Shrimp 101 - Help the n00b

[Kristen]

Okay, after my terrapin idea got effectively nuked (terrapins being too messy/big/*****/troublesome), I'm thinking of starting up shrimp tank. Because I'm such a n00b that even Google can't answer me properly, I'd liketo call upon the vast knowledge of the shrimp-keepers of AQ.

So far, I've only ever kept yamato shrimp for housekeeping purposes. They munched algae pretty well until my CO2 tank emptied out and crashed my pH, sending them to shrimp heaven. I lost my second batch of them to an over-enthusiastic clown loach (I know, I'm stupid, I know).

Currently I have a small 1ft tank in my classroom that I'd like to explore converting into a shrimp tank. Kids get bored of fish fast, I noticed. I have several questions that I need answered before I hand more of my hard-earned money to the LFS guy.

1) What kind of moss is best for shrimp? The most common moss I see in the stores that get used with shrimp is Java moss. However, I happen to hate Java moss because not only does it collect too much detritus, it also looks like Godzilla's pubic hair. Are there any alternatives?

2) Can I mix species of shrimp? At Polyart Aquarium, there are lots of types of shrimp. I like the blue shrimp, cherry shrimp and bumblebee. It would be nice to have a mix of colours, but are these species compatible? I'd hate to lose $25 to a shrimpy nazi-esque genocide.

3) What is the acceptable temp for shrimp in SG? My tank is 1ft wide, holds 6 gallons and has a trickle filter which I can switch to a HOB. My kids generally don't stick fingers in, not if they want to live (/tankdespot). I have a feeling I'll have to switch my filter to a HOB and install a fan as the temp in my tank can sometimes hit 32degrees C. With a fan I can being it down to approx. 28degrees C on the hottest of days. However, online the range of temp for shrimp is up to 25. Will I end up having prawn steamboat?

If anyone has any other advice for a n00b, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

[Panut]

Any moss is good.
you can mix different species of shrimp together, unless you don't mind some cross breeding with some.
Most shrimps can do ok with 28degrees, unless you are planning to have like high grade of crs then you have to keep it lower.

cheers,

[David Moses Heng]

I have several questions that I need answered before I hand more of my hard-earned money to the LFS guy.

If anyone has any other advice for a n00b, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

Hi sister,

I would suggest that you ask Ah Yong for advice as he has successfully breed CRS and Cheeries in his shop(Nothing new here. A lot of brothers here are breeding them like crazy). In his Shrimp tank, he has a couple of CRS SS grade and they look promising. HIs set up is very basic and the tank is 1 feet cube. Alternatively, I know of AQers who stays in Yew Tee and he is breeding cheeries in plastic wash basin with only java moss and air stone.

MAybe we can arrange to meet at the shop and further our discussion. If it is okay with you, contact me at 92721147. Cheers!!

[Kristen]

lol David, safe to give phone numbers on forums? /signs you up for DreamChatXXX/ But why not? I'll be popping by to meet him next Friday to get an order of plants from him. I also plan on seriously bothering him about planting too (I ask too many questions >_< But he is so nice and helps me out instead of telling me to stfu). Can meet there and see how - and drag that Senthil along too XD since I missed that jungle outing you guys had

I actually did see the shrimp at his shop. But I saw his prices too... so expensive for a bunch of prawns...

[David Moses Heng]

lol David, safe to give phone numbers on forums? /signs you up for DreamChatXXX/ But why not? I'll be popping by to meet him next Friday to get an order of plants from him. I also plan on seriously bothering him about planting too (I ask too many questions >_< But he is so nice and helps me out instead of telling me to stfu). Can meet there and see how - and drag that Senthil along too XD since I missed that jungle outing you guys had

I actually did see the shrimp at his shop. But I saw his prices too... so expensive for a bunch of prawns... Or they seem to me anyway. $25 not inc. moss ;-; I can buy 10 bowls of bak chor mee...

we did not get to go for the bash...my fault. When wil you be there? call me. i meet you there. While his prices may be a bit on the high side but with the kind of price, I can more or less assure you quality... You should have seen the amount of time he spent taking care of that tank... it's worth it. I might be able to spare you some chirstmas moss and flame moss...

[bryan]

Shrimp tanks are really easy. Add substrate, plants (easy ones like ferns, moss,anubias so you don't have to bother about dosing), water and a good dose of waiting.Running a fan and starting with a mature filter is good. The secret is cycling the tank, the longer the better. Many people throw in the shrimps due to impatience and end up asking why they turn pink.