Petshrimp.com Discussion Forum

Hey yall,

Ive been reading over all the information here and learned alot, but I have 1 question. I currently have a 5 gallon hex tank with 2 Rasboras, 2 Platies, 2 Anacharis, 2 Banana plants, 1 unkown fern type plant, 4 Ghost Shrimp, and 1 Cherry Shrimp. I would really like to add a few more Cherries to this setup, but not sure if I should. I have searched online for smaller sets of Cherries, but have found a min of at least 10 on every site (or $30 worth). I think that will be way to many for my tank. I have to order them online, the LFS charges $10 for each one, and thats just way to much.

Just as a side note, my water conditions are excellent. No ammonia, no nitrites, ph is at a constant 7, and nitrates have never been above 10ppm. I do 2 gallon water changes once a week (more if nitrates reach 10ppm).

What do yall think? Can I add some Cherry shrimp? If so, how many?

Sorry the post was soo long, just wanted to paint a clear picture. GREAT site by the way!

Hi KyleSFA and welcome.

Your question is difficult to answer; I'll just add my two cents worth.

I think you answered your own question - you said 10 RCS would be too much; you also said $10 each is way too much, too. In that scenario, it would mean take no action.

If it was up to me, here's what I would do if I was limited to that one tank: I would go ahead and spend $20 and buy two adult female RCS (for color and variety in the tank; also to add companion for your lone Cherry) at the LFS. If it turns out that there is a male in the bunch out of the three you would have, they would probably reproduce, but given the fish, I would expect 0 - small population growth. In other words, I would keep Cherries with the understanding of zero to minimum population growth, just like one does with most fish - when numbers diminish, you just go out and buy a few to replenish a set number.

Part of the idea behind the online 10+ number is, along with the fact that it makes more economical sense, it also helps assure there are males & females for breeding purposes. Most people have a dedicated shrimp tank for those endeavors. Something else to note is, often and for good reason, juvenile shrimp are shipped. But in your case, the fish might make a meal out of them - I guess that would depend on the actual size of the shrimp you receive, the amount of your plant cover and how hearty, your fish.

-GB