Blue Tigers losing colour over time

[freakyshrimp]

Firstly hello to everyone, my blue tigers seem to lose their dark blue colouration over a period of months. It happens to most of them but not all and they end up looking a lot like regular tigers only with the orange eyes. They are from 2 different breeders both here in the UK and also Germany. I'm not sure if it's a feeding issue or my water parameters that are causing this. I feed 3 different types of shrimp pellets alternately and sometimes fresh blanched spinach and frozen baby brine shrimp. They are in an 80 litre planted tank, GH 13, KH 8, Ph 7.5, 24C, and their other tankmates are some sakura cherries. They breed regularly and the offspring seem to be paler blue specimens. Could someone offer some suggestions for me to try please.

[imke_j]

Water parameter look okay for me; temperature should not be higher. Which color has the gravel you use? Has your tank a high density of population?

[freakyshrimp]

There are 8 adult tigers and 3 adult cherries plus around 30-40 babies of less than 1cm. I did think it could be due to the the light coloured sand substrate in this tank but they started losing colour when I had them in a different tank with ADA Amazonia. Out of the 8 tigers there are only 2 left with the original dark blue ink colour so not sure what the cause is.

[imke_j]

If shrimp do not show so good color, it's a hint that they don't feel so well. Some Blue Tiger tend to be darker when using a dark gravel. Can you show a pic of your tank set up?

[Frank]

I keep mine on coral sand.
They may look darker on black gravel but they don´t loose all colour on a light ground.
Blue tigers show more intensive colours in harder water.
Your parameters are right for that species. They are measured in the tank with ADA soil?
I guess the hardness is lowered by that soil. :huh:

[Kataro]

I have the same problem with my Blue Tiger, I would buy them very dark blue from seller and after a couple weeks, some will be light blue or even blonde with a blue hue... I observed this in August when my temperature was about 72-74 constant.. Now as winter comes, I observe a particular male in my tank that USED to be a blond tiger, but now he is very dark (I know it's the same one because he is extremely big for a Blue Tiger).

[freakyshrimp]

Just a few pictures of the shrimps in question, as you can see I do still have some that are dark blue but the light coloured ones used to be just as dark.

[Kataro]

are you supplement any other minerals for them by chance? I forgot to say I started add Mosura Mineral Plus and Shirakura special powder along with the 1-2F degree reduction when I notice that particular tiger getting more blue

[freakyshrimp]

Hi Kataro,
I add Biomax Bio calcium & Minerals every 2 days these are small white pellets that you give every other day in place of food pellets. I've also got a montmorillonite stone in their tank ( not sure that they care much for this). I also add Biomax MicroEnzymes but usually only when the babies are very young and Shirakura white mineral powder every now and then. I might order some Mosura mineral plus and cut out all the other supplements, it's worth trying anything to restore their original colour. I turned the heater down a fraction yesterday and will aim for around 22C.

Hi Frank, the measurements given are from their present tank which has Caribsea white sand as substrate which is supposed to be inert and not change any params.

Joanne

[Scorpio]

Just a few pictures of the shrimps in question, as you can see I do still have some that are dark blue but the light coloured ones used to be just as dark.

When I bought blue tigers a few went paler too. I assumed it was due to the lower pH of 6 they were in, but I never found out due to a heater malfunction ;( boiled them.

I hope you find the problem soon!

Also what shrimp do you keep? Are you interested in exchanging or selling me a few shrimp seeing as we're both in the UK?

[NeyaNey]

I keep mine on coral sand.
They may look darker on black gravel but they don´t loose all colour on a light ground.
Blue tigers show more intensive colours in harder water.
Your parameters are right for that species. They are measured in the tank with ADA soil?
I guess the hardness is lowered by that soil. :huh:

my tank with blue tigers is black background acrylic and Tahitian moon sand. I can't even see my blue tigers they blend so well

[Mirador]

Some of my shrimp have faded also though they are crystal reds. They faed abruptly right after moulting. It seems dietary to me. These mineral supplements that you mention..where can one buy them? Maybe Amano store in San FRancisco.Other than that,I cannot even think of a place to buy shrimp supplements.Shrimp food has now become routine to buy but not supplements.

[NeyaNey]

FWIW,
I'm new to shrimp. I had found breeding discus in the past that most things targetted tword discus/ fish breeding in general cost more. So I did my research to find alternatives.
My first crystals were purchased rather drab and labelled grade A. Within weeks they colored up very nicely and their white became much whiter. I did not purchase ANY shrimp specific supplement or food.
My regimine is as follows.
First and foremost water and water quality. Stability then water changes(I change 10-25% water 2-3 times weekly on a small bioload. My shrimp
seem happier.
Secondly my tap gh is 2d. I bump it up to 4-5 with the use of coralife invert supplement. Meant for saltwater, but only affects GH(not KH and PH). I couldvr purchased specific calcium powers in bulk for this purpose but as I only use a couple drops weekly and the bottle was on sale it was worth it.
Third food I feed omega one shrimp tablets(no coppers), tetra flake, boiled veggies(whatever is for dinner and I'm eating that day).

My "secret" the slightest pinch of reef salt. I have some anyways - filled with trace elements and iodine/de to help with molting. If I didn't have it I wouldn't even bother dosing iodine. Seems to help. May be placebo. Was suggested by a local shrimp breeder.

Things I want to add to my regimine:
montromillomite clay - I believe to be the same as "crs mineral mud" can be purchased in bulk or at least in larger quanities as a koi supplement.

Algae paste - would be totally expirimental because it's for saltwater feeding of Rotifers. But I can see no better way to feed baby shrimplets IF it works.

Maybe someday I'll break down and buy shrimp specific items. But in all honesty I do not think the pricing is justified. Many will dissagree with me.