Molting every 2+ weeks... is this normal

[D-Rod]

My Skunk Cleaner has molted 4 times over the past 2 months is this normal for them, or is this a growth spurt??

 

[kmk2307]

D-Rod,

Does the shirmp seem to be growing after each molt? What and how much do you feed it? Do you add iodine or any sort of trace element restorer to your aquarium?

Kevin

 

[D-Rod]

yes it appears to be growing a little after each molting. I feed it a combination of Formula TWO pellets, Prime Reef flake & Brine Shrimp Plus all made by Ocean Nutrition, i don't give it all 3 at once, every other day i alternate.
As far as elements i ad Kent Marine liquid calcium, iodine, strontium & molybdenum, essential elements and pro-buffer dkh.
5 ml's of each

My lfs recommened this routine once a week.

thanks

 

[Ryanqk]

mine is molting all the time as well, he grows like a weed cuase he's a greedy thief. Takes food from anenomes.
Ryan

 

[Jeffrey Porter]

mine seems to molt about a third as often as the coral banded.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8065148#post8065148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by D-Rod
yes it appears to be growing a little after each molting. I feed it a combination of Formula TWO pellets, Prime Reef flake & Brine Shrimp Plus all made by Ocean Nutrition, i don't give it all 3 at once, every other day i alternate.
As far as elements i ad Kent Marine liquid calcium, iodine, strontium & molybdenum, essential elements and pro-buffer dkh.
5 ml's of each

My lfs recommened this routine once a week.

thanks

Never add what you don't test for. There is no way a LFS can know how fast your aquarium depletes the stuff you are dosing.

 

[kmk2307]

D-Rod,

How large is your aquarium? You may be adding too much iodine. You may want to search the forums for iodine and molting. Sudden spikes in iodine concentration in the aquarium water can stimulate some crustaceans to molt.

Kevin

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I agree with Kevin.

 

[D-Rod]

72 bowfront w/20 sump,
I only add 5ml of each listed above.
5ml is for 50 gals of water according to the instructions per week.

I'll stop untill i get the extra test kits and research a lot more.

Thanks.
D-Rod

 

[spawner]

They molt every 10-14 days or so depending on temp. Smaller Juv. molt more often around every 5 days. It's tied to there reproduction. They have to molt to mate.