cleaner shrimp old scale

[stupid_naso]

Guyssss, I need help. I just bought a new cleaner shrimp and when I returned from the movies I noticed that it has changed its scale. I threw the old scale away, because I was so affraid that it will be waste and increase my ammonia. Is this OK?! My friend told me that it will eventually eat its old scale. Does it really need to eat the old scale? Will me throwing away its old scale affect its behavior later on? Can anyone help me with this matter?
Thanksss
stupid_naso

 

[whipple]

I dont think you made a HUGE mistake but they will eat it when they molt there soft and they eat their shell and regain the componds that harden their shell its shell will still harden but just a little slower

 

[texasreefrat]

Also, if you leave it in the tank it will not cause a problem, it will break down naturally. Since there is no flesh, mainly calcium and iodine compounds it will not foul your water.