Planning to setup a 2.5 G Cherry Shrimp Aquarium, any advice

[Balik]

I have around six young cherry shrimp growing in my 10-G tank in a plastic floating breeder container with Java Moss in it.
So far they are doing great.

However I would like to try breeding them if possible.

Any suggestions regarding this practice will be highly appreciated.

Thanks,

[Bradimus]

I would suggest a large aquarium.

[Balik]

Well later , I am planning to move them to 10 G once I have enough CRS .
Right now I am planning to keep them in smaller tank to avoid getting picked by other FISH.

[theshrimp_123]

Hey Balik,

I started out the same way. You were right on the whole shrimp/fish deal, but in time, get a bigger aquarium. They will be happier.

[Bradimus]

Well later , I am planning to move them to 10 G once I have enough CRS .

With well fed Cherries, it won't take long.

[Balik]

Exactly, thats my plan. However I was wondering any body can tell me what kind of set up should i have like ; gravel ? filteration...? plants ? things like that ... ! also Temp ?

[theshrimp_123]

Well i keep mine around 70 degrees, somtimes higher. I have willow moss, mermaidsweed, java moss, and marimo balls. I have a mix of small gravel, large gravel, and huge rocks. pH is about 7.0. I think i have a whisper filter... don't remember.

[Bradimus]

My tanks are heavily planted, mostly with Crypts. The substrated is fracted clay. Water is hard and basic. (I haven't checked the exact values in a while.) Temperature is mid to upper 70's (room temp.) Filtration is by sponge filter. However, these are not requirements.

Start by reading Mustafa's Introductory article.

My advice (most of which comes from the above article)?
Filtration: Use a sponge filter. If you insist on a power/canister filter, it needs to have a sponge pre-filter. A strong current is a bad idea.
Substrate: Not critical. Shrimp like to have some kind of substrate they can grasp, but the type doesn't seem to matter. The exception may be substrate sifters/burrowers like M. banjare. I assume they prefer a fine grain.
Plants: Not critical. I have many. Some people have few. The advantages of plants are that they provide biological/chemical filtration as well as hiding places (these are essential). The primary disadvantage of plants is that they compete with the shrimps primary food source.
Water Chemistry: As long as it is not extreme, it is fine. I think Cherries do better in slightly basic, alkaline water, while the C. serrata group prefer more acidic water. However, close to neutral should do well for both.
Temperature: Keep it in the 70's.
Lighting: Not critical, as long as there are hiding places.

[Balik]

Thanks for the info.
Much appericiated.

I will let you how it goes.

[theshrimp_123]

Keep us posted!

[Balik]

I have 6 Cherry Red with 2 Black Mollies Fry (2 days old).
I have sponge filter with white fine bravel and lots of
Java Moss in my 2.5 G.

I have put some small pieces of Clay Plant Pots inorder to provide hiding place for the shrimp.

Temp is around 76 to 80 and they get adequate amount of Sunlight daily.

So far they are very active and usually see them all getting together for some daily evening meetings... .

Looks like they are talking about me

I try to drop very small amount of some kind of flake food once a day.
Looks like they go for it as well as the mollies go after leftovers from Cherry Shrimps