Shrimp tank

[BleuTheBetta]

Hello!
I have recently had the urge to get into shrimp. First off, I have a 2.5 gallon tank sitting around. Would that size fit any type of shrimp? Well, not exactly fit. Can any type of shrimp thrive in a tank that small? If not, then I may wait on this project.
Thanks!

 

[BrianK]

Test your water first. Different shrimp need different parameters. And sponge filters are good for shrimp.

 

[BleuTheBetta]

Test your water first. Different shrimp need different parameters. And sponge filters are good for shrimp.

I haven’t started the tank yet? It’s just empty and waiting. But these are tap water parameters-
0 ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine
7.9 - 8.2 ph
(I forgot the reading) but I have slightly alkaline water.
And thank you for the tip sponge filter wise!

 

[BrianK]

I haven’t started the tank yet? It’s just empty and waiting. But these are tap water parameters-
0 ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine
7.9 - 8.2 ph
(I forgot the reading) but I have slightly alkaline water.
And thank you for the tip sponge filter wise!

I would say neocaridina shrimp then with that PH.

 

[BrianK]

And read up on how to drip acclimate shrimp.

 

[Boundava]

I agree, with higher alkalinity the neocardina are the best choice. However if you're interested in getting a RODI system for your water you can keep soft water shrimp like Bee or tiger shrimp, you will just have to filter the water to keep it soft when you do any water changes. Many fish stores will sell ionized water, for a 2 and 1/2 gallon tank it won't be costly to purchase water to initially fill the tank and then to do small water changes for a shrimp tank. You wouldn't have to do WC often, possibly on a monthly.
Shrimp have a negligible bioload so they don't need large water changes on a weekly basis. I have tiger shrimp in a 6 gallon and I do a small 30% water change once a month. I do have the tank moderately planted as well.

 

[BleuTheBetta]

Thanks for the info! I’ll ask more when I need to.

 

[BleuTheBetta]

Would this sponge filter and pump work?
And what substrate would be best? I know that a lot of people use Fluval stratum. Is that a plant base or a cap?

 

[BleuTheBetta]

Would this sponge filter and pump work?
And what substrate would be best? I know that a lot of people use Fluval stratum. Is that a plant base or a cap?

?

 

[Boundava]

Tropica, UNS contrasoil or Fluval stratum are good choices for substrates as they won't leach ammonia like the ADA.

Is the tank in a general room or your bedroom. I ask because an air pump for a sponge filter can get loud and can impede your sleep. You can always add a small hang on back filter made from a manufacturer called Azoo. It the Azoo Mignon 60 and it's made for tanks up to 5 gallons. It also comes with a sponge guard for the intake to keep shrimp out of the filter. Bonus is the shrimp like to clean the sponge off so added enrichment.

https://www.amazon.com/AZOO-AZ13097-Mignon-Filter-60/dp/B005VEWCMO/ref=asc_df_B005VEWCMO/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167149786275&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7178661477236595710&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021488&hvtargid=pla-310389699515&psc=1

 

[BleuTheBetta]

Tropica, UNS contrasoil or Fluval stratum are good choices for substrates as they won't leach ammonia like the ADA.

Yep, okay, thanks!

Is the tank in a general room or your bedroom

My bedroom

I ask because an air pump for a sponge filter can get loud and can impede your sleep. You can always add a small hang on back filter made from a manufacturer called Azoo. It the Azoo Mignon 60 and it's made for tanks up to 5 gallons. It also comes with a sponge guard for the intake to keep shrimp out of the filter. Bonus is the shrimp like to clean the sponge off so added enrichment.

So then get that + the sponge filter or just the HOB?

 

[Boundava]

Just the HOB, shrimp have a very small bioload. The filter will be more than enough. I would just recommend that you let the tank cycle first and let it run for at least a month so you can get a good growth of algae in the tank as that is the best food for the shrimp. Of course if you add leaf litter you can get a whole bunch of little crustaceans and a lot of biofilm to grow which is also excellent food for shrimp. Once you get your tank well established you really don't have to feed the shrimp much of anything else as they're very good at scavenging for their own food.

 

[BleuTheBetta]

Just the HOB, shrimp have a very small bioload. The filter will be more than enough. I would just recommend that you let the tank cycle first and let it run for at least a month so you can get a good growth of algae in the tank as that is the best food for the shrimp. Of course if you add leaf litter you can get a whole bunch of little crustaceans and a lot of biofilm to grow which is also excellent food for shrimp. Once you get your tank well established you really don't have to feed the shrimp much of anything else as they're very good at scavenging for their own food.

Okay, perfect!! Thank you very much.

 

[Lainie]

I got some great info from here when I was starting to keep shrimp x https://www.shrimplyexplained.com x

 

[seangee]

Here is another primer https://www.theshrimpfarm.com/posts/shrimp-caresheet-red-cherry-shrimp/
I would go for inert sand for the substrate and easy plants. If you do decide on an HOB filter you need to make sure the intake won't suck in shrimplets - you can us a piece of stocking or similar to prevent this.
You don't have to worry about neos breeding out of control - the population will grow to what the tank can sustain.
Personally I do feed mine, just good quality fish food - but they don't need much.

Oh and make sure you only get one colour / type - otherwise in a few months you will end up with a tank full of brown shrimp.