Walstad Shrimp And Snail Bowl

I wanted to post a pic of my little Walstad snail and shrimp bowl. It’s only 2 gallons so I put in about 1/2 inches of aged potting soil with a little bit of sand. I have a grow light with 3300 k of light. I know the recommendation is about 6500K, but I only have room for one bulb. I planted anacharis and some other plant. The anacharis are already photosynthesizing- I’m so proud of my little oxygen bubbles!
No filter- only the plants. Did a water change today. My water is crystal clear so far with no tannins. Maybe because I used extra old potting soil? I’m wondering when I can add my cherry shrimps?

 

This set up is beautiful! I would wait at least a month or two for the biofilm to form. Are you still cycling the tank in any way? Shrimp are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrites so you should make sure it’s cycled before adding them

 

Looks good! A few pointers:

>mature the tank for at least another month, test the Ammonia often
>lower the water level a little, as having slightly more surface area for gas exchange will ensure there is plenty of gas exchange
>floating plants will be the easiest way to get pristine water quality, and shrimp love the hanging roots

 

This set up is beautiful! I would wait at least a month or two for the biofilm to form. Are you still cycling the tank in any way? Shrimp are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrites so you should make sure it’s cycled before adding them

Thanks so much! Yes, I’m monitoring the ammonia, doing WCs and dosing with Prime. I started this little project because I had some snails in a jar that I needed something to do with. Anyway, that’s why I already have snails in there but I’m gonna have to buy the shrimps so I want to make sure all is well.

 

Looks good! A few pointers:

>mature the tank for at least another month, test the Ammonia often
>lower the water level a little, as having slightly more surface area for gas exchange will ensure there is plenty of gas exchange
>floating plants will be the easiest way to get pristine water quality, and shrimp love the hanging roots

Ok, I was wondering about the water level- I have these little floating plants. Not sure what they are - bigger than duck weed but smaller than water lettuce. I was wondering what to do about the lack of surface area- lowering the water level is obvious!!

 

Thanks so much! Yes, I’m monitoring the ammonia, doing WCs and dosing with Prime. I started this little project because I had some snails in a jar that I needed something to do with. Anyway, that’s why I already have snails in there but I’m gonna have to buy the shrimps so I want to make sure all is well.

Sounds great! Once you’re cycled and your tank has matured then you can add the shrimp. I know it’s hard to wait but you’ll increase your odds of being successful if you wait for your biofilm to build

 

Ok, I was wondering about the water level- I have these little floating plants. Not sure what they are - bigger than duck weed but smaller than water lettuce. I was wondering what to do about the lack of surface area- lowering the water level is obvious!!

Some type of salvinia, I have it in my tanks. Great little filter that doesn't get long roots like frogbit or water lettuce, and doesn't choke up hardware like duckweed.