How often should a shrimp molt?

[kneescar]

I have two questions for whomever would like to answer.
1.) How often should a blood shrimp molt? I've had our blood shrimp in the 55g tank since June, and he has molted 4 times so far. (found another husk this morning)
I assume it means that he's healthy and growing.
2.) Can a blood shrimp actually cure Ich?
I noticed that the shrimp would just not leave the Yello Tang alone for a few days in a row. Then I noticed the "grains of salt" on the Tang. The next day I read (on here) as much as I could about treating Ich. By the time I got home and checked, the Tang was clean. I don't quite believe it, and I'm waiting for the spots to show up on other fish, but it's been almost a week now.

 

[maurice]

My 2 blood shrimp seem to molt every 2 to 3 weeks,as for them curing ick i would have to say no they are not a cure,but they can help in a very big way if it is caught early on in the cycle,but at least they try and look great doing it.I love mine!

 

[kneescar]

Thanks. They're fun to watch. From what I've read, I would say another outbreak is imminent. We'll see. Should give me time to get the hospital tank set up. (I know, bad me)

 

[bang guy]

1 - About once a month for a mature Shrimp. More often if it's young. If they are stressed or poisoned with something like Iodine or Copper they will molt more often. Molting more often than normal is a sign of unhealthy conditions, not a sign of health.
2 - No. A Blood Shrimp may pick off the external parasites but that's not a cure.

 

[kneescar]

Thanks. I don't think it's been more that once a month.. Just more than I expected.
So far no more spots. I'm doing about 10 gal water changes every week.

 

[acrylic51]

Mine molt monthly