molting issues

[wicca27]

is there something i can add to the tank or something i can feed to help with molting? i haven noticed in a couple tanks i have not seen many molts and wondering if it has not caused a couple of the deaths i have had since all else seems good

[acitydweller]

Yes. Calcium enriched foods and vege. Adding calcium directly into the water column helps.

Feeding too much protien attributes to failed molts so a more balanced diet with more veg would help, or cut down feedings entirely to twice a week with smaller portions. They largely should be feeding 24/7 on all surfaces of the tank.

Also keep tabs on the water params religiously. Water changes should be kept to a minimum, moreso if the water needs pretreatment and adjustment for shrimp use.

[Jedi_Pizza]

Originally Posted by acitydweller

Adding calcium directly into the water column helps.

What is a good for doing this? Preferably something I can hold of in the UK if possible

Cheers

[wicca27]

thats just it i dont feed protines i feed veggie sticks with calcium and spirulina wafers maybe i need to feed some protine?

[Option]

Originally Posted by acitydweller

Water changes should be kept to a minimum, moreso if the water needs pretreatment and adjustment for shrimp use.

So I've always been confused on this issue....do water changes prompt shrimps to molt or do they hinder the shrimps from molting? I've read people stating both so now I'm thoroughly confused.

[Monster Fish]

Originally Posted by Option

So I've always been confused on this issue....do water changes prompt shrimps to molt or do they hinder the shrimps from molting? I've read people stating both so now I'm thoroughly confused.

Water changes with cooler water encourages shrimp to molt (which is bad if you have berried moms). I think, what he meant is that too many water changes with water parameters different from those in your tank is bad for shrimp. Water changes are necessary to keep the TDS and nitrates from getting to unsafe levels. However, if your parameters don't change or are at optimum levels, you can skip the water changes. Just monitor your TDS and nitrates to keep them at a safe level.