Shrimp Fever

[Ricksza]

I've had my divided 10 gallon shrimp tank for about 6 months and decided to give the beasties more room. Pet Supplies Plus drew me in with their dollar per gallon sale (in addition to a $5 off coupon) so I bought 2 - 20 gallon longs. I stepped up and bought a Gladiator 48" Heavy Duty Rack (rated at 2000lb per shelf, 8000lb total). Now I'm looking for help. I like the pool filter sand as a substrate, I have it currently in the divided tank and my community. I'm planning on running 2 double sponge filters with media on powerheads in each and thinking of covering the bottoms with Dwarf Sag. Probably some driftwood and Java Moss too, no CO2. I'm undecided about lighting, probably either BeamsWork EA Timer 6500K or NICREW ClassicLED Plus 6500K. Anybody have recommendations or warnings?

 

[BillynJennifer]

I've had my divided 10 gallon shrimp tank for about 6 months and decided to give the beasties more room. Pet Supplies Plus drew me in with their dollar per gallon sale (in addition to a $5 off coupon) so I bought 2 - 20 gallon longs. I stepped up and bought a Gladiator 48" Heavy Duty Rack (rated at 2000lb per shelf, 8000lb total). Now I'm looking for help. I like the pool filter sand as a substrate, I have it currently in the divided tank and my community. I'm planning on running 2 double sponge filters with media on powerheads in each and thinking of covering the bottoms with Dwarf Sag. Probably some driftwood and Java Moss too, no CO2. I'm undecided about lighting, probably either BeamsWork EA Timer 6500K or NICREW ClassicLED Plus 6500K. Anybody have recommendations or warnings?

I'm using the double sponge filters with a powerhead and Purigen in the media compartment. It's really doing a good job.

 

[Ricksza]

I'm using the double sponge filters with a powerhead and Purigen in the media compartment. It's really doing a good job.

Which powerhead do you use?

 

[richiep]

Two double sponge power head great but ide put four in a 48" sand is perfect I use sand in all my shrimp tanks, shrimp love all plants the more the better, I don't like C°2 in shrimp tanks glad to see you dont, lights are your choice

 

[Ricksza]

Two double sponge power head great but ide put four in a 48" sand is perfect I use sand in all my shrimp tanks, shrimp love all plants the more the better, I don't like C°2 in shrimp tanks glad to see you dont, lights are your choice

The 20 long is only 30x12x12. The rack is 48”.

 

[richiep]

Believe it or not there is a gladiator 48" aquarium

 

[Ricksza]

Believe it or not there is a gladiator 48" aquarium

I did not know that.

 

[richiep]

The 20 long is only 30x12x12. The rack is 48”.

Two sponges will work well with that, I use aquael minI power heads on mine but I know you can get something similar over there if you want they are cheap enough and more efficient than air pumps

 

[Ricksza]

Two sponges will work well with that, I use aquael minI power heads on mine but I know you can get something similar over there if you want they are cheap enough and more efficient than air pumps

Are you talking about the Aquael Pat MinI Internal filter or the Aquael MinI Fan filter? Problem is, I don't know which are good or bad. Looking for recommendations.

 

[richiep]

The Aquael pat minI fits perfect I use in all my tanks

 

[BillynJennifer]

Which powerhead do you use?

I bought the cheap Aquaneat 250 gph. I had to use some aquarium safe silicone to get the powerhead and sponge filter to fit together, but it's been perfect.

 

[Ricksza]

I bought the cheap Aquaneat 250 gph. I had to use some aquarium safe silicone to get the powerhead and sponge filter to fit together, but it's been perfect.

Do you use it in a shrimp tank? Do you use this setup on a 10 or 20 gallon? How many double sponge filters per tank? How do you aI'm the output flow so it isn't too strong for the shrimp?

 

[BillynJennifer]

Do you use it in a shrimp tank? Do you use this setup on a 10 or 20 gallon? How many double sponge filters per tank? How do you aI'm the output flow so it isn't too strong for the shrimp?

It is a 10 gallon shrimp tank. I use one double sponge filter with Purigen in the media compartment. I aI'm the outflow along the top of the water, hitting the front glass. It breaks the flow up so the shrimp aren't blowing around.

 

[Ricksza]

I guess I'll use two in each 20 gallon. I've never used Purigen, I see it comes in 100ml bags. Does that bag fit in the media sections of the filter?

 

[BillynJennifer]

I guess I'll use two in each 20 gallon. I've never used Purigen, I see it comes in 100ml bags. Does that bag fit in the media sections of the filter?

I don't know if the bagged Purigen would fit in there. I got the container of loose Purigen, put some into the toe part of a panty hose, tied it up really well, and popped it in. I feed my shrimp pretty heavy and my nitrates are not over 5.

 

[Ricksza]

I don't know if the bagged Purigen would fit in there. I got the container of loose Purigen, put some into the toe part of a panty hose, tied it up really well, and popped it in. I feed my shrimp pretty heavy and my nitrates are not over 5.

What a great idea.