Are they eating?

[hlabone72]

I recently adopted two crabs from my neighbor who is moving. She's had them for a year in an awful tank with no substrate and very dirty conditions. I wish I had taken a photo. They are now (two small) in a 10 gallons with sand (I need to add more) both have buried themselves and were gone for a couple weeks. One came out and has changed shells several times, the one hiding in the coconut shell I just noticed his exoskeleton and it's in a new shell. But I don't know if they are eating? I have left them alone. I replenish the food everyday just in case. They get fresh veggies and fruit and nuts. I clean and replenish water as well. I just want to make sure they are ok.

With the move and then them molting I didn't want to disturb them. I am assuming since she had nothing for them before they haven't molted in over a year

https://www.flickr.com/photos/201287347 ... FKmt3Sd753

not sure if that will work or not.

[curlysister]

Your tank is looking really good so far! Yes, you do need more sand.
Remove the sponge from the water, it just harbors bacteria.
It sounds like the one might be surface molting - his exoskeleton is out in the open (like not buried) with him? If that is the case, you need to isolate him from the other crab so that he can eat his old exo and harden up his new exo. Otherwise he is vulnerable and can be harmed or killed by the other crab.
Crabs eat very little when they are small. You just need to put in a wide variety of foods including animal protein (meat) and calcium daily, and they will take what they need.

[hlabone72]

Thank you so much for the reply! Yes I know more sand, like I said since I had just got them it was all I had at first, then read up, and since I could tell they were molting, I didn't want to disturb. Looks like they are both done so in a week or so I will add more sand. I change out their food daily when it looks dried out. I've been giving, pecans, apple, sweet potato, dandelion leaves, egg shell, olive oil, grapes, brocolli, just a mix of stuff each day. Ok yes remove sponge. I really would like to get a bigger tank as well, but that will have to wait.

One I think buried and molted, other was on top under the coconut shell, he's in yet another shell now, and has been left alone, I've kept close eye on them. I just know for the year she had them, it was minimal care. So I wanted them to settle in and again I don't think they ever molted the whole year she had them - one of those take the kids to the beach come home with crabs, water and store sprinkle food