New Shrimp Tank Cycling Help

[JDK426]

I may have messed up. I bought a 3 gallon tank that come with black gravel. I have started my cycle fishless and have began to see nitrites. IF i add a substrate to it now will it mess up my cycle? I have read i should use something like Flourite or something of the sort. I dont want to restart my cycle but if i have to i want to do it right...any suggestions...thanks.

 

[Kellye8498]

Adding substrate shouldn’t mess up your cycle as long as you aren’t removing anything that the bacteria is growing on. You can put it in there and let it settle. Just leave the water alone and make sure it’s still testing right after adding the substrate and giving it time to settle down since it’ll likely be floating around the water for a bit.

 

[Flyfisha]

Which species of shrimp are you hoping to have JDK426 ?

The substrate you use may be more important for some species?

 

[JDK426]

Which species of shrimp are you hoping to have JDK426 ?

The substrate you use may be more important for some species?

neo reds

 

[Flyfisha]

Ok neo caridina shrimp have no special requirements for substrate.

Even bare bottom is ok with the addition of leaf litter.
The black gravel is ok.
Having floating plants is another food source. The most important food source is bio film , something that only grows with time.

You mentioned flourite, that is not necessary for cherry shrimp.

 

[Chewbroccoli]

At that size tank EVERYTHING will impact the water parameters. But you will get use to it. It may slow your cycle with any changes you make but better to make them now in the early stages.

 

[86 ssinit]

The substrate you have should be fine. Pictures help. Thing is as said already is shrimp eat algae and bio-film. So your tank need to age. At least a few months before adding shrimp.

 

[ProudPapa]

As mentioned above, neos don't have any special requirements. There's more basic information about them at Neocaridina (Red Cherry Shrimp) Basics - Aquarium Article, if you'd like to take a look.

 

[shrimpscaper]

If you decide to switch your substrate to something soil based such as aquasoil it will leach ammonia. Brands like controsoil claim to not leach ammonia.

Only caridina would likely need soils that provide PH buffering but you would be fine with sand, gravel, etc. with neocaridinas.