Hi Everyone

[tad]

I have read many posts on this forum and have gained much knowledge mingled with a little confusion. Six months ago I decided to restart my tanks, I have kept fish off and on since grade school.(30 + years) Starting fresh, I wanted to try something new and chose Red Cherry Shrimp, I also purchased opae shrimp,(kept separate of course.) All of the Cherrys died. I went to the place I purchased them, plus a few local aquarium stores. I really had no faith in any of them until I found petshrimp.com. Every problem I had was addressed and answered clearly. Thank you. On the other hand, the opae are doing wonderful. Years ago I saw the ecosphere and thought it was fascinating, but expensive. Six months ago I found the opae researching the ecosphere. After reading all the bad things regarding the ecosphere I have a relevant question. Please no hate mail, What is the main problem with these spheres? Is it lack of food? Or lack of oxygen? My six little "supershrimp" have been very red and happy in a 10oz jar nestled inside a larger pedestal vase.

Original setup

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I have ordered more supershrimp and felt I should have a larger home for them. The problem is my cat. Although she never bothered the original setup, within seconds of placing my larger vase, she was up to her ears in it! I would like to leave it on the table, but it needs a lid to do so. Therefore, that is why I ask my question. Can the shrimp survive with a cork or rubber stopper? The shrimp are delightful to watch at the table, but until I know for sure I have to move them.
Question #2, the confusion part. My supershrimp bowl is about one gallon. I at first put black aquarium sand in it to show off the red color of the shrimp. Bad idea. The stuff shows every drop of poop! I added the tiny crushed sea shell gravel I used originally, So now I have an Inch of black sand with a layer of seashell gravel. My question. While reading the discussions, I believe it was said this fine sand could harbor and build harmful bacteria. Did I read this correct? Should I remove it before the new shrimp arrive?

[Mustafa]

Looks like you'll have to let that cat go at it while it's empty so it loses interest and then fill it up. Either way I'd say that a "cat-safe" location is still best as a cat can be unpredictable.

As for the shrimp...it's very hard to tell if shrimp are "happy". A shrimp can be picking away for years without food, but is that shrimp "happy" while it's shrinking and eating up its own reserves? For me a happy shrimp is one that continues to grow and possibly reproduce. Those enclosed enclosures simply do not provide the right conditions...food is the major problem (and on the flipside..if fed regularly in those tiny containers the shrimp will probably die due to ammonia toxicity). It's like putting people in solitary confinement in a tiny cell for years and then assessing that they're happy because they're still alive and moving (and possibly talking and reading books, watching TV etc.).

[tad]

Thanks Mustafa for your response. It is not my intention to recreate an ecosphere, or allow a cat on the table! If she can't play in the water she will not bother the vase. I have placed a small bowl inverted over the top of the vase and all seems fine. I plan to add a cork lid to make it more visually appealing. My six shrimp where already in there, so far so good. She has not bothered it since. My first question really was wondering if having the jar capped would be harmful to the shrimp? Is it the lack of food or oxygen that causes the ecoshpere to be so harmful to it's inhabitants. Is it necessary to have airflow? Airflow allows for evaporation which allows fresh water to be added. Should holes be drilled into the cork? The cork could be removed for feeding or maintenance as needed. Any thoughts?

[Mustafa]

In my opinion the ideal situation is if there is a little hole somewhere, but even without a hole the animals should be fine if the cork is lifted once in a while so that outside air can come in. You'll notice by the behavior of the shrimp if everything is fine. If they are all crowding to the top of the container, then their oxygen is low. Other than that they should be fine.