My first 1 ft shrimp tanks setup

[diki]

Just managed to buy a cheap 1 ft glass tank so I finally got into setting up my first shrimp tank. Now have 2 Nanas and a drift wood with java moss tied onto it. Also running a sponge filter (small one). Now got 4 tiger barbs in it to cycle the tank first. Also have lapis sand at the base. Just started cycling the tank yesterday evening. Below are some questions:

1. When is a good time to introduce the shrimps? Intend to get 10 Cherry shrimps only. Ok. for now...
2. Is the sponge filter good enough?
3. The tank is put at the window. My concern is the temperature since I don't intent to put any light for this tank. Intend to DIY a fan for the tank.
4. Wat is the maximum number of shrimps I can put in the tank? Size about 1 ft x 0.5ft x 0.5 ft.

Any advice for me? Thanks.

[imi_sky]

#1 put in the shrimps when the tank is cycled since shrimps are sensitive to ammonia
#2 spong filters are great for shrimps, soon ull get lots of babys
#3 the heat should be fine if your in singapore then put it somewhere where the shrimps can get shade, also algae will grow everywhere
#4 about 10 shrimps i would say,

[dom]

Before you introduce the shrimp in. Please check on the water from lfs which they keeping the shrimp. And compare with your water. Mostly is PH and temperature.

You are placing them at the windows. It is fine if raining day. But not really good if sunny day. The temp will went up to 32-34C easily. (I placed my emersed crypts inside a tank with some water in near windows. Found the temp went up to 33C before.)

I believe in good biology and ecology will create a better environment for shrimp. Putting barbs is good to cycle the tank. My 2ft tank was running for 2 months with tetra before i introduce any shrimp in.

[simcb]

Correct Ph for shrimps is important cycling for shrimp tank is always underestimated.... 1 mth minimum to be safe. Try to put the tank away from the sunlight even if u have co2 input. Without sufficient co2...u will have major algae problems later.

The fans will disturb the mozzies from laying their eggs.

Water parameters to take note:
1. Ph
2. Temp(under the sunlight? keep the tank cool with fans)
3. Sufficient cycling ...how i know?... test for No2,No3,Ammonia

[diki]

Thanks for all your advice so far. Keep it coming...

Looks like I will wait for the tank to cycle for around 1 mth first before getting the 10 shrimps. :cry: Must wait that long.... but best for the shrimps...

Even the tank is near the window, it does not usually get direct sunlight (position of my window is more to South). I got put riccia and java moss there with just tap water (full water change every 2 wks) and still grows well. :D Got slight algae in tat container. Will monitor the temp of the tank with my digi thermometer tis weekend to see the variations of temp. Since I do not intent to get any lighting, sunlight is free for my nanas and java moss. Hope this plan works. Else shift to my office then... :p

Will likely DIY my fan (did for my 2 ft tank) for this tank. See if I got time to get the equipement to do it during one of the weekends.

[dom]

Better dont perform full water change since you want to keep shrimp.

[diki]

dom, don't worry. I only do full water change for the container with only plants. This shrimp tank would only partial water change (10-15% max). :)

[NanoDave]

Do keep us updated of your progress! :)

[diki]

Just an update on the temp of the tank. Using the digi thermometer, it shows about 27.6 degrees to 28.9 degrees. :shocked: Looks like the shrimps would get cooked by the high temp. Did get the 350mA adaptor and should be trying out my DIY fan when I got time to do it. Then see how the temp. The nana seems to get algae on the leaves in this tank. Don't have this problem in the old tank. Since they are also rather big, may change my mind and replace them. Now soaking my bogwood for a few days and if size can fit, will tie with java moss and put in my nano tank.

The 4 tiger barbs that I use to cycle the tank like to hide instead of swimming around, like they use to in the other 2 ft tank. Will leave them as it is or put in a few more.

Don't have any test kits so cannot find out the water parameters. Intent do some water change 20-50% soon.

[silane]

Just an update on the temp of the tank. Using the digi thermometer, it shows about 27.6 degrees to 28.9 degrees. :shocked

Which part of the day did u make the measurement? In afternoon the temperature can be more when the tank is near window.

[diki]

Which part of the day did u make the measurement? In afternoon the temperature can be more when the tank is near window.

The temperature was taken throughout the whole day. I just take a look at the digi thermometer when I walked over. You are right about the temp higher during the aftenoon.

[Walter]

Thats a definite, the sun's right on top during the noon. :D

Good luck on your shrimp keeping adventure! :D

[diki]

Thats a definite, the sun's right on top during the noon. :D

Good luck on your shrimp keeping adventure! :D

Thanks. This is not the first time but previuosly in my planted tank, all of them died. They are either due to the temperature changes (using ice to cool down the water) or too much CO2 injection. Never thought of it until too late. Death rates everyday until all gone. :cry: This time round would be more careful.

[NanoDave]

Just to contribute my experience that using ice in small tanks is not advisable.. I used ice in my nano tank before and the temperature dropped rapidly, but once it all melted (didn't take long too) the temperature will rise just as quickly as it had dropped.. :)

[retardo]

Ditto to what nanodave said. Never use ice to cool down the water. The rapid change in water temp, as well as differences in temp at the surface (ice floats) v. on the bottom, can cause unnecessary stress on your shrimp. Definitely not something you want/need. It's a quick recipe for death. :cry:

[diki]

Cannot upload pic? Don't know why.