Fire Shrimp - Molted, I thought he was dead

So this morning I woke up and noticed my fire shrimp was seemingly dead in the sand. Never owning one before I didnt realize they molt they're entire body making it appear its dead. As I am sadly attempting to remove it, the REAL fire shrimp pops out of hiding.

So, my question is, in the future do I leave the exoskeleton "molt" in the sand for others to eat or remove it?

 

Your call it could increase your nitrates, but it is also free food.

 

I never remove mine. It should break down completely within a couple days. I think leaving it in your tank also helps put iodine back into the system, which shrimp absorb into their bodies. I could be mistaken on that though.

 

alright, ill leave it in there and if its not gone within 2 days ill pick it out.