I'm a newbie to shrimp but have been keeping tropical fish for about 18 months now. My shrimp tank is about 6 weeks old and has 1 Yellow Sakura, 2 Red Sakura and 3 Blue Velvet Dreams. I did start with three of each colour plus three Chocolate Sakura but have had some losses, due, I believe to failed moults and me overfeeding.
My red female had her first batch of babies on Saturday (rather fitting for easter I thought!) and today I have seen them for the first time. I've only counted two, possibly three but they are so cute!
One of my blue females is due to have her babies any day now.
My question is this. My gravel is looking rather dirty and ideally I would like to siphon it but I am worried about the babies and about upsetting expectant mum. What is the best way to maintain your tank cleaning regieme with babies in the tank?
Incidentally, my tank is 21 litres, heated to 78*F (26*C) is running a sponge filter (250l/hour) and has coarse gravel as substrate, java fern, egeria densa, slate caves and moss balls as decor.
The tank is (obviously) cycled as it was set up using filter media, water and decor from my main fish tank.
Any tips or help would be appreciated!
FC76
I don't recommend weekly water changes for small populations of shrimp. And if you do...put a small sponge (used for sponge filters) on the intake of your hose or whatever you're using and still try to avoid the shrimp. Replacing twice the evaporated water once in a while is good enough.