Hermit crab molting questions

[Jjd531]

Hello, I have a white spotted hermit crab he's about 3in. I've had him a few months as an impulse buy, and I absolutely love him. Anyways he's molted 2 confirmed times and I think one other time, possibly more. He'll typically bury his molts after he gets them off which I find odd. But I'm curious if reef hermit crabs prefer deep substrate to bury themselves or if surface molts are okay? I know land hermit crabs need to bury themselves and I've had quite a few hermit crabs molt in my reef tanks cause I see them flying around (small ones) and the hermits show up a day later.
I would like to ensure the best long term survival and care of the hermit, I hand feed him daily so hes doing pretty good and seems healthy overall with all his molts. Hes in a 10 gallon right now but the plan is to eventually give him his own 20 long here soon and I would definitely consider deeper sand bed to ensure his health and longevity. Right now hes immobilized from his current molt but from my understanding and somewhat experience that's normal as I've seen my zebra hermit sit for days in the rocks after molting.

 

[TriggerFinger]

I’ve noticed mine disappear when I find a molt too. They’re new shell is still soft and that makes them vulnerable. I haven’t noticed my hermits really wanting to burrow or burying their molt but I don’t have the same kind as yours. I have blue legs, reg legs, zebras and a few scarlets. Share pics of this 3” hermit please!!

 

[Jjd531]

I’ve noticed mine disappear when I find a molt too. They’re new shell is still soft and that makes them vulnerable. I haven’t noticed my hermits really wanting to burrow or burying their molt but I don’t have the same kind as yours. I have blue legs, reg legs, zebras and a few scarlets. Share pics of this 3” hermit please!!

Gotcha, if I didn't specify earlier, he is a white spotted hermit crab and supposedly may reach 6in from my understanding.