What else I need for new shrimp setup? Pls advise

[Mookie]

Hi Guys,

I just found this forum a few days back and got poisoned

I just bought a new tank today and Amazonia soil, dolphin HOF and ocean free A-Z Beneficial bacteria (not sure if recommended cos I couldn't find bact 100 at Y61

would like to know what else I might need before I start the cycle? I'm planning to have a shrimp tank and I seen other post where people put other mixes before the soil, I'm not sure what that is. Remember some sea clay or something like that. Can some old bird please give some guidance as to what else I might need to cycle the tank properly for shrimps?

I'm also going overseas for 2 months and plan to use that time to cycle the tank. So there wouldn't be any water change etc, just HOF on. Will I come back and get a shock after returning? Cos if water change etc is required, I might just consider setting up after I come back.

Please advise, many thanks!

[Mookie]

Also my tank is 60x23x28, and I'm planning to have the soil slope down from the back from about 18cm high. As I know this is a pretty narrow tank, would Ehiem 2211 out flow be too much for my shrimps and also cause a lot of erosion to my slope? Originally wanted a lily tube with the Ehiem, but didn't want to spend the money and find out that it be detrimental for my tank instead. Or is there a way to slow the outflow? Don't like the green tube with holes for water to exit.. Can anyone advise?

[Urban Aquaria]

If you are just starting out in shrimp keeping, i guess you're planning to keep red cherry shrimps (RCS) species and probably also their different color variants, then just ADA Amazonia Aquasoil is sufficient... the initial ammonia release from the soil will kickstart the cycle and feed the growing beneficial bacteria colonies.

Although not really necessary for RCS shrimps, you can also add those bacteria and shrimp mineral supplements at the base of the tank before filling with soil, no harm to do that and it benefits the shrimps.

Letting the tank cycle on its own with just the soil substrate for 2 months while you are away can work (make sure someone is at least keeping an eye on it in case somehow equipment fail or tank leak, anything can happen)... regular water changes are usually recommended when cycling a new tank using ADA Amazonia Aquasoil, but since you have time and it'll only have soil in the tank, then just let the tank cycle at its own pace. As long as there is no light on the tank, algae growth should be minimal too.

It should be more or less cycled by the time you get back (best to check with test kits to confirm that its cycled), then just need to do a few large water changes to remove the accumulated excess nitrates, let it settle and stabilize for 1-2 more days, then you can start looking at progressively adding shrimps in small batches.

The Eheim 2211 flow rate is around 300 l/ph, which is actually quite low for a 60cm length tank, you'll probably find that with lily pipes the flow and circulation may become abit too little by the time it reaches the opposite side of the tank, so maybe consider going for an Eheim 2213 instead, it has higher flow rate and much larger filter media volume (you can always install double taps to adjust higher flow lower, but you can't increase the flow of a slow filter).

[tjy]

The pro has spoken!

[xuan87]

Temperature of your room? Since you're not using a chiller, I think neocaridina shrimps are the only ones that you can keep.

The supplement that you're looking for is Mosura Old Sea Mud powder, unfortunately I believe they are sold out all over Singapore currently. A suitable substitute is Borneowild Minerax. Also, if you're looking to reduce your outflow force, you can consider hooking up the outlet to a cylinder sponge filter. I'm using a Eheim 2213 and you should consider the upgrade too.

Other things you'll need is a dechlorinator, test kits for some water parameters, the most important being NO3.

[Mookie]

THanks UA! Will go with Eheim 2213 then, was actually tossing between them. cos was afraid 2213 might cause a cyclone in my tank.
is there a need to change the filter items within the 2213 canister?
would cheap LED lights eg $50 type from Aquarium shops be sufficient for mosses?

[Mookie]

Yup, no plans on chiller yet, didn't know can hook up to sponge filter

Thanks for steering me on the right track

[Urban Aquaria]

THanks UA! Will go with Eheim 2213 then, was actually tossing between them. cos was afraid 2213 might cause a cyclone in my tank.
is there a need to change the filter items within the 2213 canister?
would cheap LED lights eg $50 type from Aquarium shops be sufficient for mosses?

Just get a set of double taps and you'll be able to adjust the output to get the ideal flow rate and circulation, and double taps make it much easier to remove the hoses to clean too.

When you buy the filter, check that it comes with all the filtration media included (which is usually the case), though there might be some packages with come without filtration media (which tend to be abit cheaper), so for those you'll need to buy media separately.

For moss, your light doesn't need to be particularly strong, they have relatively low to moderate light requirements... just look for those lights which are specifically designed for planted tanks (be careful and don't buy those lights that are intended for marine tanks). Read up on the LED lights others with similiar shimp tank setups use to get an idea of which are tried and tested with good reviews.

[Mookie]

UA, can share what sort of test kit I need to buy? Don't want to kena ke-tor by shopkeepers haha

[Urban Aquaria]

UA, can share what sort of test kit I need to buy? Don't want to kena ke-tor by shopkeepers haha

I currently use the API Freshwater Master test kit, it measures pH (high and low range), ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Its measurements have been very consistent and reliable so far, just remember to check that its not expired and follow the testing/mixing instructions exactly to get accurate results.

[Mookie]

Thanks a lot bro!! You have been most kind

[Urban Aquaria]

Thanks a lot bro!! You have been most kind

Glad to help.

[dabaixiang]

Maybe a bottle of old sea mud powder to spread under the gravel would be good too

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[freyster]

Now no more sell bottle form old sea Mud. Now packet form. I am using sera brand test kits. MuSt get the hardness test kit too.

[skipjack]

Hi any idea where can I get the old sea mud? I am starting up my tank with Ada soil and it is for shrimp keeping. Thanks.

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[brianz_410]

Opposite Tiong Bahru Market selling

[Atham]

If you are referring to Mosura Old Sea Mud powder, you are also try C328 and Green Chapter.

[dabaixiang]

I bought mine from aquarist chamber

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[skipjack]

Thanks will check it out👍

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