invert shell bleaching

[BCReefer]

Hi all,
I upgraded my light a couple months ago to a 216W T5, and since then i've been noticing my hermits and shore crabs have had the color rub off on their shells and legs. After they molt the original color comes back but slowly fades. any ideas?

 

[Smitty]

I think that's normal for the crabs outer shells to brighten up before a molt, just like our dead, shedding skin is always brighter/whitish when we shed. And the normal exterior (shell/skin) had a regular/natural color because it's getting a blood supply.

 

[SarahSmile]

Smitty, you are so smart.