Any Updates on Water Parameters For Sulawesi Shrimps

[scarlett]

Dear shrimps expert out there,

I will be starting a Sulawesi shrimp tank soon and have been reading up articles in forums on water parameters for these critters. I m informed that the pH should range about 8-8.5 and temp should be 28-30 degrees Celsius. And of course, NH3, NH4 should be kept very minimal. But I do have conflicting knowlegde on the level of gH.

Any input will be very much appreciated! Thanks!

Best Regards :)
Ken

[imke_j]

Most keepers with offspring use osmosis water to fill up the tank for the first time and have GH 1-6 and KH 5-6. TDS should be kept low (under 200).

[scarlett]

Thank you for the reply!:)

Anyone using coral sand or crush corals as the substrate? Thinking of using fine coral sand as substrate. I have also read in forums that lava rocks increases the chances of keeping the cardinals alive. Anyone has any first hand experience to share on using lava rocks for Sulawesi set-up? Hope the questions are not too superficial, I just really wanna be sure before I jump in....;)

Regards
Ken

[imke_j]

Thank you for the reply!:)
Anyone using coral sand or crush corals as the substrate?

I used both, but put the coral stuff in my external filter to have control of the hardness readings. Lava is very welcome by Sulawesi shrimps; the most important point over all is that your tank has to be fully cycled! Sulawesi often don't address to food directly, but constantly pick it up from everywhere in your tank. It should also have a very good filtration and clear water. Use bigger sponge filters f.e. Good Luck!

[scarlett]

I used both, but put the coral stuff in my external filter to have control of the hardness readings. Lava is very welcome by Sulawesi shrimps; the most important point over all is that your tank has to be fully cycled! Sulawesi often don't address to food directly, but constantly pick it up from everywhere in your tank. It should also have a very good filtration and clear water. Use bigger sponge filters f.e. Good Luck!

Hi imke_j,

Thanks for the input, I have matured bio media for the set-up and will definitely make sure that the tank is fully cycled with nil readings of ammonia and nitrite and minimal nitrate readings before introducing the delicate cardinals into the set-up. Will be working on this project in a month time. Can't wait for it! :D:cool:

[killer007]

ah if your use the coral stuff in the external, what do you use as the bottom?
Thanks

[killer007]

Um i see hardware store have some "vocanic rock"...
the color is black and i think they are use for gardening...
do you think those rock can be put into the tank as the bottom?

[aelysa]

In one tank I have a 1/2 inch of crushed shell/coral. These shrimp are doing very well.
In the other tank I have coral sand. I have more deaths in proportion of population.

[killer007]

ah thanks...
cuz i was thinking if he put it in the external filter, maybe his tank is bare bottom...

[imke_j]

ah thanks...
cuz i was thinking if he put it in the external filter, maybe his tank is bare bottom...
I used Aquaclay gravel in the tank; but you can use small lava gravel, too.

[BiggestShrimp]

Um i see hardware store have some "vocanic rock"...
the color is black and i think they are use for gardening...

Does it come in a big bag and are the rocks all small like the size of a garden snail? I think it would be a good addition once you wash it well, the contrast is nice compared to red lava but it is small pieces. Lava rock is innert so it wont affect the water parameters at all. I wish it came in large chunks then that would be really nice.

As far as the conditions for Sulawesi shrimp they can adapt to many conditions. Once I tested the water of a Sulawesi keeper and he had a TDS of 800 and when I tested the gH it was 16+( I just stopped testing after 16) kH was 18+ as well. These shrimp were breeding as well but not very much, 3 berried in 6 months. ph and temperature I feel are the most important. Keep them at around 82F and 8-8.6 pH is perfect. Also try to keep a low TDS less than 300ppm is fine.

[killer007]

ah....maybe i think about using that if they sell it in canada...

yes yes the black rocks...but its like 5x the size of garden snail....
maybe i get that too...
cuz it really make them stand out and its cheap hahahahah

[CrystalMethShrimp]

Are they for your substrate, killer?

Can I find those at homehardware?
and how are you planning on preparing them?