to add shards do I take out the lightnings?
Absolutely not, at least I didn't.
- One of them can kill a small critter you can't or don't want to devour with an oty (don't have it yet or would get poisoned). Think butterfly'ed micro abomination, puffer fish, crimson dragon, or just a pest when you're low on pillars.
- One of them can damage a larger creature into devouring range.
- Two of them can kill practically everything that annoys you.
- Finally, you can use them to bring down the enemy's health if you couldn't last for one more round yourself

This also allows you to play shields more effectively, because if you eliminate some threat for just 2 quanta, you can spare them for later. Especially if you can heal at the same time due to shards.