Interested in keeping Opae Ula

[Kurai61]

Hello!
I’ve heard about these shrimps recently and I’m super excited about getting some! I have a few questions though.

1. I have an established freshwater tank. I’m planning on taking everything (substrate, water, and putting an old filter in there for a bit) from there into a gallon or two new tank, and I was planning to make it brackish water. I was wondering if I still needed to cycle it? Would adding marine salt affect the tank, or should I add it slowly over time?

2. While I know freshwater plants won’t thrive in a brackish water environment, is there any negatives for the shrimps? Specifically on Java moss and anubias nana?

3. I’ve heard you can use eggshells for calcium carbonate. How much should I use per gallon?

4. I have leftover GlasGarten Bacter AE. Any thoughts on using it with opae ula?

5. Any ideas for decorating the tank so that the shrimp feel safe?

6. Salinity: how much instant ocean should I use per gallon?

[sliphorn]

Start with a new tank and new water, substrate, etc...1/4 cup instant ocean per gallon of distilled or reverse osmosis. There are complete directions found elsewhere on this site. Follow them and you are good to go.

[Kurai61]

Thanks for the reply sliphorn!
Thank you for the advice! I've seen the directions on how to start cycling a brand new tank, but wouldn't it be faster to use stuff from a established tank? Or are there shortcomings (and if so, what are they)?

[sliphorn]

Thanks for the reply sliphorn!
Thank you for the advice! I've seen the directions on how to start cycling a brand new tank, but wouldn't it be faster to use stuff from a established tank? Or are there shortcomings (and if so, what are they)?

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Generally speaking there will be too much organic matter regardless of how well you filter it. Typically it will cause an excess of nutrients and create problems for the tank and shrimp. It is simple, affordable and easy to start fresh and that is why I recommend it. Set up a fresh system, wait 3-4 weeks and add the snails, macroalgae and shrimp.
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