Shrimps suitable for newbie

**Fishorange** · 31st Aug 2009, 13:14

Hello,
I am new here with shrimps keeping.
May i ask which type of shrimp is suitable for newbie like me?

**magpie** · 31st Aug 2009, 13:50

You can get those cheap shrimps to start with. Probably cherry shrimps. But first you must ensure that the tank parameter is right for shrimp keeping. Otherwise, the shrimps may not take it and dead.

**globalcookie** · 31st Aug 2009, 14:05

Rather than wondering which shrimp is more suitable, you may want to do some readup on different shrimps and their requirements.

Generally,
- most shrimp spieces (eg cherries, tiger, sulawasi) are comfortable with higher PH (eg 7.0-7.5 region) while
- some shrimps (eg CRS and BDS) are comfortable with lower PH (eg 6.2-6.8 region)

Deciding on the spieces is important as tank setup is for long term. You can still adjust pH even if tank is mature, but I rather get it right before I start my shrimp keeping. It's easier than adjusting it later.

Coming to hardiness, some shrimp spieces are hardy. They can include, Malayan, Tigers (not those higher end tigers tho), Cherries, low grade CRS/BDS, etc. Higher grade shrimps tends to be more sensitive than lower grade shrimps.

**Fishorange** · 31st Aug 2009, 15:06

Originally Posted by magpie

You can get those cheap shrimps to start with. Probably cherry shrimps. But first you must ensure that the tank parameter is right for shrimp keeping. Otherwise, the shrimps may not take it and dead.

Yeah... probably need to do some research on the tank parameter. Saw many post on this thread and useful information on here. Need to do lots of readup!

**Fishorange** · 31st Aug 2009, 15:12

Originally Posted by globalcookie

Rather than wondering which shrimp is more suitable, you may want to do some readup on different shrimps and their requirements.

Generally,
- most shrimp spieces (eg cherries, tiger, sulawasi) are comfortable with higher PH (eg 7.0-7.5 region) while
- some shrimps (eg CRS and BDS) are comfortable with lower PH (eg 6.2-6.8 region)

Deciding on the spieces is important as tank setup is for long term. You can still adjust pH even if tank is mature, but I rather get it right before I start my shrimp keeping. It's easier than adjusting it later.

Coming to hardiness, some shrimp spieces are hardy. They can include, Malayan, Tigers (not those higher end tigers tho), Cherries, low grade CRS/BDS, etc. Higher grade shrimps tends to be more sensitive than lower grade shrimps.

Thanks for the advice.
Just thinking, how to differentiate a low and high grade tigers? I thought they are the same...

I read something on other post. Isnt CR need chiller in order to survive well?

**beetroot** · 31st Aug 2009, 17:35

I would start with Malayans or Cherries first. But please please please read up first on their requirements. If not, everything will go....

I wouldn't try tigers or CRS as starters as they are more "sensitive". Yes, CRS do prefer cooler waters.
Maybe those higher-end tigers that Globalcookie is referring to are, for eg. blue tigers. You can do a search and you would be surprised to find other "types" of tigers, but they may not be easily available in Singapore and would cost a bomb too.

**Crystal Red Shrimp** · 31st Aug 2009, 19:33

i think rather then what shrimps suit you ,it should be how much is ur budget.If your budget is low you can get malayan or cherry.If you dont mind spending more you can start with c grades crs,however you need to get testkit for ph,no2,no3,ammonia,gh and kh.

**laban** · 31st Aug 2009, 21:06

i think starter wise u should get malayan... they're hardy and higher chance to survive in ur new tank. they will help to control algae too.. hard working and good algae eater. my malayan survive rescaping in the tank a few times with no casualties.

**Fishorange** · 1st Sep 2009, 12:56

Originally Posted by beetroot

I would start with Malayans or Cherries first. But please please please read up first on their requirements. If not, everything will go....

I wouldn't try tigers or CRS as starters as they are more "sensitive". Yes, CRS do prefer cooler waters.
Maybe those higher-end tigers that Globalcookie is referring to are, for eg. blue tigers. You can do a search and you would be surprised to find other "types" of tigers, but they may not be easily available in Singapore and would cost a bomb too.

Yeah... I think maybe I will start with Cherry. Personally dont like malayan shrimps (no offence to malayan fan here).
Thanks for the info

**Fishorange** · 1st Sep 2009, 12:57

Originally Posted by Crystal Red Shrimp

i think rather then what shrimps suit you ,it should be how much is ur budget.If your budget is low you can get malayan or cherry.If you dont mind spending more you can start with c grades crs,however you need to get testkit for ph,no2,no3,ammonia,gh and kh.

For a start, I think I will start with something cheaper. Dont want to kill the fish and waste money

**Fishorange** · 1st Sep 2009, 12:57

Originally Posted by laban

i think starter wise u should get malayan... they're hardy and higher chance to survive in ur new tank. they will help to control algae too.. hard working and good algae eater. my malayan survive rescaping in the tank a few times with no casualties.

Ok... thanks for the advise