Natural sponges in shrimp tanks

RCSGuy · Post by **RCSGuy** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 9:47 pm

Cool thanks for posting your sponge experiences here

Terran · Post by **Terran** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 1:52 am

Neonshrimp wrote:Are there activity on the sponge? Do you see shrimp near or on it? Hope it works well for you

Well like I said and shown pictures of my shrimp/crays seem to love them....

TurtleBoyPW5 · Post by **TurtleBoyPW5** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 9:30 pm

I just added a rock to my aquarium today and reorganized the plants and decided to throw in one of the sponges from the fish tank. No problems after 4 hours.

Here some pics... tell me what you think of my set up, the only thing I want to do is add a moss wall to the rear wall, most likely Fissidens sp. (floating plant is there only temporarily)

Terran · Post by **Terran** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:19 pm

Looks like a shrimp amusement park...

It looks as if the sponge has already peaked the interest of a couple of your shrimp....Did you buy that sponge that size...or did you cut it to make it that size?

Keep us updated...

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:26 am

Very nice pictures of the shrimp taking very well to the sponge

Very good news for those who want to try this. I would recommend using the same brand/type of sponges TurtleBoyPW5 used just to be safe. More chance of happy shrimp

TurtleBoyPW5 · Post by **TurtleBoyPW5** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 5:06 am

Sponges were purchased that size, looks like the manufacture cut them into rough 3 inch sections. But after they are wet I think they are more like 3.5-4 inches.

See that pretty rock? I collected that off a beach on lake superior over the weekend, I had to pull it out of the ice

AnneRiceBowl · Post by **AnneRiceBowl** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 7:31 am

I have the same sponges as Turtle. Mine aren't in the shrimp tanks though, but are in with the ABNs to get some stuff growing on them.

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 8:45 am

So far things are looking good with the sponges. So far we know we need to be careful with sponges that have a strong odor to them

See that pretty rock? I collected that off a beach on lake superior over the weekend, I had to pull it out of the ice

Nice rock, I am sure it will allow some beneficial bacteria and microorganisms to grow on it. It might even mimic some of the natural suroundings of the shrimp

leto3113 · Post by **leto3113** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:13 pm

This sponge thing is intersting. I just purchased 2 of them that were sold for hermit crabs to drink with and have them "soaking" in one of my fish only aquariums. The label said "All Natural" so hopefully if they aren't harmful to the shrimp's terrestial "cousins" they'll be O.K.

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:31 pm

The label said "All Natural" so hopefully if they aren't harmful to the shrimp's terrestial "cousins" they'll be O.K.

I think you are safe on this one. I don't think they would be in business long if the sponges harmed or killes the hermit crabs

RCSGuy · Post by **RCSGuy** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:34 pm

Great tank TurtleBoy

The shrimp look happy with it

But I am not so sure I will be adding a sponge to my tank anymore as it is a pretty small tank and I don't want the tank to be too crowded

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:41 pm

Neonshrimp wrote:
The label said "All Natural" so hopefully if they aren't harmful to the shrimp's terrestial "cousins" they'll be O.K.
I think you are safe on this one. I don't think they would be in business long if the sponges harmed or killes the hermit crabs

I just wanted to mention that I have seen these sponges also and they are pricey as they are specifically marketed for hermit crab use. I would still shop at an hardware/art store if you want more for your money

leto3113 · Post by **leto3113** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 1:13 pm

I know they were a bit pricey but it was an impulse buy when I saw them at the pet store and remembered this thread. Add in the safety factor and my general laziness and they got my money! Now its a waiting game while they get seeded and gunky and stuff....

Neonshrimp · Post by **Neonshrimp** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 4:53 pm

Hi leto,

That's cool, I hope you enjoy them and let us know how long it takes for them to get seeded.

Thanks

RCSGuy · Post by **RCSGuy** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 7:44 pm

But I suppose, that you shouldn't mind paying a bit extra for something you know is safe for your shrimp and won't kill your entire shrimp colony

Better safe than sorry I say