Keeping cherry shrimps in check

[st3f]

Hi all,

First-time poster here, though have gleened some very useful info reading this forum over the last couple of years!

So I set up my first tank nearly two years ago, and all is going along happily - picture attached. It's a planted 180 litre tank, containing 1 betta, 6 cardinals, 7 red phantoms, 2 black phantoms, 3 albino corys and 1 bristtlenose pleco.

There is a thriving community of assasin snails that feeds on a ~thriving community of trumpet snails.

There is also a community of cherry shrimps that are thriving a bit too much. They are actually eating some of the plants (not just eating bacteria on them, but they are beginning leave holes in plants that I want intact). I was hoping that the betta might assist in culling them, but he's shown no interest so far.

So my question: what is the best way to keep the cherries in check? Is there any particular fish that I could introduce, who would go happily with the other inmates and would definitely go for the cherries? Or is there some other way of keeping an equilibrium?

Thanks!

 

[Slaphppy7]

Welcome to TFF.

RCS won't eat healthy plants, but may graze on decaying plant matter

To keep their population in check, simply net some of them out, and send them to me....oh wait, you are in the UK, N/M

I wouldn't fret over having too many of them, they won't cause any harm...nice tank, BTW

 

[st3f]

Welcome to TFF.

RCS won't eat healthy plants, but may graze on decaying plant matter

To keep their population in check, simply net some of them out, and send them to me....oh wait, you are in the UK, N/M

I wouldn't fret over having too many of them, they won't cause any harm...nice tank, BTW

Thanks! Well, if I could send them, I would be tempted to...

Yes, I've seen other people say they don't eat healthy plants... but the fact is that mine do! I see them at it. They've been eating the hydrocotyle for a while - I don't mind this, as it grows to quickly and needs culling. But recently I've noticed them eating the Bucephalandra, which I do mind. And both plants are healthy, as far as I can see.

It seems to me that they're at the plants more when I feed the fish less - which stands to reason. However, if I put less food in the shrimps just ravage the plants rather than die off. Which is why I would like to introduce a shrimp-eater...

Any suggestions?

 

[Slaphppy7]

You could try a gourami...stay away from the dwarf varieties...or maybe even a Bolivian ram...but frankly, I'm surprised the betta hasn't snacked on them...speaking of which, bettas don't usually do well in a community setting...the other fish don't bother with it?...

 

[st3f]

Yes, I was very much hoping the betta would have a go at them, but I've no evidence for such predatory behaviour He's actually betta #2. My original betta died when the water temperature accidentally dropped, but he was no good with the shrimp either

Re the community aspect of the bettas... herewith an interesting experience. The first betta did get bullied by the phantom tetras. He took the bullying for a while, resulting in some tatty fins. My efforts at removing one party or the other to another tank temporarily and then reintroducing them in different orders made no difference. However, there came a very clear and identifiable moment when, with much encouragment from me (on the other side of the glass), he seemed to realise that he would either have to carry on a miserable existence, or he should do something about it. And in a very dramatic manner, he decided to take things in hand. He literally turned his behaviour around and started chasing all the tetras, flaring and nipping at them. Having done that, he kept up a habit of going down once or twice a day and chasing the tetras around a bit, just to maintain his sovereignty. Thereafter, they didn't bother him at all

When I introduced his successor into the tank, there were no such dramatics. This one is much more assertive and inquisitive anyway, but I guess the tetras had learnt not to mess!

Would a gourami get on ok with the betta? Can a gourami be on his own? I think the tank is only just big enough for a 4-inch gourami?

 

[Slaphppy7]

Gourami may or may not work...it seems every betta has it's own personality, as you have seen...generally, they are advised NOT to be kept together, but once again, depends on the betta

Instead of introducing a predator for the shrimp, why not sell them, to either other private fishkeepers, or your local pet store?

 

[hansgruber7]

Just net a bunch of them and take them to the LFS. That's what I do. Some stores will give you store credit for them.

 

[StandbySetting]

Can I ask where you're located? I'd be interested in some cherry shrimp, obviously I'd be happy to pay for them.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Can I ask where you're located? I'd be interested in some cherry shrimp, obviously I'd be happy to pay for them.

^^ There you go, @st3f ^^

 

[st3f]

Can I ask where you're located? I'd be interested in some cherry shrimp, obviously I'd be happy to pay for them.

I'm in Lancashire, about 15 minutes from Clitheroe and 40 minutes from Preston. Happy to palm them off

Also have a colony of assassins breeding happily, should you be interested in those

Just net a bunch of them and take them to the LFS. That's what I do. Some stores will give you store credit for them.

Hadn't thought of that. Our chain stores here certainly won't do that, but there's a small pet shop in town which might possibly... although I've never seen shrimp for sale in there.

Otherwise the boring option is to flush 'em down the loo. However, the reason I was looking for a predator was that this seemed to be the most "organic", elegant and least time-consuming option for me

 

[StandbySetting]

Damn that's a 3 hour drive from me I'd definitely try your luck on eBay, you'll make a quick buck

 

[otterblue]

Some stores won't give you credit, but they may still take them if you ask them to adopt them.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Otherwise the boring option is to flush 'em down the loo. However, the reason I was looking for a predator was that this seemed to be the most "organic", elegant and least time-consuming option for me

Please don't do that

 

[st3f]

Damn that's a 3 hour drive from me I'd definitely try your luck on eBay, you'll make a quick buck

Ah well. I'll go the ebay option if I can find the time

Some stores won't give you credit, but they may still take them if you ask them to adopt them.

Will try this

Please don't do that

And will try not to resort to that

 

[Colin_T]

Just reduce the temperature of the water and reduce the food going into the tank. If that doesn't work, scoop them out and take to a pet shop, as mentioned by others.