Dymax IQ3

[cherrytart]

Hi, this is my first shot on a nano shrimp tank using a Dymax IQ3 with lid, GEX red substrate, aquazonic light, blyxa japonica, 22 cherries and 4 yellow shrimps. Non air-conditioned room btw. Cycled my tank for more than a week and had the shrimps inside for 4 days already. Today 1 cherry died and I guess I should 'expect' it? Would be very pleased if anyone can shed some light on how frequent should I do my water changes? I'm currently doing top up of water every 1-3 days depending on how fast the water evaporates. Thanks all!

[jas crs]

Do u hv any ph, kh n gh test kits?

[cherrytart]

I only tested NH3/NH4 levels with Sera test kit and its 0ppm. Haven't tested pH/kH/gH yet.

[felix_fx2]

Hi cherrytart,

IMO your tank is overstocked.
Was the media seeded with mulm from another filter? Else I would say your bb not established.

Don't panic now, since not mass deaths. Remove the dead if not done so yet.

If you need to every 2-3 days use the ammonia/no2/no3 to monitor.

[cherrytart]

Hi felix, my filter media was from a previous tank so I guess it should be alright. Thanks for your advice I will monitor the levels.
This morning I saw a few of the shrimps chomping on one of the cherries, still alive. Is this something that I should be concerned with?

[felix_fx2]

Hi cherrytart,

It should be a weak or dying shrimp.
I do see this with my shrimps as well, especially when I don't feed daily.

[cherrytart]

Oh alright, noted! Thanks for your reply felix!

[chansl]

Hi Cherrytart

It feels like when i first started my first shrimp tank with a nano tank and around 25 cherries .. Errmm .. I would say if there is still death .. Dont panic because it means that your tank is not cycled well or overstocked .. I stop shrimp keeping for a while because mine keeps dying like one per day .. Dont be discouraged ... Read more and you will learn alot .. Now i am keeping crs and sulawesi and they had gave me alot of shrimplets .. =) .. All the best ... Just reduce feeding and add in this solution called NITE OUT II .. Pretty useful ..

[cherrytart]

Hi chansl,
Thank you for your advice and recommendation, will go look for the solution at C328 tmr May I ask how often do you do your water change for your tank back then?

[chansl]

Once a week .. But do note try not to use tap water even if they are hardy ... Die pretty fast ... I would suggest using distilled water to top up .. Not mineral water .. but distilled water . just keep refilling .. It will be a better choice .. Afterall, your tank is small so it wont cost much .. Where you stay, if in the east, i can pass you some cherry and coloured shrimp .. Coloured shrimp in eating algae .. In such a small tank and strong light .. you may face brown algae and is really annoying cause you can see anything ..lol

Hi chansl,
Thank you for your advice and recommendation, will go look for the solution at C328 tmr May I ask how often do you do your water change for your tank back then?

[cherrytart]

Hi chansl,
That's very nice of you! However sadly, I stay in the west. I will try refilling with distilled water thanks for the advice

[Blue Whale]

Hi chansl,
That's very nice of you! However sadly, I stay in the west. I will try refilling with distilled water thanks for the advice

Only water change with distil water for your setup. The readings on the test kit/pen will remind you when to change the water.
Because of the size, the water parameter changes would almost be reflective and the livestock inside the tank would have difficulties getting use to the swing, so watch the parameters carefully. In case anything out, water change is the first thing you can do. Rest of the symptoms post a picture and descriptions of the readings into the forum, the rest of the forumers would be able to help to point out as best as they can.

[cherrytart]

Hi Blue Whale,
Thanks for the advice, will try my best in keeping up with the water parameters and such!