How Long Does A Shrimp Take To Eat Its Exoskeleton?

[JohnDyer]

I have 6 cherry shrimp alone in a 10 gallon tank, they've been there for less than a week, and there are now 4 exoskeletons sitting on the bottom. How long does it usually take for a shrimp to clean up its moults? My amanos in the other tank usually get rid of it within the day, and there are only 3 of them. 
 
As a side note, there are almost always 2-3 shrimp sitting behind the output of my filter, but they aren't always the same individuals, as far as I can tell. I've read that shrimp will be shy in a new tank for a week or two, but I have plants and moss in there, and no other fish that could frighten them. 

 

[TallTree01]

Sometimes they don't eat them. In fact I don't think I've ever seen my shrimp eating an exoskeleton.
I take the exoskeletons out when I find them.

 

[Baccus]

It really depends on your water paramaters (gH and pH) for shrimp to eat their cast off shells. They only really eat the old shell to retrieve any essential nutrients that they are lacking. If yours are not even bothering to eat their old exoskeletons then it sounds as though they feel all of their nutriental  requirements are being met.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Sometimes my shrimps will eat the moult but more often than not its actually my snails eating the moults! lol
 
If i see moults, i leave it for a day, if still there following day, i take it out.

 

[JohnDyer]

Great, thanks guys. Are there any problems with leaving the shell in the tank? It shouldn't affect water quality or anything?

 

[Ch4rlie]

Great, thanks guys. Are there any problems with leaving the shell in the tank? It shouldn't affect water quality or anything?

 
Not always the best idea to leave rotting organic material in tank, they can give off nasties as well as ammonia when it start breaking down, granted just minute amounts but why risk it.
 
Also the fact leaving an entire moult can look unsightly as well as particles from the breaking down moult floating about in water is not too appealing as well.

 

[dopieopie]

I usually leave mine, but they are gone typically with in hours. Though i'm pretty sure it's not the shrimp who are eating it.