Shrimp molts, ammonia spikes?

[pakarinen]

BC14 finished initial cycle a couple weeks ago.
SG 1.024
Temp 78 F
Ammonia was zero / undetectable.
Emerald crab (x2)
Turbo snail (x2)
Cleaner shrimp
Clump of chaeto about the size of two fists (started out about fist sized).

My shrimp molted about a day and a half ago. Figuring that was a good sign, I pulled out the discarded shell and thought I could relax. At that time, ammonia was undetectable.

This morning, the tank is cloudy, there is a huge diatom bloom and the ammonia has spiked to about 3.0. I did a 25% water change and dosed with Ammolock. Nothing has died and I've been running Chemipure in the second chamber for about 4 days.

I'm baffled. Is it possible something was released when the shrimp molted? It seems to be in ok shape even though the ammonia was up.

[ange062]

Molting never affects my tank. Did you add any new livestock? Is it possible something died (maybe a snail that you wouldn't notice)?

[qwuintus]

I would assume that your tank isn't as 'cycled' as you think- especially if you have a very small nano.

With your tank being so new- even though levels seem ok- I would just do a water change and relax.

When my shrimp molts the shell is usually gone by the end of the day as my CUC sees it as a saltly shrimp snack :)