Leaving For A Week

[Pintomare11]

I recently got 4 ghost shrimp from the pet store and stuck them in my betta's old 2 gallon. I used water from an established tank as well as the water they came with (there was nothing else in the tank so no worries about transferring diseases. Or I just couldn't find my net...) and some gravel from the betta tank, so they are not in a completely new setup. However, I completely forgot that I have to go home for a week over college break and I don't think I can handle getting the shrimp and the bettas home... So I want to leave the shrimp here for a week. I was planning on taking out one of the java fern's from my betta's tank to give them something to feed on/maintain water quality and I was wondering if that was a viable option or if it was going to be necessary to bring the shrimp home? They're supposedly easy to take care of but I know they're also pretty sensitive. 
 
Also can they even stay in the 2 gal? One of my bettas will eat them for sure, but I could always stick them in my 10 gallon back home where I already have about 5 ghost shrimp.

 

[l_l_l]

Shrimp are really sensitive.
As soon as ammonia is present in the tank, they should die.
I really hope that tank was cycled before you did that!
 
Adding plants could help, but I suggest adding something that eats more ammonia and nitrates than a java fern.
Something that grows fast is good. Guppy Grass per example is perfect for shrimp.

 

[Pintomare11]

Yes the tank was cycled, that's why I used the water. And I know how sensitive they are, I usually do weekly water changes, so I'm not incredibly worried about water quality so much as them having food. I obviously can't just drop a lot in before I leave for the aforementioned reasons. Thank you for the plant advice. I keep java fern because it's very aesthetically pleasing while also insanely easy to care for (Mine is thriving and I do not do anything to it). Is guppy grass also easy to care for? 

I went back and re-read that and realized the first part sounded very defensive, it wasn't meant to be!  I'm appreciative of any good advice

 

[attibones]

Water would have very little nitrifying bacteria. It's media you need: porous surfaces, sponges, substrate, ceramic balls, etc. The gravel might have enough bacteria to sustain four shrimp, but old tank water will not.

Guppy grass (also known as naja grass) is very simple to care for. Java moss and moss balls are favorites among most shrimp species. Fast growing floating plants such as water spangle or frogbit are also fantastic choices. I frequently see my cherries hanging onto the dangling roots looking for nummies.

 

[Pintomare11]

I just ordered the guppy grass. Thank y'all.