Cardinal Shrimp

D

david052856

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Nov 9, 2010
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Hey guys

If I have a well established tank with NO nitrates and such and a good filter.......right PH level.....
Would I be able to keep this species?

I have read two sides that they are extremely difficult to raise - and then other stories say that if you can get captive born (which I can) then they are rather easy to raise in a well established tank.

Any thoughts guys? I would like to know before I make an investment in these guys.

Thanks
David
 
What kind of filter? For shrimp you almost want only sponge filters; anything else will suck up the new shrimplings. Is this a planted tank? Check out Phong on Aquabid; I think his auctions have a link to his tank setups.
 
I don't have any personal experience with that species. However, there are a few guidelines that can be applied to any species.

1. Have the exact environmental needs for the species you want. If you can, have multiple tanks ready for them.
2. Purchase juvenile shrimp. Adults have a much harder time adjusting to new environments, and they don't handle the stresses of shipping as well.
3. Make sure that their new home is as stress free as possible. Provide plenty of hiding places, remove potential predators.
4. Feed sparingly at first. Don't provide a feast for the new occupants. It is likely that they will not regain their normal appetite for a few days, at least.

I know that it isn't possible to provide the perfect captive ecosystem for any species of shrimp, but it's worth the time to get it as close as possible.

Oops, forgot the filter part of your question. Any kind of filter is acceptable. If you're using a HOB, canister, or other type of filter that uses suction to pull water from the tank, make sure you use some type of media to cover the intake. Mechanical filter media (similar to floss), pantyhose, or sponge work great. Just make sure that you've properly cleaned (boiled) whatever you decide to use. Personally, I stick with blocks of mechanical media filter. It provides an excellent balance between water flow, and protection for young. Pantyhose, or other fine screening material will have to be changed, or replaced as they gunk up.
 
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The thing about cardinals is you need a high pH and low TDS. R/O or distilled water and baking soda would do it...
 
Cardinals are difficult. They're easiER if they're tank bred, but not easy. They require high temperature (80-84), high pH (8+), lower TDS (under 300), very clean water (remember, ammonia does not change to ammonium in high pH water), so weekly water changes are recommended. Water changes will need to be dripped in, and change no more than 10% of the water at a time (they cannot deal with a change in parameters).

Lots of work, but they're beautiful! I kept them for quite some time! I still have a few, but the tylomelania snails have taken over the tank :D
 
Also, you mentioned having a canister filter... Be sure your flow is very low, because being lake shrimp (steady, unchanging warm water), they do not know what to do with a current, and will not do well in a tank with high or medium flow... I recommend air-driven sponge filters.
 
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