Bumble Bee Shrimp acting strangely

[trybry]

I just walked into the room and saw one of my 4 Bumble Bee Shrimp swimming frantically. It's missing 2 legs on one side and the larger claw on the other.

This happened to the large claw, one other time about a month ago. That claw grew back and she was fine.

This time she seems stress and panicked. Like the time years ago, when a Coral Banded Shrimp, pulled it's own large claw off and died. I say, it crazy and committed suicide.

here's the current Parameters -

No Ammonia
No No's
Ph 8.2
SG between 1.22 and 1.23
CA at 440
KH at 175 (CaCo3)
Water Clear
Temp 77F

Others have molted, one this month, one last month.
They (all the females) are very plump too.
If this is the same one, I'd hate to lose her.

Too many hiding places to see the other 3.

Any suggestions?

Now she's calmed down a bit and is hanging on some Macro Algae (see photo)

 

[Amphiprion]

Keep monitoring her. Not terribly much that can be done, unfortunately. Make sure your parameters stay reasonably stable and make sure she is well-fed.

 

[trybry5]

Thanks,

She seems fine, I just wonder why this happens.

She swims more than, she walks now.
Since she missing one large claw and ability to grasp quickly, She's discovered, the joy of eating shrimp pellet leftovers by Nassarius Snails

I think I see new growth, if that's possible.

You were spot on about the Hydrometer, it's 0.0035 off and is reading lower, than the actual readings.

I'm kinda concerned. since when I had him check the sample of my water. He had to fiddle with the refractormeter to get a reading.

So, I think, I'll have to get one. Neither of the 3 shops I contacted, carry them and had no clue on what brand they were using.

So, I am slowly lowering the Spec Grav. Today, it's 1.02175 (+the .0035 diff) comes to 1.02525. The extra numbers are for 1/2's and 3/4's on the Hydrometer scale.

Thanks again for the reply

 

[fsn77]

I'm kinda concerned. since when I had him check the sample of my water. He had to fiddle with the refractormeter to get a reading.

I'm only guessing since it wasn't mentioned what he was fiddling with, but there is a focus adjustment on a refractometer. If multiple people in the shop use that refractometer, it's very likely that each of them refocuses it after someone other than them has used it, so that they can read the scale inside.

 

[Amphiprion]

I'd also like to urge you not to lower your salinity any further until you can get an accurate, pre-calibrated reading yourself. Be sure to buy some calibration fluid prior to using your refractomer (in at least some cases, calibrating with RO/DI or distilled water is not going to be accurate enough).

 

[trybry5]

Okay,

That sounds logical, the local shops seem to be at a loss about it. Or at least a lot of the staff.

I brought in a sample, after researching about how a refractometer works. The sample was a clean test kit tube full of water. I figure since only a few drops are needed that was enough.

You'd be surprised at how many folks, on my way to the back of the store said, "I don't think that's enough water". So I was kinda worry about the test. The only one who took it in stride, was the last guy who conducted the test. I guess he handles the testing of the tanks.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[trybry5]

Thanks,

I saw that item for sale online and also mentioned during my research. At the time, my water with the adjustment (+0.0035) was running at 1.026. I think that's a little high.

I'm currently trying to keep it at 1.025 or 1.0255. I don't want to hurt my short lifespan bumble bee shrimp.

As you said, it's not wise to change it, until I get a refractometer and I'll try not to do that, til then.

Thanks for the reply.