What do you REALLY need for a low-tech shrimp tank? - Page 3 - Shrimp & other Invertebrates

Sophie and Mom · 04-29-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicky

The sword will require a lot of pruning to keep it small, and it still might just be too big for a one gallon. But you can try it and see how it goes. I think a smaller crypt might be a better choice, but I have swords in my 4 and 7 gallon and they have learned to stay fairly small.

I am always impatient, it seems, with my soil. I would at least soak it overnight, skim off the floating bits, and let it dry once. My oven has a dehydrate setting that speeds the drying along a bit. Some people prefer to do this several times, but I think even once provides a large benefit.

If only I'd waited just a little longer for a reply!! Also, I feel like I'm committed with the sword, now. He's in there, and was available (harvested from The Big Tank).

I rinsed and skimmed the soil, and waited for the water the clear before I poured it off (into a couple of plants), then used it. *shrug* All Ms. Walstad does is pick out the big stuff and throw it in there dry, and her shrimp bowls seem to be doing fine.

Sophie and Mom · 04-29-2012, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vicky

I don't have any Rilis, but they are neos and will cross with your rcs if they have a chance. So if you get another type of neo, be careful when sharing nets, moving plants, etc.

For now I'll stick with one kind of shrimp. I don't want to endanger any more life than I need to while I get the hang of this!

MagicalAlpha · 04-29-2012, 06:08 PM

Clean water, sponge filter , some moss.

Sophie and Mom · 04-30-2012, 03:46 AM

My 50 gallon took almost 7 weeks to cycle. Any idea how long a bowl this little will take?

vicky · 04-30-2012, 07:15 AM

I find them hard to predict. Each bag of soil seems a bit different. The good thing here is that a 50% water change is easy, compared to a 50 gallon tank. Maybe you could add a bit of gravel from the 50 gallon to your bowl, to seed the good bacteria.

Virc003 · 04-30-2012, 08:23 PM

It's only a couple weeks old, but the hygrophila seems to love my pickle jar for a home. Next to that you can see that I gave some pothos the cookie jar too.

Sophie and Mom · 05-01-2012, 02:10 AM

I did think of gravel seeding, really, I did, but I'm so picky... You see, the gravel in my jar is black, and the gravel in my tank, well, isn't. Can i put some in a mesh bag and lay it on the bottom of my jar? That way i can remove it an not mar my lovely black surface upon which to view my shrimp.

Sophie and Mom · 05-01-2012, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virc003

It's only a couple weeks old, but the hygrophila seems to love my pickle jar for a home. Next to that you can see that I gave some pothos the cookie jar too.

Oy, fellow pickle jar-er!

How did your cycling go?

Virc003 · 05-01-2012, 05:15 PM

As long as any part of your old tank makes it into your new tank, you will be fine.

My pickle jar is an emersed setup right now, so there was no cycling. I'm still trying to decide on whether I will fill it up or not.

Sophie and Mom · 05-03-2012, 04:16 AM

I've started my pickle jar bowl! I have a journal started, too. I want to document this so I can remember what went right, what not to do again, etc. Wish me luck, my shrimp get here on Monday!