10g shrimp tank

[Robmtl]

I rescued a bunch of fish and 2 tanks from a bad situation. The fish are now being quarantined in the smaller(5g) before I place them in our main tanks. This time I am going to keep that smaller tank as a qt/hospital tank.

Now I have an empty 10 with all the equipment plus extras (filter, heater, top with built in led light, air pump and stone, driftwood, rocks, fluval stratum substrate, fake plants). Within the next few days all will be disinfected and then dechlorined.

After much thought I want to make a shrimp tank. Currently we have Amano and cherry shrimp in 2 community tanks. I am not going to move those, but start with all new stock.

I’m going to try and avoid the usual issues I run into when setting up a tank and plan exactly what I want first and no just change my mind at the last minute when I see something I like at my lfs.

Here is what I’m thinking:

Keep the stratum substrate as it is expensive and designed for shrimp and live plants. I’m going to put the fake plants in storage and go for low light live plants. Keep at least one piece of driftwood and probably add some caves/hiding spots.

I am trying to spend as little as possible on new equipment/decor so I can put more money into the livestock and keep the wife from killing me.

For plants I’m thinking: (not sure if all but here is the list I’m open to suggestions)

Java moss
Dwarf Anubias
Dwarf Sagittaria
Java fern (a can take some from one of my tanks)

Livestock:
Fire red or higher shrimp
Another type of Caridina shrimp so not to cross breed
Some sort of snail(s)
Not sure if any fish

I need advice

 

[Roger121]

if u want to don't spend money in shrimps the caridinas are not a good option coz they need RO water and remineralize the water if u are in a zone with hard tap water.
meh, I tried to take care of shrimp and fish in the same fidhtank and is not a gud idea, the shrimps are the lowest animal en food chain for a reason.

 

[richiep]

Unless you can tell us what your tap water gh/kh ph tds are stick to neocaradina which is the cherry line, as mentioned caradina need specific water to survive and to get both species to survive you will need RO water

 

[Robmtl]

Unless you can tell us what your tap water gh/kh ph tds are stick to neocaradina which is the cherry line, as mentioned caradina need specific water to survive and to get both species to survive you will need RO water

Ok I’m going to double check it tomorrow,I haven’t used my gh/kh test in ages since I was trying to breed cichlids (it’s expired). Ph is slightly acidic in my area, not exactly sure the tds I guess I’d need to buy a tester for that. Thanks for the info I was told I could easily have both living in a tank, this is why I post on here. If I needed up going with R/O water I think my wife would kill me knowing salt water tanks are soon on the horizon

Does anyone know of other options of shrimp that would not cross breed with the Neocaridinas? I know Amano would work but would love to find some that can reproduce in fresh water not brackish. Ghost Shrimp don’t really do it for me.

Thanks

 

[Robmtl]

Ok so life got the best of me and I put the shrimp tank on hold.
I’m starting to think about setting it up slowly.

So here is where I am and would like advice before even looking at what to stock.

What I have:
10 gallon
Led light built into cover
Fluval stratum substrate
Heater


What I need to get:
TDS meter
GH & KH Test kit (figure apI like the rest of my test kits)

Thinking of:
Cholla branch or 2
Java moss
Larger rock or drift wood
1 larger plant (maybe java fern or anubias)


Am I missing anything?

I am debating if I should buy a sponge filter or use the HOB I have in my storage room (I have foam inlet covers). Any advice?

 

[richiep]

It's up to you on the filter

 

[ProudPapa]

Thinking of:
Cholla branch or 2
Java moss
Larger rock or drift wood
1 larger plant (maybe java fern or anubias)

I saw a youtube video where the guy suggested a pile of small rocks as an additional hiding place for shrimp. I'm still very new to shrimp keeping, but it sounds like a good idea.

 

[Robmtl]

I saw a youtube video where the guy suggested a pile of small rocks as an additional hiding place for shrimp. I'm still very new to shrimp keeping, but it sounds like a good idea.

I like that idea maybe build a small mound in a corner, I’d just be nervous about it shifting during water changes and trapping/squishing shrimp.


I was also wondering I assume I would need to wait and see the tds reading is once I have the tank properly cycled. I’m new to this

 

[kansas]

some cities have info online about the water that comes out of the tap. it's not specific to houses, but for neighborhoods. I wonder if this would get you good enough info for free.