Molt gone wrong?

[shannonrenee4]

I had my molting hermit crab in an isolation tank. (he's molting inside a tiny crevice in one of their tank decorations so I just moved the whole decoration from one tank to the other). However, I recently discovered my gauge was severely inaccurate in the iso tank. (It was too humid and too cold in there). I've now moved him back to the main tank and placed a giant climbing wall to split the tank in half.

I'm trying to stay optimistic but I know he's undergone a lot of stress. How would I know if my little guy didn't make it through the molt alive? Right now, he's got this strange metallic-like smell. Anyone know if this is normal?

I'm just concerned right now. And I'm also worried now that he's in the main tank (Because I had no other choice), that the other hermie will get to him. I just don't think this is going to work out well. How long until I know for sure?

[emmac350]

Feed your other hermies lots of protein and they will be less likely to go for your molter. Good job on isolating him in the main tank with the climbing wall. I'd say that until you smell the dead fish smell (like tuna fish...only gross), he's alive. Just don't bug him and keep your other crabs away from him. Put fresh and salt water on both sides of the climbing wall so that all your crabs can have access without bothering each other, and food too, and you should be fine.

[lolagranola]

The metallic smell sounds very much like the molting hormone. It gets describedi in different ways. I've also heard it described as like silicone caulk smell too.