My first 1 ft shrimp tank setup questions

[diki]

Just managed to buy a cheap 1 ft glass tank so I finally got into setting up my first shrimp tank. Now have 2 Nanas and a drift wood with java moss tied onto it. Also running a sponge filter (small one). Now got 4 tiger barbs in it to cycle the tank first. Also have lapis sand at the base. Just started cycling the tank yesterday evening. Below are some questions:

1. When is a good time to introduce the shrimps? Intend to get 10 Cherry shrimps only.
2. Is the sponge filter good enough?
3. The tank is put at the window. My concern is the temperature since I don't intent to put any light for this tank. Intend to DIY a fan for the tank.
4. Wat is the maximum number of shrimps I can put in the tank? Size about 1 ft x 0.5ft x 0.5 ft.

Any advice for me? Thanks.

[Weirong]

Hello.
I have kept about 30-50 Cherry shrimps in the tank of your size for almost 2 years. What's important is that you can give them lots of hiding places by planting heavily.

[|squee|]

The sponge filter is good enough, and I'm guessing you know Tiger Barbs might nip at shrimp.

[diki]

Thanks for the advice. Keep it coming...

Weirong, 20-30 cherry shrimps sounds good. Is yours a planted tank for the shrimps? Since the 2 nanas and drift wood are rather big, I have problem trying to add in more plants. Maybe I will try to tie java moss on small rocks and hope it grows out of it.

|squee|, thanks. The tiger barbs are for cycling the tank. Since I mention this is a shrimp tank, they would be removed before I put in the shrimps.

[Weirong]

Thanks for the advice. Keep it coming...

Weirong, 20-30 cherry shrimps sounds good. Is yours a planted tank for the shrimps? Since the 2 nanas and drift wood are rather big, I have problem trying to add in more plants. Maybe I will try to tie java moss on small rocks and hope it grows out of it.

|squee|, thanks. The tiger barbs are for cycling the tank. Since I mention this is a shrimp tank, they would be removed before I put in the shrimps.

Yups, my tank is heavily planted with Java Moss only. Going to transfer all of the shrimps to a bigger 2ft tank soon. Trying to breed hundreds of these critters...

[diki]

Yups, my tank is heavily planted with Java Moss only. Going to transfer all of the shrimps to a bigger 2ft tank soon. Trying to breed hundreds of these critters...

So u actually have java moss carpet??? Can share how u do it?? Since small scale, can consider. Thanks.

[jojoe]

so far wat the temp?

[Weirong]

There are quite a few methods to do it actually.

1) Stones method - using flat pebbles and tying moss to it, burying the pebbles in the sand and wait for them to grow out.

2) Plastic Mesh method - use 2 flat pieces of plastic mesh (those with holes cut to your required size) and then spreading moss between the 2 meshes. The moss will grow out and cover the moss eventually.

It will take time for the moss to grow, so do be patient.

[diki]

so far wat the temp?

Very bad. Fluctuate from 27.6 t0 28.9 degrees. Tink the shrimps would not live very long if kept at this temp. Somemore not on sunny day. Looks like my DIY fan is a must for this tank...

[Weirong]

Very bad. Fluctuate from 27.6 t0 28.9 degrees. Tink the shrimps would not live very long if kept at this temp. Somemore not on sunny day. Looks like my DIY fan is a must for this tank...

Not to worry. Cherry Shrimps are rather hardy and can tolerate temps of up to 30 degrees. I have been keeping mine for 2 years at about 28 degrees water temp.

[jojoe]

With this temp. u only allow to keep Cherry, Zebra, yamato...

Nv try Crs, it can't take this temp. for long period. How about adding fan?

Very bad. Fluctuate from 27.6 t0 28.9 degrees. Tink the shrimps would not live very long if kept at this temp. Somemore not on sunny day. Looks like my DIY fan is a must for this tank...

[diki]

Thanks Weirong & Jojoe, at least I can still keep cherry, tiger and yamotos with this temp. I would likely be adding a DIY fan (got some of the parts, have start working on it yet), but any recommendation how long to turn it on?? I using the normal 80mm DC CPU fan. Is it too strong? Should I blow down or up? Any advice which way is better??? Have 2 (blowing up) running for my planted tank but only when my lights are on.

Will try out the fan after I complete working on it, no time to work on it these few days. Would really like to see many baby cherry shrimps in my tank. Almost want to try some soon but tahan until my tank is ready.

[jojoe]

I on fan for 24 hours, blowing down to the water surface.
1 adaptor to 2 fans is ok.. Should get Temp. between 26.8 - 27.8.. With this u should be able keep any shrimps except Tiger & Bee...

Thanks Weirong & Jojoe, at least I can still keep cherry, tiger and yamotos with this temp. I would likely be adding a DIY fan (got some of the parts, have start working on it yet), but any recommendation how long to turn it on?? I using the normal 80mm DC CPU fan. Is it too strong? Should I blow down or up? Any advice which way is better??? Have 2 (blowing up) running for my planted tank but only when my lights are on.

Will try out the fan after I complete working on it, no time to work on it these few days. Would really like to see many baby cherry shrimps in my tank. Almost want to try some soon but tahan until my tank is ready.