Salinity and breeding question

[JoeG]

Does the salinity of the water influence breeding? I have had my 30 shrimp since November 2017 and have not had a berried shrimp yet. The tank is doing well with lots of algae growing on the lava rocks and the aragonite substrate. The shrimp are nice and red, lively and have been sporting saddles for at least 6 months or more. I also witnessed two moults last week so they are growing. The only thing I can think of that might be an issue is that I top off their tank with distilled water when the level drops about 1/4 inch or less. Should I be letting it drop more before I top it off? I recently checked the salinity of the water and it read 1.013. If I let the level of the water go lower the salinity would increase. Would that have a positive effect on breeding?

Also, I have been only feeding a tip of a toothpick of spiralina once per month.

Thanks for any insight.

[crittersni]

I added shrimp from Mustafa last March, and I had my first larvae in June. They've continued to breed like crazy.

My salinity is set at 1.010. I add distilled water when I notice the water line shows. Temp has been as high as 78 and is about 68 now.

They have LOTS of places to hide.

I feed them 1-2 times/month.

I have a bubbler in the tank, with the hose kinked to minimize the force of it.

Hope this helps.

[Mustafa]

Hi JoeG,

Sounds like your tanks is just fine. The salinity is fine too. Sometimes it just takes a while before you see any berried shrimp. Do you have pictures of your tank? That may help with the analysis.