Peppermint Shrimp Molting

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sharkfinsean

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 14, 2012
69
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Baltimore, MD
Hello,
I found out that my shrimp molted 5 days ago and I have not seen it since. How long does it take to grow a new shell? I am using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals so there should be a sufficient amount of calcium in the tank for it to grow a new shell. What factors effect the time it takes to grow a new shell? What factors effect how often the shrimp molts? What can I do to speed up the process of growing a new shell?

Thanks
~Sharkfinsean
 
It should only take a couple hours for the new exoskeleton to harden up. And if I'm not mistaken, iodine also plays a big role in their ability to molt and regrow their exoskeleton. I use the same salt and it's never been an issue for my CBS. He molts every three weeks or so. And I've got like 18 snails that are all doing great. (don't know how much calcium and such they use though) I'm afraid I can't be more help than that. Good luck with finding him!! :)


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KellyFrancis said:
It should only take a couple hours for the new exoskeleton to harden up. And if I'm not mistaken, iodine also plays a big role in their ability to molt and regrow their exoskeleton. I use the same salt and it's never been an issue for my CBS. He molts every three weeks or so. And I've got like 18 snails that are all doing great. (don't know how much calcium and such they use though) I'm afraid I can't be more help than that. Good luck with finding him!! :)


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Click to expand...

Yes iodine actually is more important than calcium. My skunk shrimp molts every 2 to 3 weeks but I'm not sure how long it takes for the skeleton to harden. Kelly is probably close with a few hours. I would guess more like 12-18 though. My wife hates it in the morning when she wakes up and looks in the tank and sees a skeleton floating around. Its a good sign to see them molt. It means they are healthy

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My understanding is that they go hide in the rocks after they molt and only come out again when they are safe. My CBS is always out and about the morning after his molt, so I always thought it was like a 6-7 hour thing. I don't know. Just what I've always assumed, based on that understanding and observation. One would think that it would be inconvenient to be so vulnerable for 12-18 hours though. No?
 
sharkfinsean said:
Hello,
I found out that my shrimp molted 5 days ago and I have not seen it since. How long does it take to grow a new shell? I am using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals so there should be a sufficient amount of calcium in the tank for it to grow a new shell. What factors effect the time it takes to grow a new shell? What factors effect how often the shrimp molts? What can I do to speed up the process of growing a new shell?

Thanks
~Sharkfinsean
Click to expand...

Probably not the calcium, I use the same salt and I have no issues with my two shrimp, snails, and crabs. I think if may be stressed, and found itself a cave to hide in.


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