Cleaner Shrimp

[LittleDevil]

I am very new the hobby and I my cleaner shrimp has shed his skin a few times... I have only had him for about 1 month. The first time he did, it was only the front half. Last night he shed the whole thing. Is this normal? should I be concerned?
Thanks
Matt

[Triggers]

moulting is normal for shrimps. not sure how often they do it though.

[the_blue_tuna]

The better fed they are the more often they will molt. Its kind of disheartening the first time you see it . You figure you have lost your shrimp , then in a couple days there it is running all around again. By the way,,,WELCOME to Reefland

[reefdope]

I always understood that they molt when stressed as well...Are you possibly doing anything to the tank (that you can think of or test for) that could be stressing him? Sudden water parameter changes? Newly added aggressive tank mates? ...Mine usually molt about every three to four weeks.

[LittleDevil]

Thanks for the relpies... I test me water 2 times a month, so far the only thing I have noticed was a little bit of Nitrate. That was before I added all of my live rock, 20 pounds. I dont really think he is to stressed, he is always out and about running around. Eats alot, goes nuts when I but the brine shrimp in there......
Matt

[Rin]

Adding too much Iodine can cause excessive molting, as well.

[reefdope]

LittleDevil -

If he looks fine and is behaving as normal...its all probably well and good...Don't be worried about it.

Rin -

I always understood that adding Iodine helped them molt...rather than caused them to molt. Though, I guess too much could cause an imbalance that may spark a molt in and of itself. Hmmmm...so much to ponder! ;;

[Elmo18]

Actually, this is from what I've heard.

Shrimp molt with the coming of the new moon (or full moon). Seems like it might be true because when I had my peppermint shrimp, it would molt after every new moon.

I don't witness it happening, but I would see the exoskeleton of the old shell on the sand bottom.

just an fyi,

Ilham

[reefdope]

Elmo,

You may have that strange species of Wereshrimp....I was told they are closely related to the wolf variety. Be careful, if it bites...you know what will happen!

[LittleDevil]

I actually never have put anything into my tank, except phos gaurd and some Prime. What should I put in there? I am new and need some help, as much as possible.......
;) Matt;)

[reefdope]

Matt -

You might wanna repost under reef section or get a moderator to bump this post...you'll find that the experts there will be able to give you their "opinions" on what to add.

My 2c, either drip Kalk (Mrs. Wages, whatever) or B-Ionic and Iodine and Strontium & Molybdinum (spelling?). But then again, there are arguments on either side of the fence as to whether any of these are any good or whether plain jane water changes are the best and replenish all of these. I'd do Kalk and Iodine at least. Again just my 2c.

[rainbowjiny]

I've heard that kind of Crustacea, Shrimp, grows bigger after molting.
I don't have to worry about molting, I think..

[reefdope]

rainbowjiny -

I really think that molting is natural and normal, unless its molting once a week or every couple days or so...things are okay. Yes they do grow in size after the molt and even if they are missing body parts, those parts will likely "regrow".