Are there any creatures that can be used for detrius control in freshwater like there are in saltwater? I've heard blue shrimp, but I can't find any information on them, maybe they go by a different name?
Detrius Control
- Thread starter Mightyraven
- Start date
Depends on what kind of detritus you have, and what fish are in your tank. A variety of shrimp and snails will be compatible with most community fish, while IMO crayfish and most crabs are not good in the average aquarium. Many of the aquatic crags need to be able to get out of the water, and will die if not able to do so. They are also expert escape artists, so a tightly covered tank is a requirement. Crayfish are destructive--they will snag sleeping or long finned fish, mow through plants, and knock over rocks.
Amano and ghost shrimp are good cleaners, nipping up extra food and algae. They will pick through waste for undigested food, but they do not eat the waste.
Amano and ghost shrimp are good cleaners, nipping up extra food and algae. They will pick through waste for undigested food, but they do not eat the waste.
Nothing beats Melania snails, Melanoides tuberculata or M. turricula, the "Malayan Trumpet Snails." They eat detritus right in the filter!
In the end, you're in charge of eliminating detritus-- with the siphon hose!
In the end, you're in charge of eliminating detritus-- with the siphon hose!
I understand, trust me. Last time I posted on these boards was a good year ago at least and I think my pleco was only 8 or 9 inches back then. He's now at least 15 inches and still growing. He just produces massive amounts of waste. The shiphon hose should be connected straight to his rear! All my shrimp were eaten I believe I think my yoyo's did that. It all started when my ballast went out on my pc's and I waited 3 months for the stupid company to get my new one in, actually they had it in within 1 month it took em 2 weeks to find the right type then 2 weeks for it to come in. Then my friend how worked for the company quit and I didn't have the time to drive 45min. away to go pick it up so it sat for a bit till I got some free time. Anyways alot of my plants died and the shrimp ran out of hiding places and got eaten. Oh well summer project is to replant and spruce it up a bit.