How long does it take a hermit crab's exo to harden after molting?

The hermit crab in question is about the size of a quarter. I have deep substrate but he dug a very shallow burrow where he was plainly visible behind one of the climbing toys I have in the main tank. When I found him I hadn't even realized he had molted because it was just so unusual how he did it - I thought he was dead. I mistakenly handled him thinking he was dead, he was that pale pink, till I saw him move - then it dawned and I peered in the burrow and sure enough I could see the exo.

So now I don't know what to do, I'm worried for him. I gently placed him back in the borrow and positioned the climbing toy so it covered the burrow a little better. None of my other crabs seem to really be bothering him...I have 5 total, and in fact I have a second that is currently completely buried and I suspect molting.

I'm probably being paranoid but I'm worried about him since I stupidly handled him. How long does it usually take a quarter-sized crab's exo to harden? If he hasn't come out of hiding in about a week, should I check on him? Should I move him to an isolation tank or at this point, leave him be? I'm afraid of killing him by handling to much when he's molting.

Thanks!!!
 
Top