Please help with new RCS tank setup

I'm hoping to setup a small RCS moderately planted RCS tank in 2 weeks but need advice on what size tank I should get. Is 5.5 gallon too small? I'd prefer staying under 10 gallons since I already have 5 fish tanks w/tropical fish (60g, 36g, 20g-community tropical, 10 gallon & 5g-both fry grow out). How many shrimp should I start out with? Do I need to have a few nano fish to keep the tank cycled? I already have an extra sponge filter that has been seeded from my main tank that I plan to use. But is it better to have a small hob instead? My ph is 8.2, is that too hard or ok? Kh/gh is very high too. I plan on putting a small piece of driftwood & cholla wood in there along with CaribSea Tahitian moon sand as substrate. Any specific plants that RCS like in their tanks?Most likely putting 2-3 Anubias, 2 Marino moss balls, Java moss, as well as some other types of moss, maybe a few crypts... Is it better to go w/less plants? How about plastic plants or fake decor? Sorry for all the questions but I really want to have everything laid out & planned before I get my shrimp. Thanks for the help in advance

 

This is an awesome plan! I'll start from the beginning. I personally run a tank, and we have a few other members. Bithimala is great.

A 5.5 will work just fine, if you can I would suggest a 10 atleast. More water dilution.

I would suggest starting with atleast a half dozen if not a dozen that look healthy, and a good M/F ratio. Maybe 1:1 or 1:2.

Personally I don't keep any fish, shrimp/snails only. Never had issues w/ my cycle etc.

Sponge > HOB. They eat off a good sponge, and the HOB will NEED a prefilter sponge if used. (Yes they can and will get sucked, had a few losses. =[ )

My pH is quite hard, and I dose ferts and added a cuttlebone. Honestly, their parameters are pretty open, mine are super hardy shrimp, and I assume such all around.

I don't know anything about the sand, cannot comment.

Wood = Boss Status. Mine love drift.

I would definitely use live plants. They feel more home-y. Java Moss, Marimo/Moss Balls, and really anything is great. My suggestion, plant it all. But realize, the more you plant, the less you'll see until your colony perks up in numbers (they usually lay eggs every 30-45 days.

Anything else just ask!

 

Thanks Skyy I agree with everything you said though.

The few things you didn't answer, pH is a little high, but most animals will adjust to a higher pH. Additionally, having the wood in the tank will probably lower it just a little bit. Definitely do the wood though, they love it!

I'd probably start with about 1 shrimp per gallon. They will multiply.

I would personally not add fish so that you have more of a chance to see the shrimps' personalities and they spend less time hiding.

I don't think the high GH/KH should be an issue either.

Plant list looks great, the more places they can climb and graze, the better. Go for live

One other thing to mention, especially since this is a brand new tank, make sure you have something to feed them. Fresh veggies, snail jello, algae wafers, etc. I definitely suggest adding cuttlebone into the tank as well so they have an extra calcium source if they need/want it.

 

My shrimp have ranged from 7.0-7.8, and GH/KH at 6*-16*. (300ppm)

 

Thank you both so much. I will take all your advice. I'll post pics once the tank is set up

 

Get some cuttlebone to!

 

Will do

 

So tomorrow I will be going into SF to go to the ADA Aqua Forest store in Japantown (check them out online, they have unbelievable planted tanks, "aquascape") to buy my nano tank. Question is what's the best or most preferred substrate for RCS? I see that a lot of members have black sand. Is there a specific brand that's popular! I'm planning on getting either a 5 or 7.5 gallon tank. Also, is to ok to mix different RCS (Sakura red, fire red & regular RCS) or should I just stick with one grade? I currently have 10 plain RCS in my empty fry grow out tank that has a well established sponge filter on it but was thinking I'd pick up some Sakura and fire red while I'm at the store. Bad idea?
Thanks for any help in advance.

 

No issues with mixing the different grades unless you are attempting to breed a specific grade. A lot of people use black sand and it really makes the little guys stand out. Personally, mine are in a mix of natural colored stone and crushed coral. I'd say get what you like for substrate.

 

I will try to add my own findings being about 6 or 7 weeks in front of you..

I would say keep to a shrimp only tank, I have 2 tanks, one with cherry reds and a few fish and one shrimp only, the shrimp in the latter are definitely happier and more at ease, theyj rarely hide and if they do its only when they are moulting. Just last night I watched one bumble wage a war against an undercooked spinach leaf. Eventually I took pity and replaced it with a morsel but boy he was indefatigable.

I use the dennerle garlenkies 0.7 - 1.2 mm borneo brown substrate and not only can the shrimp pick up and clean each piece but the plants especially Cuba have taken root very quickly.. I took my time selecting the best inert gravel I could find and and it seems to have paid off.

Plants; I decided to go for stemmed plants rather than bushy species to save space and to keep as much visibility as possible. The shrimp seem more than happy hopping from leaf to leaf on the 2 alternanthera and crypt lucens. The small fern and flame moss provide the tried and tested favourite and often used refuge.
Choilla wood has been a huge hit, there always seems to be a few in or on the piece I have put in there. The ceramic tubes are also well used.

I was having problems finding verified shrimp friendly fertiliser and soil and was lucky enough to catch a tropica rep online and he has told me that all their products are fine with shrimp as long as the dosage and instructions are followed. I used the plant growth substrate (soil) and use the weekly liquid fert and can confirm no visible issues or otherwise, and the plants seem to be fine although it's early to be sure. I can whole heartedly recommend the Glasgarten bacter AE food supplement, even to my eye it clearly does build a film which I witness the shrimp devouring every time I look in on them.

22.5 degrees centigrade is the best temp I've seen in my 4 weeks test. Can't think of anything else right now to add but let me know and I'll share whatever info I have found. The only thing I am still to figure out is the happy co2 level/rate, the last thing I want is to suffocate the wee buggers.

Allan

 

Wow, thanks for all the info. I'm going to check them out.

 

I will try to add my own findings being about 6 or 7 weeks in front of you..

I would say keep to a shrimp only tank, I have 2 tanks, one with cherry reds and a few fish and one shrimp only, the shrimp in the latter are definitely happier and more at ease, theyj rarely hide and if they do its only when they are moulting. Just last night I watched one bumble wage a war against an undercooked spinach leaf. Eventually I took pity and replaced it with a morsel but boy he was indefatigable.

I use the dennerle garlenkies 0.7 - 1.2 mm borneo brown substrate and not only can the shrimp pick up and clean each piece but the plants especially Cuba have taken root very quickly.. I took my time selecting the best inert gravel I could find and and it seems to have paid off.

Plants; I decided to go for stemmed plants rather than bushy species to save space and to keep as much visibility as possible. The shrimp seem more than happy hopping from leaf to leaf on the 2 alternanthera and crypt lucens. The small fern and flame moss provide the tried and tested favourite and often used refuge.
Choilla wood has been a huge hit, there always seems to be a few in or on the piece I have put in there. The ceramic tubes are also well used.

I was having problems finding verified shrimp friendly fertiliser and soil and was lucky enough to catch a tropica rep online and he has told me that all their products are fine with shrimp as long as the dosage and instructions are followed. I used the plant growth substrate (soil) and use the weekly liquid fert and can confirm no visible issues or otherwise, and the plants seem to be fine although it's early to be sure. I can whole heartedly recommend the Glasgarten bacter AE food supplement, even to my eye it clearly does build a film which I witness the shrimp devouring every time I look in on them.

22.5 degrees centigrade is the best temp I've seen in my 4 weeks test. Can't think of anything else right now to add but let me know and I'll share whatever info I have found. The only thing I am still to figure out is the happy co2 level/rate, the last thing I want is to suffocate the wee buggers.

Allan

Nice! I will be watching how it goes

 

Wow, thanks for all the info. I'm going to check them out.

I forgot to add I have added dennerle power tabs as root fertilisers. Under the Cuba and front of the tank, I basically spread 4 tabs of equal distance where I hope and expect the Cuba to spread to. If it doesn't then whatever night do try and carpet the forefront will use it. If in were to recommend one item in particular it would be the substrate. Hands down the best I've seen, and it's obvious the shrimp love it.

 

I can't find the substrate that you rec'd, not even Amazon has it. I was going to buy ADA substrate but they told me that it will neutralize my ph so I passed since I have a high ph & didn't want to deal w/ph fluctuations during pwc. I decided to go with Eco-complete for my substrate. I got the smaller 5.5 g tank that ADA makes since my husband was adamant I get the smallest tank (I have 5 tanks already ). Just sticking sponge filter w/driftwood, Anubias, 3 Marino moss balls, Java fern & Java moss. Also order cuttlebone like others suggested. I currently have 8 RCS, looks like 3f5m. Is this ratio ok or should I try to get more females? 1 is already berried. The shrimp are in my 5 gallon fry grow out tank alone until the substrate arrives on Thursday. I was going to buy some Sakura shrimp but decided to wait until my tank was all set up. I will post pics once everything is setup.

 

You mean Eco-complete?

 

Meant I can't find the kind that Allan rec'd. I ordered Eco-complete

 

Meant I can't find the kind that Allan rec'd. I ordered Eco-complete

Sweet!

 

I think I'm too late but here's a link to the substrate I use:


It's fantastic but remember it's inert so if you're planning on planting then you'll need a layer of soil or something beneath the substrate:


My tank is fairly small so it wasn't too expensive setting up and I'm really happy with the end result. Next time I might consider going with an active substrate but this set up is pretty much perfect for plants and shrimp as far as I can tell.
I'd recommend adding some borneowild minerax powder before placing the substrate, optional of course but it buffs the water for the shrimp.

 

Eco complete is great, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

 

So my RCS nano tank is complete. Shrimp are all swimming around & exploring.


berried female, hope to see babies soon!
So excited

 

I think it's usually about 3-4 weeks for babies. Warning, you may not seem them at first, so just keep your eyes out. They'll be tiny. That looks like an awesome shrimp haven!

 

That's good to know. Thank you for all your help & insight.

 

Happy to share my experiences when they'll help someone out So many things for them to climb on, play in, run around on, etc. That's like a little shrimp paradise, and it looks great too!

 

Here's some one month old shrimplets! here's what you will see first when they are born

 

Wow thanks for the videos! Can't believe how small they are when first born. They grow pretty quick too it seems from the month old video.

 

Wow thanks for the videos! Can't believe how small they are when first born. They grow pretty quick too it seems from the month old video.

Yea! They are small, colorless, and slow lol
Just letting you know it took a whole hour to get a clear pic of them

 

Thank you so much for all your help.

 

This has been very interesting. I'm expecting shrimp soon and may end up getting them their own small tank too.

 

nice!

 

So excited to report that ma shrimp had her babies! I saw a couple already swimming around and then I was able to witness one being "born". At first I had to do a double take cuz it happened so fast! Wish I was able to get it on video but I was on my way out. Hopefully I'll be able to get some pics/videos in the morning. So psyched to see them grow up!

 

Congrats! We want pictures

 

Awesome! Congrats on the growing colony Now you can play the fun game of try to find and count the babies.

 

Shrimplet with mom

 

I can't see any of the babies mama shrimp isn't berried anymore either. I know I saw 3 of them but can't find them. Do they die easily? If they died, would the adults eat them? My oldest son (9) is constantly searching but can't find them either. He's so sad
But good thing is I'm expecting my delivery from Aquatic Arts of 12 Sakuras so hopefully I'll have other opportunities for baby shrimplets.

 

I wouldn't worry about them or give up on them yet. I wasn't joking about the game of find the babies. As you saw, they are tiny and have almost no color at all. If they died, then yes, they would likely be eaten, but I would be more inclined to guess they have scampered off somewhere and are fine, in the moss, in the wood, under the plants, etc. You have so many good hiding spots for them.

 

Well thanks for the encouragement Bithimala. Crossing my fingers

 

When I first spotted some in my tank, I found six. I think it was actually about 20 or so, lol. Look for little white specs on things

 

Still can't see any
What temperature do they like the water? It's stays around 74, is that too cold for them?
And what do you feed them? I got some Shirakura Shrimp ball food but they don't seem too interested. Should I order the Fluval shrimp pellets or the HikarI Shrimp pellets?

 

I try to keep mine around 76. I've found it to be a rather magic number for them, though it does sometimes creep higher than that, especially this time of year. 74 should be fine though.

They mostly get fresh veggies and either blood worms or snail jello for some additional protein. I have had the best luck with green beans and zucchini.

 

Oic. Do you blanch the fresh veggies or just put them in raw? I need to get one of those clip things. Look at those babies munching away
And what is snail jello? Do u make that yourself?

 

I usually do canned, no-salt green beans. Those sink nicely, so I just open the bean so they can get to the inside easily and drop them in. The zucchinI I just put in raw. It will sink better if it is blanched, but also not last as long. I use the clip to hold it in place (absolutely love the clips and they are available for just a few dollars at most pet store chains).

Snail jello, yes, it's something that is made not purchased.
I've been posting the different recipes I've been using It lasts for a while, so I just make a batch, toss it in the freezer, and pull out as needed.

are a few others that I used as the base recipe for mine.

 

Thanks so much. I'm going to try it.
Btw, I saw 2 shrimplets by the sponge filter!!! yay!!!

 

I do blanched zucchinI and the shrimplets LOVE it! Also yellow squash. Oh and for pellets I do shrimp pellets and the big pellets

 

finally able to take a picture of 1

 

Nice!!!

 

Update...all the shrimp are doing great... Counted 15 shrimplets! A lot of molts around the tank. How long should I leave them in the tank before I get rid of them? I know it's good for them to munch on but I've hardly seen them do that. My kids keep thinking it's dead shrimp lol!

 

How many shrimp do ya got in there???! And why would you wanna get rid of them??

 

I don't mean the shrimp, I meant the molts... Can I take their shedded molts out if they aren't being consumed?

 

I don't mean the shrimp, I meant the molts... Can I take their shedded molts out if they aren't being consumed?

Just leave the molts alone. They won't affect anything. Plus shrimp need to eat the molt

 

Oic. Ok. Thanks