Looking to do a "nano" shrimp tank need ideas

Looking to do a "nano" shrimp tank.

My original plan was to use the 2.6 gallon Fluval Spec iii or the EBI tank, with their built-in filters and lights. However, I am thinking those would not be ideal due to their more "cube" shape, so I was then looking at the Spec V.

Then I was thinking that I should probably go super basic for this tank, and piece it together. My local Petco has the frame-less Aqueon tanks on sale, 50% off. I can get a 2.5 gallon for $12.50, or a 5.5 gallon for $15. Was leaning towards the smaller one just for the cute-factor and the small size, but leaning towards the 5.5 to be honest.

To make this a super low-tech, easy tank, I was thinking either a single small sponge filter, or possibly 2 small ones if I go with the bigger 5.5. This would provide shrimp-fry-safe filtration, aeration, as well as a food spot.

I'd also like to do some easy, low-light plants, perhaps the micro sword and some anubias / petite anubias, and maybe one or two moss-balls.

I was also debating a heater, but leaning towards adding one (house is heater during the winter to around 70, window AC's for summer).

Any advice / thoughts would be helpful.

 

I'd suggest the larger tank only because the larger the volume of water, the easier it is to maintain. Everything else sounds good! I'd definitely consider the heater just to maintain a constant temperature.

 

You don’t need a heater or a filter, I’d do 10 gallons because at Petco it’s only 12$ and just use dirt as substrate so you don’t need to fertilize

 

You don’t need a heater or a filter, I’d do 10 gallons because at Petco it’s only 12$ and just use dirt as substrate so you don’t need to fertilize

I have a couple spare 10 gallon tanks, but I want something smaller. My main tank right now is a 20 long that I stepped up to after my 10 gallon's.

I'm thinking the 5.5 would be the best fit.

 

If I had it to do over again I would have put my shrimp in my 5.5 gallon tank instead of the 2.5 gallon bowl they are in right now. Heater may be optional but I would go ahead and run a sponge filter.

You little shrimp will appreciate lots of plants. I would have gone with sand instead of the gravel I now have in my bowl. Much easier to keep clean. I have found my little guy do poop quite a bit. Sand would have been a better choice.

Normally it is best to let their future home get well established before putting them in there. Some recommend at least 3 months. I ran mine for a year but that was just out of fear that I would get them and they would all die. Fortunately that didn't happen and the 10 I started with are now producing babies. So many in fact I am soon going to have to move them to a bigger home.

All this to say, get the bigger tank. I feel sure you will be glad you did.

 

Thank you mattgirl for the comments.

My 10 gallons had gravel, but when I went to the 20 long, I took a leap and tried a sand called "Stoney River" that my LFS carries. Absolutely love it, and think it looks great in my tank (pic attached). I would probably do the same substrate, and do a color that will contrast on the shrimp.

 

Oh my goodness, I love what you've done with this tank. The clean lines are perfect. Have you entered it the photo contest yet?

 

Oh my goodness, I love what you've done with this tank. The clean lines are perfect. Have you entered it the photo contest yet?

Didn't know there was one. I use to be on here a lot when I got my first tank, but haven't been on in a long time. I upgraded to the 20 long and was thinking about the shrimp, and decided to come back.

EDIT: Just posted in the contest.

 

Just had another crazy idea.

I have a pair of 10 gallons that I'm no long using. What if I were to cut one apart, split all the glass in half, and reassemble it. It would essentially be like a "5 gallon breeder" with a big bottom surface for the shrimps to run around on.

I would be able to re-use my glass lid as well that I have as well.

 

Well, that was a fail.

I broke both frames trying to take apart one of my 10 gallons, they used way more silicone than needed. I also broke one of the panes of glass too. The seams on the glass were so tight that I can't get the razor between the 2 pieces to cut the silicone.

I found a place online that sells 10 gallon frames for cheap, so I'm thinking about using those, and having the glass shop down the street cut me some pieces so I can make my own tank.

I was also thinking aboit doing it topless, and having a piece of wood sticking up in the center. Id just have to keep an eye on the water level as it isn't a big tank to start with.