I'm thinking about getting shrimp

[VioletThePurple]

There are many different types I could get. I've never owned any before. They would have to be compatible with my set up. I have platies in a 20 gallon with sand substrate, live plants, and a HOB filter. I'm afraid the platies could eat shrimp, but their babies swim right in front of them all the time and they have no reaction. All the babies I've seen never got eaten by the other platies.

Would shrimp work in this tank? If so, what kind, how many, and are there any other specifications I need to know?

 

[BrianK]

put lots of moss in and you will need a foam pre-filter to cover the HOB intake.

 

[VioletThePurple]

put lots of moss in and you will need a foam pre-filter to cover the HOB intake.

Why would I need to cover the intake? Only weak and dying get caught in the intake I was told.

 

[connorlindeman]

Why would I need to cover the intake? Only weak and dying get caught in the intake I was told.

Thats incorrect. In proper conditions, shrimp will multiply in your tank. If the intake is not covered, the shrimplets will be sucked up. I would put a sponge over the intake just to be safe.

 

[BrianK]

You may not need to cover if you get something like Amanos that won't reproduce in fresh water. The more common neocaridina and caridina, you will definitely want to cover the intake.

 

[VioletThePurple]

Thats incorrect. In proper conditions, shrimp will multiply in your tank. If the intake is not covered, the shrimplets will be sucked up. I would put a sponge over the intake just to be safe.

So, like for baby shrimp to survive. But platy fry doesn't get caught in the intake and they're pretty smaller.

 

[Valkyrie_Lips]

If you're worried about platies going for the shrimp then you could add cover for them. Cholla logs, moss, and leaf litter will be greatly appreciated by the shrimp and provide excellent cover.

 

[connorlindeman]

So, like for baby shrimp to survive. But platy fry doesn't get caught in the intake and they're pretty smaller.

They are two different things. And i'm pretty sure there is still a risk for platy fry to get sucked up. You never know.

 

[Essjay]

Baby shrimps are a lot smaller than new born platy fry. And shrimps aren't as strong swimmers as fish. When they're swimming they look like a helicopter coming in to land.

I have red cherry shrimps and I always suck some up during a water change. I don't just pour the old water out of the bucket, I empty it with a small jug so I can see and rescue the shrimps.