How long for a molt?

[scubaBB1]

Last night my cleaner was quiet, even through dinner, so I thought he was molting. This morning he is still in the same place and not moving. He looks normal except for the whole not moving thing. Crap, I just realized both firefish are MIA. I did a 5 gal water change last night. Before the change my water was perfect, I didn't test it after the change and don't have time before work. I did test the salinity and it was 1.025

[scubaBB1]

The firefish woke up and are fine, whew!

[chrisd]

are you sure its alive it looks dead

[scubaBB1]

Originally Posted by chrisd

it looks dead

I guess the small antennae movement could be from the current. I htink he has looked dead during past molts, I just don't think they usually take more than over-night. Sux

[chrisd]

my pepps take a day or two to molt. did you try to move him?

[scubaBB1]

Originally Posted by chrisd

did you try to move him?

Yes, totally unresponsive, but not stiff and no one is trying to eat him.
I will give him a while more. Aren't shrimps pretty near death when they're molting?

[chrisd]

not that im aware of. my pepps still eat and swim when they molt. i would think he is dead.

[chrisd]

i bet he smells real bad.

[scubaBB1]

Originally Posted by chrisd

i would think he is dead.

**** it.

[chrisd]

sorry. when you did the water change did you make sure the salinity and temp was the same as your display tank? shrimp can be sensitive to change.

[scubaBB1]

Originally Posted by chrisd

shrimp can be sensitive to change.

Thanks for the feed back, I will be more cautious.

[Loverotties]

Yes the can!

[scubaBB1]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Yes the can!

Yes they can be sensitive to salinity variations or yes they can be near death while molting?

[Loverotties]

Sensitive to changes.

[sks4613]

My cleaners molt at night. I have never seen them do it or knew they were going to. There has never been any decreased activity or anything that has clued me in that they were ready. I always just woke up in the morning and saw the shells. They are a little shy right after molting but fine. My guess would go with sick/stressed from the water change. Not sure how big your tank is or how much 5 gallons changed but you do have to be very careful as shrimp are extremely sensitive to changes. Hope hes's ok!