I just recently discovered Petshimp.com and ordered some Opae Ula and supplies, and I am super excited! In my excitement, I didn't realize how long the tank needs to cycle before putting the shrimp in
My shrimp and supplies arrived yesterday, and the shrimp are safely in their shipping container enjoying the nearby grow light for indoor plants. I have mixed the brackish water and put the substrate and calcium carbonate rocks in the tank, but obviously it's only a day old so it has't cycled yet...
I have two questions:
What should I do to keep the shrimp happy in their shipping bag? I have various containers they could stay in, but I want to make sure they have enough space and food.
We all make mistakes, and I'm glad you found some important information in the end. As for your questions, just leave the shrimp in their bag.No need to put them in a different container. Just make sure they are not exposed to extremes, like freezing weather or direct sunlight that may heat up the water in the bag too much. Normal room temperature is fine. The shrimp can stay in their bag for at least 3-4 weeks like that. Just make sure to keep an eye on them just in case.
Since this is a special situation and you're a bit under time pressure I'd say that putting in the shrimp after 3-4 weeks will work just fine. Normally you'd have to wait for some algae growth, but in this case it's better to just release the shrimp into the tank as soon as the tank has reached minimum suitability.
