Tank set-up - rookie

[and_baker@yahoo.com]

Hello I'm a new user, starting a new tank in order to attempt an "EcoSphere" rescue.
I read the instructions here & have my supplies ready to get my new tank cycling as preparation.
I can't find any information on how much headspace is appropriate, e.g. in a 1/2-gallon container, is an inch of air right?
I received the EcoSphere as a gift from a well-meaning friend and have watched in horror as several shrimp died in their tiny prison. My plan is transfer my one survivor, and if s/he lives, get some companions for it. Thanks in advance.

[OpaeOasis]

That amount of space would work, I'm sure it would make no difference if it were halved, or even less than that. This species is adapted well to low-oxygen environments, so there's no need to worry (if they can survive in a sealed glass enclosure, there's no danger of having too little space for gas exchange). In fact, I recommend having less since the container is small, and it may be a better move to start out with a 1 or 2 gallon tank if there are plans for future inhabitants. It takes the same amount of effort, maintenance, and time. The population size is limited in smaller containers as well.

[and_baker@yahoo.com]

Thank you OpaeOasis, I appreciate it. Good to know that about the oxygen levels. Once my new tank has cycled for 2 weeks I plan to photograph the process. I am very sad about the prison/EcoSphere...if my lone inhabitant survives the transfer I'll purchase 2 more to keep it company.

[and_baker@yahoo.com]

I took Mustafa's advice and after letting my destination tank settle for 9 days (and with macroalgae purchased here) I carefully broke the Ecosphere seal and put my lone shrimp, along with some water & the original branch from the Ecosphere, into a new tank. The shrimp seems happy and actively explored, especially the macroalgae. I'll attempt to post photos. Thanks to all who posted here.
https://imgur.com/hPFrDoH
https://imgur.com/lX3XHgI
https://imgur.com/6mEQ8af
https://imgur.com/E01Gmyv

[Rosiepink89]

I'm so happy your last little guy made it out alive!

[and_baker@yahoo.com]

Thanks, Rosiepink89. The shrimp's color has even improved. Once he's settled in, I'm ordering a few friends for him. Do you recommend snails as well? There were 6 tiny ones in the EcoSphere but I can't tell if they survived. I fear this is a dumb question, but how can you tell if a snail is dead? I'm keeping them in a small jar (about the size of the original EcoSphere) in their original water, but they haven't moved. If they are dead, should I put them in my new tank as a source of calcium?

[Ula Hula]

I'm glad you have a happy survivor! One suggestion: These shrimp love having rocks/seashells/tank-safe decorations to explore and hide under, and your new tank is a bit barren. When you get "friends" for your shrimp, they're more likely to breed if they feel comfortable in the tank and have some private nooks and crannies.

[and_baker@yahoo.com]

Thank you for the comment, good to know. I’ve just ordered some lava rocks here, to make the terrain a bit friendlier. Appreciate the tip.

[and_baker@yahoo.com]

Just a quick update, I added 5 new shrimp (purchased here) to my lone ecosphere survivor, and I also added some lava rocks (purchased here) to give them some hiding places. All are alive and thriving. Today I spotted my first "molt," which it seems they may be eating..? The whole crew are a good color and seem healthy.

[and_baker@yahoo.com]

It's been awhile - just wanted to report that my shrimp, originally tortured in one of those ridiculous seal "EcoSphere" prisons, are thriving. In order to break the glass seal at the bottom of the jar (really a prison) you should wear eye protection and use packing tape to capture and dispose of the glass shards. I'm not sure if my original lone survivor is among my current shrimp, but I'm pleased to say they did reproduce and I have a few tiny fry(?) living in my tank these days... and growing very slowly.

[Mustafa]

Thanks for the update! Great to hear/read that your shrimp are thriving!