Asking a beginner question

[Harry]

I've had my two tanks (jars) for 15 months and they are doing well. I just found a huge cookie jar with very clear non-distorting glass. Target had it and it is called the Montana jar. It looks to have a three-gallon capacity. I realized that I am unsure as to the capacity of tanks with respect to Opae. What is the optimal number of Opae per gallon?

[KenCotigirl]

Someone asked this question before and I believe there was no absolute number given. As you know they are quite small and often are hidden from view when you provide them hiding places. 10 in a 3 gallon, they may seem lost. 10 per gallon is a nice number. Allows lots of room for growth.

[Iwantshrimp]

Geese, big jar! I have a three gallon that I am getting ready to order shrimp and hermit crabs for. Harry how many hermit crabs do you have and where did you get them? I'm getting my shrimp from right here and the hermits at a different place, I would order them here but they don't sell them

[BostonJill]

I've had my two tanks (jars) for 15 months and they are doing well. I just found a huge cookie jar with very clear non-distorting glass. Target had it and it is called the Montana jar. It looks to have a three-gallon capacity. I realized that I am unsure as to the capacity of tanks with respect to Opae. What is the optimal number of Opae per gallon?

Harry I have about 160 in a five gallon and there is plenty of room. I would say for a three gallon at least 50-75. When you have a lot of them in a tank there's always something to watch.

[Harry]

Yes, I was thinking 75 (25 per gallon). My 1-1/4 jar was recently re-done and it has successfully housed 40 Opae.

[KenCotigirl]

100 shrimp per gallon or more may be possible. It is not recommended to start at that number. Starting at 25-30 per gallon could cause problems. It can takes months for a tank to cycle. But a newly cycled tank cannot take the bio load of so many shrimp. Letting a tank mature with a growing shrimp population is best. Remember patience.