Petshrimp.com Discussion Forum

Hi All,

New here, with some basic questions about the world of shrimp.

Can they (cherries) breed ok in a tank with a bit of current? I have an Eheim 2217 on a 75 with the output spray vertically aimed into a corner to break the flow up some. About a quarter of the tank is in "current" and the other end of the tank is pretty quiet flow-wise. For example, pearling bubbles go more or less straight up in 2/3 the tank. Is this a successful setup for breeding?

Second, I'm on untreated well water, KH and GH 0 each out of the ground. I supplement KH to 5 with baking soda and GH to 5 in a 4:1 ration of Ca to Mg with CaCl and Epsom salts. Is this adequate hardness to raise shrimp?

Third, I'm starting with (9) 3/4 inchers (cherry) in a 75 gallon heavily planted tank. Is this enough to get breeding started if they are healthy and not stressed? There are guppies, neons, white clouds, and 6 otos in the tank, and none are bothering the shrimp. I do see shrimp activity in plain sight during the day, so I know the shrimp are not very afraid of the fish.

Thanks for listening, look forward to hearing from you,

Asoftieforcrusties

Welcome to the forum!

1. A little current is not a problem.

2. Water paramters are fine.

3. You have enough shrimp, but unless your tank is *really* heavily planted (think jungle) not many shrimp hatchlings, if any, will survive since most of your fish will hunt after them (except for the otos). The hatchlings are tiny and snack-sized for fish.

Mustafa

Thanks for the reply, Mustafa.

I forgot to ask about pH. My tank is running 6.7-6.8 on a controller. Is that high enough for the shrimp to thrive? (Cherrys)

Mine seem to be settling in well, they are even out in the day in plain sight in the open, munching away.

Donna

Hi Donna,

Yes, that PH should be fine with your Red Cherries. This species is highly adaptable. If you do experience problems with low productivity (fewer offspring) you can raise the PH to around 7 and things should get better.

Take care,
Mustafa

Hey Hey
I guesss i'm in a typing mood tonight
When I breed my tank I found a Ph 7.0 - 7.5 best
Also, I raise my temperature to about 75 or 80. Seems to produce more off-spring. Whatever you Do - PLEASE DO NOT EVER EVER NEVER EVER ~
treat your sick fish in your community tank w/ your shrimp. Make a hospital tank. Do NOT USE - any meds that contain copper.
WHAT TO BUY ~
If you want to breed your shrimp, OR want happy healthy shrimp,
BUY iodine usually by the saltwater stuff at your local petshop.
Also great on crayfish. (proper shell growth for both)

Hi JaVaGiRl,

BUY iodine usually by the saltwater stuff at your local petshop.

Before Mustafa see the above and has to repeat himself for the millionth time.... Iodine is useless for fresh water shrimp.

Do a search to see what I mean.

TKD