dishes were not too deep, because two crabbies do struggle to get around especially under water due to loss of limbs. But still deep enough to submerge.

[Aurora Quartz]

Welcome to the HCA!

Awesome! I am very glad you did good research beforehand, that's great!
I am not sure, but they do dig to destress, usually after purchase. Whatever you do, don't try to dig for them, and they will most likely be just fine.
Usually, there will only be problems with molts if there isn't enough substrate, so I really encourage you to get that eight inches you mentioned.

Glad to have you on the forum, hope it goes well!

Okay, thank you! C:

[GotButterflies]

Sounds like you are all set!! Great job!

Not sure what kind of gauges you bought, but i prefer this one: https://smile.amazon.com/AcuRite-Thermo ... s=accurite

It can also be bought in the home improvement section at Walmart It is by the air filters. Very accurate. I have one in all three of my crabitats.

[Aurora Quartz]

Sounds like you are all set!! Great job!

Not sure what kind of gauges you bought, but i prefer this one: https://smile.amazon.com/AcuRite-Thermo ... s=accurite

It can also be bought in the home improvement section at Walmart It is by the air filters. Very accurate. I have one in all three of my crabitats.

My partner ordered one online from the store they work at, but I may consider getting that too. Most of what they have is temporary. My dream is the 29 gal, pools with bubblers and just lots of natural branches and dried corals for climbing. <3

[Hermiesguardian]

A great way to get larger tanks is used. Craigslist and apps such as offerup and letgo. I got a 90 gal with a stand for $200.

[Aurora Quartz]

A great way to get larger tanks is used. Craigslist and apps such as offerup and letgo. I got a 90 gal with a stand for $200.

That is a good idea, I originally wanted a 55 gallon but have limited space. I liked the 29 because of how deep it is but I wish it were longer for more decor. I will have to do more shopping around.