RCS and ferts/co2

[pcnicholson]

I've set up a tank to raise rcs and plants. I'd like to do some experimentation with different levels of ferts and co2 and wondered, do the shrimp tolerate nitrates/iron/potasium in about the same quantities as fish or can they take higher levels?

[pixl8r]

I suggest that you read these articles.

http://www.petshrimp.com/articles/faq.html
http://www.petshrimp.com/articles/keepingshrimp.html

The quick answer is, shrimp are less tolerant of nitrates iron and potassium. They are especially sensitive to copper. My advice is, raise Red Cherry shrimp in a tank that uses no fertilizers or medications. I'm not sure about CO2, but I do know that they need aeration. Either a good disturbance of the surface, or an air stone to do well.

[FacePlanted]

I just purchased about 30 RCS a few days ago. I have pressurized co2 and dose with ei. From what I saw on the first 2 days was that I had my co2 too high. All the shrimp were hanging on the floating plants and the rim of the tank, right at the top of the waterline. This was at the beginning of the lights off cycle. 1 or 2 shrimp died. None of them were moving or eating,just sitting there, and I couldnt figure out if it was the ferts or the co2 or copper or something else. Well I figured they needed more oxygen because they were ALL at the top of the water. I moved my outflow to create a larger "ripple" on the surface of the water and within an hour they all had gone back to their various places in the tank and were eating properly. I haven't noticed any effect on them while dosing my ferts either. It was either too much co2 (which I also turned down slightly) or not enough o2 that was bothering them and causing casualties.

Just something to look out for and is only based on my limited experience with cherry shrimp.

Good luck!

-Mike B-