Frustrating . . . Emerald Crabs always die after a WC

[HawkeyeDJ]

My tank is 5 months old. 24G AIO. I've had a total of 4 emerald crabs (1 then 3) and they each have died within 24 hours of a water change of 5 gallons. My fish, corals, and snails seem to be fine.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[Ryde]

Are you heating up the water before adding it?

 

[MaxTremors]

Are you sure they’re dead and not molting? I’ve notice that shrimp and crabs will often molt after a water change, I’m assuming it’s the increase in iodine.

 

[HawkeyeDJ]

Are you heating up the water before adding it?

No, but the water is typically within a degree of the tank temperature (78F). Are emerald crabs very sensitive to temperature changes?

 

[Ryde]

No, but the water is typically within a degree of the tank temperature (78F). Are emerald crabs very sensitive to temperature changes?

I'm no pro but I think one degree shouldn't hurt.

 

[HawkeyeDJ]

Are you sure they’re dead and not molting? I’ve notice that shrimp and crabs will often molt after a water change, I’m assuming it’s the increase in iodine.

I'm not familiar with what a molt looks like for a crab. Water change was yesterday, this morning I see him out hanging on the side of the rock out in the open. He never is out in the open during the day, always hiding in a crevice, but visible. This pm he's lying on the sand on his back. I pull him out and he shows no signs of life.

 

[Ryde]

I'm not familiar with what a molt looks like for a crab. Water change was yesterday, this morning I see him out hanging on the side of the rock out in the open. He never is out in the open during the day, always hiding in a crevice, but visible. This pm he's lying on the sand on his back. I pull him out and he shows no signs of life.

A molt just looks like a empty shell of a the crab, usually less colorful.