Need some advice.
I have a relatively new 10 gallon tank.
Setup: 65 watts compact fluorescent, pressurized CO2, small HOB filter w/ the carbon removed from the cartridge, Shultz Aquatic Plant Soil w/ a tiny bit of peat, three small river rocks that I gathered from a local stream (they were scrubbed, soaked, scrubbed, and soaked again over about a week). The tank is HEAVILY planted. Planting was completed approximately 4 weeks ago. Brazilian Microswords, Wisteria, Riccia, Anubius Nana. After two weeks I added 2 otos and 7 caridina japonica (amano shrimp). Last week I added a single Siamese Algae Eater (SAE).
Conditions:
pH: stable at 6.6
CO2: ~30 ppm
Nitrate: 5-10 ppm
Nitrites: negligible
Temperature: ~25C
12 Hour photo period
~50% water change once per week
Dosing: 0.5ml Seachem Flourish 3x/week, 1ml Flourish Iron 3x/week
Since the time of their introduction, the caridina japonica have been dying off one by one. They seem to be (very slightly) turning a reddish color first... then I find them dead on the bottom of the tank. Five of the seven have died within the 3 weeks they have been in the tank. It's not the SAE, they were dying before he was in there. I'm wondering if it's the levels of trace nutrients I've been adding? or the Iron? The rocks? The pH?
Plants are growing very well. The fish seem to be very happy. Even the snails that came along w/ the plants are thriving. But the shrimp are definitely having their issues. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
I have a relatively new 10 gallon tank.
Setup: 65 watts compact fluorescent, pressurized CO2, small HOB filter w/ the carbon removed from the cartridge, Shultz Aquatic Plant Soil w/ a tiny bit of peat, three small river rocks that I gathered from a local stream (they were scrubbed, soaked, scrubbed, and soaked again over about a week). The tank is HEAVILY planted. Planting was completed approximately 4 weeks ago. Brazilian Microswords, Wisteria, Riccia, Anubius Nana. After two weeks I added 2 otos and 7 caridina japonica (amano shrimp). Last week I added a single Siamese Algae Eater (SAE).
Conditions:
pH: stable at 6.6
CO2: ~30 ppm
Nitrate: 5-10 ppm
Nitrites: negligible
Temperature: ~25C
12 Hour photo period
~50% water change once per week
Dosing: 0.5ml Seachem Flourish 3x/week, 1ml Flourish Iron 3x/week
Since the time of their introduction, the caridina japonica have been dying off one by one. They seem to be (very slightly) turning a reddish color first... then I find them dead on the bottom of the tank. Five of the seven have died within the 3 weeks they have been in the tank. It's not the SAE, they were dying before he was in there. I'm wondering if it's the levels of trace nutrients I've been adding? or the Iron? The rocks? The pH?
Plants are growing very well. The fish seem to be very happy. Even the snails that came along w/ the plants are thriving. But the shrimp are definitely having their issues. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited:
