My Fireshrimp is a MOLTAHOLIC!!!

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by CowboyUp, Jan 28, 2004.

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  1. CowboyUp

    CowboyUp Fire Worm

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    Just wondering, how often should shrimp molt? I have a Fireshrimp that molts about every 5-7days. Is this normal? He seems to be doing fine, just likes to molt.

    CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]
     
    CowboyUp, Jan 28, 2004
    CowboyUp, Jan 28, 2004
    #1

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  2. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

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    My Cleaner Shrimp molt once a month like clockwork. That is news to me. I'd be interested to know more about those molting patterns. Every 5 - 7 days seems pretty much off the charts!
     
    Craig Manoukian, Jan 28, 2004
    Craig Manoukian, Jan 28, 2004
    #2
  3. CowboyUp

    CowboyUp Fire Worm

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    It seems like a lot to me too Craig. He's doing fine, just likes to change clothes I guess!

    CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]
     
    CowboyUp, Jan 28, 2004
    CowboyUp, Jan 28, 2004
    #3
  4. Speedy

    Speedy Fire Shrimp

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    It is to my understanding that the iodine levels of a tank are very closely related to molting. How is your iodine?
     
    Speedy, Jan 29, 2004
    Speedy, Jan 29, 2004
    #4
  5. CowboyUp

    CowboyUp Fire Worm

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    Thanks for the info David. I'm not sure, how do you test iodine???

    CowboyUp [smiley=cowboy.gif]
     
    CowboyUp, Jan 29, 2004
    CowboyUp, Jan 29, 2004
    #5
  6. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

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    You can get an Iodine test kit. I have a Salifert Iodine test kit that never gave me a correct reading. It showed no iodine yet my shrimp and hermits molt just fine.

    I would get a La Motte test kit.
     
    Craig Manoukian, Jan 29, 2004
    Craig Manoukian, Jan 29, 2004
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  7. DC5

    DC5 Astrea Snail

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    I always thought that it molts because of the Calcium... good to know it's from Iodine...
     
    DC5, Feb 16, 2004
    DC5, Feb 16, 2004
    #7
  8. Craig Manoukian

    Craig Manoukian Giant Squid

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    Needs sufficient calcium for the exoskeleton as well as iodine to trigger the process.
     
    Craig Manoukian, Feb 16, 2004
    Craig Manoukian, Feb 16, 2004
    #8
  9. reefman_MC

    reefman_MC Aiptasia Anemone

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    Are you feeding him anything special? Maybe the little guy is growing a little faster than normal. This could be a possibility.
     
    reefman_MC, Feb 16, 2004
    reefman_MC, Feb 16, 2004
    #9