Shrimp Tank Substrate Question

[Hollygirl]

I'm setting up a 6 gallon for shrimp only. I'm planning on either the blue pearl or yellow shrimp. I have a black background, and wanted to go with either black sand or Eco-complete which is black. I can't find either at any of the LFS around here or at Petsmart. I have a bag of black aquarium gravel (Top Fin brand). Will that be okay? Do the shrimp thrive best in any particular kind of substrate? For plants I plan on using vals, pennywort, hornwort, java moss, and a couple of crypts.

 

[H3D]

That will be fine. Keep in mind that the gravel you have is not really black, but white rocks painted black. The black paint will start coming off eventually. If your cool with that then it will be fine.

 

[pik01]

i don't think the shrimp have any preferences when it comes to substrate, it's more for your plants.

 

[Hollygirl]

I forgot about that dye on the gravel wearing off I have more searching to do for black sand or Eco-Complete.

 

[msjinkzd]

ask for tahitian moon sand, or flourite onyx it might yield you more results.

 

[Hollygirl]

ask for tahitian moon sand, or flourite onyx it might yield you more results.

Thanks!

 

[crimsonmoon]

at my lfs (the good one) a 20lb bag of eco complete is $10 cheaper than a 20lb bag of tahitan moon sand. if you can find those locally i would say there would be no competetion for what i would decide. the eco complete all the way but its really up to you. as msjinkzd has told me, the eco complete is great because it looks really natural (iti is a mixture of tiny gravel and sand, and everything in between) and i have to agree with her! it is great

 

[Hollygirl]

I use Eco-Complete in my 30 gallon and the 2 29's, and I love it. Problem is none of the LFS have any in stock. I agree that it looks the absolute best. I have to see if I can get it ordered. They have it at Drs. Foster and Smith online but I can imagine that with the shipping it would probably double the cost.

 

[crimsonmoon]

ouch. yeah that shipping will getchya. ive never tried tahitan moon sand, but im sure it would be pretty too, im not sure that i would be willing to fork out the shipping cash for eco complete, but then again, its going to be in your tank for a while....
good luck choosing!

 

[Hollygirl]

I don't want to be hasty - LOL! You're right I'll have to look at it for quite a while. Since this is my first shrimp tank I want to be able to see the little buggers!