Fishy Did
Member
- Joined
- 2 Oct 2012
- Messages
- 28
Just wondering what are thoughts about dedicated shrimp tanks? Seems to me shrimp are often suggested for tiny nano tanks which are actually not all that suitable, even for shrimp.
Looking at the photos of an 8l nano tank in the PFk magazine, there's about ten shrimp in there. Fair enough, but they also look like shrimp that have a reputation for breeding very quickly. No fish so no predation and a new shrimpkeeper would soon be looking (within months) at an overstocked tank. For example, I started with 11 cherry shrimp earlier this year and now have more like 200. They live in a big tank (290l) with fish and Amano shrimp. So an 8l isn't really that suitable for fast-breeding shrimp, not long-term.
I wouldn't keep Amano shrimp in 8l either. When the males are on a 'mating dash' they make the 4' tank look small and inadequate.
I don't know about a single macrobrachium? Or a wood/bamboo shrimp? Then again, I would guess like other shrimp these are sociable really.
If you have the more expensive harder to breed types a tiny tank isn't a great idea either. Aside from the difficulties in keeping water stable enough, I've read that shrimp are aware when they are in cramped conditions and adjust their breeding habits accordingly. You are more likely to succeed with a larger tank.
Apart from the big tank, I have two other tanks that are dedicated shrimp tanks. These are species only crystal shrimp, one is about 50l, the other 200l.
Looking at the shrimp in the 200l and I could do with another little tank to select some out. I have one of those 10l from B & M I try and grow daphnia in, but it just doesn't look big enough.
I'm just wondering what size tanks we all have for our shrimp and what are the benefits and disadvantages of various sizes? Anyone think 200l is excessive for a shrimp-only tank?! I did originally buy it thinking I could use dividers, but it hasn't happened. Now I think it gives them plenty of room to spread out and it seems to work well so I'm not thinking of changing it.
Looking at the photos of an 8l nano tank in the PFk magazine, there's about ten shrimp in there. Fair enough, but they also look like shrimp that have a reputation for breeding very quickly. No fish so no predation and a new shrimpkeeper would soon be looking (within months) at an overstocked tank. For example, I started with 11 cherry shrimp earlier this year and now have more like 200. They live in a big tank (290l) with fish and Amano shrimp. So an 8l isn't really that suitable for fast-breeding shrimp, not long-term.
I wouldn't keep Amano shrimp in 8l either. When the males are on a 'mating dash' they make the 4' tank look small and inadequate.
I don't know about a single macrobrachium? Or a wood/bamboo shrimp? Then again, I would guess like other shrimp these are sociable really.
If you have the more expensive harder to breed types a tiny tank isn't a great idea either. Aside from the difficulties in keeping water stable enough, I've read that shrimp are aware when they are in cramped conditions and adjust their breeding habits accordingly. You are more likely to succeed with a larger tank.
Apart from the big tank, I have two other tanks that are dedicated shrimp tanks. These are species only crystal shrimp, one is about 50l, the other 200l.
Looking at the shrimp in the 200l and I could do with another little tank to select some out. I have one of those 10l from B & M I try and grow daphnia in, but it just doesn't look big enough.
I'm just wondering what size tanks we all have for our shrimp and what are the benefits and disadvantages of various sizes? Anyone think 200l is excessive for a shrimp-only tank?! I did originally buy it thinking I could use dividers, but it hasn't happened. Now I think it gives them plenty of room to spread out and it seems to work well so I'm not thinking of changing it.