I have a spare 10G and it's killing me, so I was thinking of getting it up and running and making it a shrimp tank (probably cherry). I figure it'd be a good source of part time cleaners and free fish food for my other tanks... the tank will also serve as a hospital tank should I ever need one. Any suggestions on number to start with? Will they multiply / replenish? I plan on planting it with clippings from other tanks... what other requirements to keep it in good condition? I don't have the filter, lighting, etc. yet. Just looking for thoughts before I start it up...
Suggestions for a Shrimp tank?
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legendaryfrog
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If you want to have some cherry shrimp in your 10g tank, you'll need to do a few things differently. First of all, a sponge filter is a MUST if you want them to breeed. More often then not, small shrimplets get sucked up into regular filters. So you'll be needing a sponge filter and an air pump. Also, i recommend you have the tank set up for about 2 months before you introduce the shrimps, as they do better in an established tank. Also, use a plant substrate, like eco-complete, and not anything to large or small (like sand)
Once you provide them with the above, they'll readily breed if you start off with at least 6-10 of them.
As for water conditions, I strongly recommend getting your pH above 7 and having medium-hard water.
Also might I add, never EVER add medications to a shrimp tank. Its almost certain death for your little shrimp.
Once you provide them with the above, they'll readily breed if you start off with at least 6-10 of them.
As for water conditions, I strongly recommend getting your pH above 7 and having medium-hard water.
Also might I add, never EVER add medications to a shrimp tank. Its almost certain death for your little shrimp.
yes i wouldnt do a shrimp / QT. get another tank for a qt or forget about the shrimp. 10 is a good number. shrimp tanks are really cool i have a 20 long.
Thanks for the advice! I would not have known about the sponge filter.
Sounds like the perfect excuse to get another tank too!
depends on how big your fish is? just like anything bigger the better. 10 gal is a nice qt for a lot of fish.
Depends on the size of fish you keep. Shrimp would probably be ok in either (although bigger is always better). In addition, if your fish can be kept reasonable in the 2.5, that's a much smaller volume to medicate.
10 gallon is the minimum for a shrimp tank, water quality can go quickly in a small tank. By the time you realize it you have have dead shrimp! Sponge filters can be ordered at Foster & Smith. I have a 15 gallon with close to 100 Cherries and a few Ghost, population is still growing. The tank is almost self-sustaining, few flakes of fish food maybe twice a week, 10% water change every 2 weeks, once or twice a month I add a few old tree leaves which are pre-soaked so they sink. Shrimp feed on algae and micro-organisms on the leaves. I use a minimum of substrate, only a few plants and some sea-shells and rocks for them to hide. Very easy and entertaining tank! Take a look at petshrimp.com for all you could ever want to know about shrimp. If you post in their forum be warned, it is a bit different than this one! They are very about their rules strict!