View Full Version : Freshwater shrimp growth rate?
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 4:15 AM
I got some red cherry shrimp that are about 1/4" long, how long will it take them to reach about 1" in size?
Do all shrimp grow at the same speed?
msjinkzd
12-12-2008, 7:48 AM
Its dependent on tank temp, feeding, water quality, etc.
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 8:07 AM
ok
I want them to grow and reproduce as fast as posible, what would I have to do or have to accomplish this?
Could I get 1" shrimp in 30 days?
msjinkzd
12-12-2008, 8:14 AM
I doubt that they will grow that fast. A tank temp around 78 and great water quality as well as a nice varied diet (a mix of proteins and veggie type) will give them optimal growth. I would still expect it to take a couple months to reach full size.
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 8:25 AM
Do you have any suggestions or good website to help me achieve extreme growth rates? :)
msjinkzd
12-12-2008, 8:28 AM
I don't. I don't know of any "extreme" ways to get your critters to grow. i would shoot for a healthy steady growth personally.
I doubt that they will grow that fast. A tank temp around 78 and great water quality as well as a nice varied diet (a mix of proteins and veggie type) will give them optimal growth. I would still expect it to take a couple months to reach full size.
:iagree:
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 10:03 AM
I was thinking of something like this:
http://www.assaaqua.com/mosura-shrimps-products
msjinkzd
12-12-2008, 10:06 AM
I haven't used that particular food, but have used Shirakura and do not notice accelerated growth.
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 10:12 AM
Might be worth a try if you breed to sell and the products aren't too expensive.
I can't seem to find any place to buy these products from...
Here is the thing...While growth and breeding seems slow in the beginning...RCS breed at a very rapid rate...Especially using the condition suggested...This can lead to severe water quality issues if you are not able to move the shrimp as fast as you think you can...Which can lead to total failure... While I don't think the food is going to make them grow any faster...I do think quite frankly you are not going to want them to. The key to keeping shrimp is patience and water quality.
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 10:33 AM
Here is the thing...While growth and breeding seems slow in the beginning...RCS breed at a very rapid rate...Especially using the condition suggested...This can lead to severe water quality issues if you are not able to move the shrimp as fast as you think you can...Which can lead to total failure... While I don't think the food is going to make them grow any faster...I do think quite frankly you are not going to want them to. The key to keeping shrimp is patience and water quality.
Half my shrimp got sucked into my filter, I only have 9 left, so I'm trying to make up for the loss lol... :evil_lol:
Local stores are paying $4 from there suppliers on RCS, so I'm going to try and replace them. I live 15 Min's from about 8 pet stores
oblongshrimp
12-12-2008, 11:44 AM
http://www.theshrimpfarm.com/blog/archives/27
based on this I would think you could easily have them from 1/2" to 1" in a month.
msjinkzd
12-12-2008, 11:47 AM
From 1/2" definatley, his are 1/4"
Half my shrimp got sucked into my filter, I only have 9 left, so I'm trying to make up for the loss lol... :evil_lol:
Well your first goal should be to cover the intake then. ;)
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 12:31 PM
Well your first goal should be to cover the intake then. ;)
I did now.. lol
The slots are so tiny, I wouldn't think shrimp would get suck into it like way they did.. Not just one shrimp, but 11 shrimp in one night! :eek:
It was only a Mini filter..
A lesson learned I suppose. :tombstone:
Jag1980
12-12-2008, 12:33 PM
http://www.theshrimpfarm.com/blog/archives/27
based on this I would think you could easily have them from 1/2" to 1" in a month.
Cool link, thanks
oblongshrimp
12-12-2008, 12:40 PM
From 1/2" definatley, his are 1/4"
opps must have misread it :)
I keep the shrimp I bought from msjinkzd at 76 degrees in a 10g tank, change water 3 times a week (2 gallons each time) and feed a varied diet like recommended. I'd say I've been rather successful because I started with 15 shrimp 2 months ago and I currently have over 75 shrimplets running around, with several females berried. It's not a brag because it's no unique feat: at the suggested conditions, red cherries will thrive and will breed prolifically. No need to buy specific foods that advertise increased growth. Just my experience so far.
Since you've already fixed your filter, just keep doing what you're doing and in no time your tank will be brimming with shrimpies :)
at the suggested conditions, red cherries will thrive and will breed prolifically. No need to buy specific foods that advertise increased growth. Just my experience so far.
Since you've already fixed your filter, just keep doing what you're doing and in no time your tank will be brimming with shrimpies :)
Exactly. :werd:
msjinkzd
12-12-2008, 4:28 PM
I would be cautious of overfeeding as well to promote growth as this would certainly lead to a decline in your parameters or potential for secondary pesties to visit (planaria, scuds, hydra, etc)
I would like to second what jinkz said...They don't eat nearly as much as you might want to feed them. Even my large army of cherries only gets like 2 algae wafers every other day.
pixl8r
12-12-2008, 7:44 PM
The only way I know to increase the metabolic rate of shrimp is to increase the water temperature of their tank. However, this will also shorten their life span. The same is true of snails (higher temp, faster growth, dead sooner).
I highly recommend not taking any action, and let nature take it's course. You'll be wondering what to do with all of your shrimp in no time.
msjinkzd
12-12-2008, 7:46 PM
pixl8r!!! great to see you! :D