Are certain plants dangerous for shrimp?

Zambat · Post by **Zambat** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 4:29 pm

Hi everyone,
(Sorry if this had been asked before - I did a search but didnt come up with anything)
I am planning to go down to my local pet shop to buy some more plants for my shrimp tank. I was going to get some new types that I havent tried using before - but wondered if any plants are known to be dangerous for shrimp? If so which ones? and how will I be able to tell when I am at the pet shop if they are dangerous or not? (the plants are not labelled)
Thanks in advance

Shrimp&Snails · Post by **Shrimp&Snails** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 4:35 pm

I couldn't tell you if certain plants are unsuitable for shrimp but ask your lfs if they add fertilizers to their plant tank.

Perhaps the link below will help you as that site discusses plants a lot more whereas this forum is shrimp only.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/foru ... aquariums/

Zambat · Post by **Zambat** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 7:56 am

Thanks for your reply - I had just heard the certain plants could be toxic or posionous to shrimp if ingested etc. Maybe I should rephrase my question to "What are the best plants for a shrimp tank?"
I currently have Java Moss, Elodea Densa and Cabomba Australis, but would like to try some new types such as Java Fern if they are safe for shrimps

Shrimp&Snails · Post by **Shrimp&Snails** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 8:27 am

I keep java ferns with no problems. I also keep elodea densa, cabomba and moss (marimo) balls.

frugalfish · Post by **frugalfish** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 9:06 am

There have been some threads on the topic of toxic plants, try searching crypts, cryptocorynes, anubias, and that should pop something up for you. The verdict is still out from what I have gathered. The one thing to be concerned about plants coming from the retail sector is that they can carry toxic compounds on them that can be released into the tank, i.e. pesticides. I personally think it is best when bringing home plants from a store to first wash rinse them off and then quarantine them to allow for anything that may be on them to wear off. I only do this for invertebrates due to their sensitivity, not vertebrates.

Zambat · Post by **Zambat** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 12:46 pm

Thanks everyone for your help!
Frugalfish - how long do you quarantine a plant to make sure its released any chemicals used on it?

frugalfish · Post by **frugalfish** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 5:57 pm

I usually quarantine plants from stores for a week or two. I don't quarantine if I get them from a fellow hobbyist.