Casualties this weekend

[BCReefer]

Before I purchased the shrimp I tested the water as I wanted to be sure the water was ready. 0 amonia, 0 nitrate and PH 8.2.

The shrimp were laying on their side and it sure seemed that they were dead. I have not seen any shrimp ever shed their skin so I will look out for them. I am going out tonight to buy the additional test kits, for stuff I am not testing, to see if it was something else. I did buy 5 snails at the same time and when I checked them last night it looks like they have been eaten???

I have been told that Damsels can be aggressive. Could they be attacking the snails and the shrimp when the lights are off? I have some hermit crabs that are just running around like crazy so they enjoy the water.

Maybe I am moving to fast? I am starting to get the algae so I need to some more snails ASAP or I will change my whole thinking and get some algae eater fish. What would anyone recommend I am getting worried that I am doing something wrong?

Lastly I am doing a 10% water change each week.

[ 06 September 2001: Message edited by: BCReefer ]