Harlequin Shrimp nutrient question

[TigerReefer]

I have a question about nutrient levels and feeding a Harlequin shrimp.


I originally bought him to wipe out a starfish issue and decided to keep him feeding chocolate chip starfish every couple weeks.

I’ve noticed my NO3 and PO4 has started to creep up over the last 4 months since adding him. Nutrients are dangerous levels but higher than they’ve been before adding the shrimp. I’ve also started to get so hair algae around the opening/rocks where his “lair” is.

To my understanding, they only eat the feet of the starfish. Could the increase in nutrients be the remainder of what’s left of the starfish?

Has anyone else noticed an increase in nutrients from adding a Harlequin Shrimp?

 

[Coralreefer1]

That is definitely true that Harlequin Shrimp only eat the feet of Sea Stars so you need to ensure that you remove what’s left of the Star after the Shrimp is done or your water will degrade.