HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So I have 5 crabs, 2 pps and 3 e's. Right now in a 20 gallon tank. One is buried. The others are in the hut, one partially buried. I discovered the partially buried one when I lifted the hut since I was spraying the substrate, thinking that more than one was buried. I think I freaked out the four that were hiding in there. The last day or two they haven't been very active. When I first got them they came out and pigged out on hermit crab food and apples. I have some anchoives in there now but doesn't look like it's been touched. They are most likely just recuperating? I'm trying to leave them alone aside from checking the humidity and spraying the substrate, putting in freshfood etc.

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 28&t=87163

So obviously the one that is completely buried should not be moved to the new 40 gallon tank but what about the other 4? Once the tank is ready and stable can I move any crab that is up even if they are not out and about a lot? The 40 gallon will have more space, deeper pools, more hiding and climbing areas and better humidity control. Thanks!

I'd say if they are up and the conditions are the same, then go ahead and move them. Just keep in mind that you'll have to maintain both tanks until the one(s) molting in the 20 come back up. That's very normal when moving tanks. When they first are in a new environment they will run around and be very active. It's common for them to then rest, or even dig down, either to destress of molt. Moving from one place to another is stressful for them, even if the move it to a better place. If they are just hiding I think they'd be OK to move. Do you know if they are coming out and exploring at night (food moved, sand in water, etc)?

Doesn't look like food has been touched in a couple of days and water looks the same...no sand. No little claw prints either.