New shrimp just came! So happy!!
I've had a fake plant in the tank for awhile, and when it was just my 2 old timers they loved sitting on it and munching on all the algae. Since the new ones came I haven't seen any shrimp on it, and I'm a little bit worried that it's not a safe plant to keep in brackish water (glue or paint could chip off and pollute the water). There's nothing about how well it holds up in salt water on the packaging. Should I take it out?
If I do take it out my tank won't have any shady/hiding places. I've heard varying responses on whether they need hiding space or not, but a few times already I've seen shrimp trying to burrow under the substrate. Could be a stress response but I think they'd like a little shelter. Anyone have any suggestions for affordable decorations/ hiding spaces?
Hiding places and fake plants
Moderator: Mustafa
Re: Hiding places and fake plants
What kind of fake plants? silk or plastic? pictures?
Re: Hiding places and fake plants
Usually the fake plant is fine in brackish water, it won't melt away or anything. New shrimp take their time adjusting to their new environment. So it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the fake plant. As for the importance of hiding places, some try to mimic the hypogeal part of anchialine ponds in hopes that hiding places would encourage breeding (e.g. a pile of coral rocks on one side of the tank), some have bare tanks for breeding. So I think it's about adaptation. When your shrimp are comfortable with their surroundings, they'll breed.
You said you've had the fake plant in the tank for a while, so it's already got algae and bacteria colonies growing on it. Taking it out will mean less food for the shrimp. Also be careful adding new decorations or any other re-scaping, make sure they'll well rinsed with RO or distilled water so they don't bring any contaminants to your tank. As for ideas, natural rocks, coral, plastic or resin decors are all fine. I went with what I can find in my local pet store that's reasonably priced. Oh and I'd stay away from driftwood or plants.
You said you've had the fake plant in the tank for a while, so it's already got algae and bacteria colonies growing on it. Taking it out will mean less food for the shrimp. Also be careful adding new decorations or any other re-scaping, make sure they'll well rinsed with RO or distilled water so they don't bring any contaminants to your tank. As for ideas, natural rocks, coral, plastic or resin decors are all fine. I went with what I can find in my local pet store that's reasonably priced. Oh and I'd stay away from driftwood or plants.
