New invert tank, load of questions.

[Piranha86]

Ok, so my 'invert tank' currently houses a few otos and a load of bladder(pond) snails (these aren't bugging me too much. Yet.) I'm planning on getting Cherry Shrimp, Briggs, Red Ramshorns, Babaulti Shrimp, and maybe a Marmokreb. The tank is well planted, substrate is sand, I have a HOB filter with a sponge filter sponge over the intake. Here goes some questions:

1.)My water is soft at my house. Is there a way to get snails calcium without making the water super hard? (I like otos, and I don't think they like hard water.) I've heard of snello and snail jello or whatever, would that work? Or is it OK to have otos in hard water? If so, how do I harden the water (I do have reptile calcium powder, from when I had anoles.)

2.)I considered getting ghost shrimp to pick through the sand, but would they eat snail eggs?

3.)Will Marmokrebs attack shrimp or snails? Also, will they destroy plants?

4.)Any questions, comments, concerns, suggestions, hunches, etc?

 

[RazzleFish]

Snello could add to the calcium but otos can be kept in tanks with pH as high as 8.0. As long as the transition is done slowly and remains stabe, they will be just fine. As for hardening the water try adding some crushed coral to your filter. I don't know exactly how much but I am sure someone will chime in.

Ghosts, won't eat snail eggs but they will eat baby shrimp so be careful of that.

For Marmokrebs, I think it's hit or miss. I have read horror stories about them and other creatures (plants and shrimp) while the very next article will say they are calm, gentle and won't touch anything. I know you know this since you responed in another thread marmokrebs are banned in MD.

This sounds like a very nice set-up and I can't wait to see pics!

 

[Piranha86]

I know you know this since you responed in another thread marmokrebs are banned in MD.

Shhh trying to play dumb. I'm going to get one, and it's not like I'm going to release it or anything, and I doubt it's gonna go Nemo on me, so I'll be fine.

 

[RazzleFish]

Whatever you say!

 

[Gypsy125]

I've actually seen one of my ghost shrimp tearing up and eating a snail egg clutch.

Ghosts, won't eat snail eggs but they will eat baby shrimp so be careful of that.

 

[Piranha86]

I've actually seen one of my ghost shrimp tearing up and eating a snail egg clutch.

That's what I was worried about. They supposedly eat baby shrimp as well.

 

[user_name]

Shhh trying to play dumb. I'm going to get one, and it's not like I'm going to release it or anything, and I doubt it's gonna go Nemo on me, so I'll be fine.

My favorite fishy is illegal. Its honestly the best fish I've ever had, and its antics are pretty funny. Of course that whole statement is thoretical.:uhoh:

 

[Piranha86]

My favorite fishy is illegal. Its honestly the best fish I've ever had, and its antics are pretty funny. Of course that whole statement is thoretical.:uhoh:

In theory, which fish would that be?

 

[laevisland]

I think the ghost shrimp will eat any cherry-I remember readying someone thought theirs was turning red, but turned out it was eating cherries...There is a malawi mixture (I think that's what it was). I used that to keep my snails shells hard that were in with my frogs. It was 1 part baking soda, 1 part marine salt, and 2 parts epson salt I think? I'd look up the mixture, because I can't remember exactly, but African Clawed Frogs can live in just about anything and I don't know how the other creatures would do with it. I think someone else had said they used calcium powder-I use it for my geckos....just saw you have the powder and also realized you said Briggs. They actually lay their eggs above the water line-I've had mine on the heater, tank lid, and filter, so the clutches won't get eaten, but the baby snails might.

 

[GotTanked]

You can use veggie food with calcium on kensfish for your inverts. No messing with water chemistry.