Ghost shrimp

[chunksofpoooo]

im currently cycling a 5.gal planted for two dwarf puffers. I've heard their reputation with crustations, and other life forms in general, but putting caution to the wind i went out and got 5 Ghost shrimp to help clean up the tank while it finishes up its cycle. Ive found that using fishfood as an ammonia source works well because it also helps to provide a fert. for the plants (to a degree). At any rate, i generally put in more than enough for any ghost shrimp to get the ammonia up. Its really rahter funny to watch; I created a slate cave and they all hide in there until feeding time, when they all rush out fighting over the biggest flakes. I've never owned them succesfully before, and seeing that they're the only creatures in the tank my question is: can you over feed them? They're on death row basiclly, the cycle is comming around and the puffers should be coming within the week, but any advice on keeping them alive would be appreciated.


ps
ammonia dropped to 0 a while ago
and my nitrites are lowering too!

ammonia:0
nitrites:6
nitrates:10

 

[Milky]

The story about how they all live in the cave and
then come out and scavange for the biggest peice
is a good one and I dont think that these 5 deserve
to be on death row you could just remove them
and give them back to the fish store when you buy
the dwarf puffers for your tank. I know your not going
to get any kind of exchange but its not a money issue.
If the ghost shrimp help you to cycle your tank there
doing a good thing and its only fair you do a good thing
for them and just return em. hey itll help your "karma" somehow
ying yang it ...

 

[chunksofpoooo]

yah you're right, thats a good idea, thanks. Ill put them in my 20gal

 

[the_dougie]

actually, ive known a few people who keep them with agressive or carnivorous fish.
sometimes, if the ghost shrimp are strong enough, or the water temperature is at a high level, they actually flair up their claws and fight their enemies away. they would probably have a good chance of surviving also if they have some good hiding spots like caves or plants.
i dont know this as a fact but it sounds like something these guys would do...

 

[RTR]

Many folks keep Ghost, Amano, Red Cherry, or Rednose shrimp with their dwarf puffers quite successfully. Others have the shrimp eaten quickly. It depends on the particular batch of DPs, some co-exist with crustaceans quite well long term, others catch on that these are food items.

 

[NotCalebSherida]

your story is so funny because that describes mine to the T ... i have a 5g hex where i keep 7 neon tetras, a few clay pot caves, 10 ghost shrimp and a couple plants... but i'd keep them in there iwht DP's just to see what happens, because if the DP's eat them, they got a good meal.. if they don't, you have a nice community