Many dead shrimp!

[Dimos]

Hi everyone,

recently most of my shrimp started dying and I cannot understand the reason. I moved the tank in a place where there is no direct sunlight and I monitor the temperature several times a day which stays constant around 78-79 degrees. I also check the water parameters and everything is as it should! Could it be that I didn't do very frequent water changes?

I am a little disappointed and I don't know if I will get more shrimp in the future. I have the red cherries and they are supposed to be from the strongest kind of shrimp.

Thanks,
Dimos

[jayc]

19 minutes ago, Dimos said:

I also check the water parameters and everything is as it should!

Can you tell us that those parameters are?

 

How old is your tank?

20 minutes ago, Dimos said:

red cherries and they are supposed to be from the strongest kind of shrimp

They are the hardiest of the ornamental shrimps, but still relatively sensitive to poor water conditions. 

[Dimos]

The "safe" parameters as considered in the Tetra test strips:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053PQL8M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All parameters were always within the safe values:

http://www.gridgit.com/postpic/2012/02/tetra-easy-strips-6-in-1-color-chart_420807.jpg

 

 

 

[jayc]

Hate to say it,  but don't trust test strips. The margin for error with test strips is too great. 

Get liquid test kits from API. ph, ammonia, gh as a minimum.

Kh, nitrites , nitrates if  you have more funds.

A TDS meter,  it's also very useful. 

pH and TDS pens are very cheap nowadays. Get them if you test water a lot. 

 

In the meantime ,  a water change won't hurt. 

Edited November 24, 2016 by jayc

[fishmosy]

Another point worth mentioning is that 'safe' levels for fish are not necessarily 'safe' levels for shrimp. Nitrates are a good example here, fish can handle much higher levels of nitrates than shrimp can. 

 

[Mr. F]

Also higher temps are not the best for shrimp. You're gonna wanna drop it down between 68-74 F for ideal conditions.

[Dimos]

21 hours ago, jayc said:

Hate to say it,  but don't trust test strips. The margin for error with test strips is too great. 

Get liquid test kits from API. ph, ammonia, gh as a minimum.

Kh, nitrites , nitrates if  you have more funds.

A TDS meter,  it's also very useful. 

pH and TDS pens are very cheap nowadays. Get them if you test water a lot. 

 

In the meantime ,  a water change won't hurt. 

Alright, I'll get myself a liquid test kit! Thanks!

3 hours ago, Mr. F said:

Also higher temps are not the best for shrimp. You're gonna wanna drop it down between 68-74 F for ideal conditions.

Well I heard from other members and sources that the ideal temperature is below 80F and if you want them to breed you want to temperature close to 80.

 

[Mr. F]

Well I heard from other members and sources that the ideal temperature is below 80F and if you want them to breed you want to temperature close to 80.
 

If you want them to *die you want temperature close to 80. Neos will pretty much breed in any temp between like 65-80 F. What I'm saying is that your shrimp will not live nearly as long. I've found 74 F to yield the most shrimp in a given tank over time. Any higher or lower and the count declines- much faster on the higher side.

[Dimos]

9 hours ago, Mr. F said:

If you want them to *die you want temperature close to 80. Neos will pretty much breed in any temp between like 65-80 F. What I'm saying is that your shrimp will not live nearly as long. I've found 74 F to yield the most shrimp in a given tank over time. Any higher or lower and the count declines- much faster on the higher side.

That's good to know, thank you so much!

Edited November 26, 2016 by Dimos

[Dimos]

I might get some more shrimp now that I know more tricks! I'll get the API test for sure, and keep the temp at 74F! Do you know if any petco or petsmart carry neocaridina davidi? Its too cold now in New England and I'm afraid they might die during transport.

Thanks,
Dimos

[Mr. F]

No, I don't think petsmart or petco will. You're gonna wanna find an LFS. If they don't, ask who among them orders the livestock and request some Neocaridina on special order (if they'll do that). Otherwise, it's usually very safe to ship shrimp if you know what you're doing. The temps that matter are below 20F and above 90F, but can be solved by a 72hr heat or cold pack, respectively. Aside from those usually no issues in shipping. Many great shippers in the US. I would include my self in that list. Lmk if you have any specific colors of neos you'd like and I can point you in the right direction of a reliable breeder/shipper.

[Dimos]

Las time I ordered from aquatic arts though Amazon and two shrimp died (bag was really cold).

Can you point me to some reliable sellers? I would prefer yellow and red/white or blue.

Thanks!

[Mr. F]

I'll PM you.

[jayc]

Very helpful @Mr. F. 

[Dimos]

I just asked petco in Cambridge MA, and they say they carry RCS for $3.99 each. The good thing is that you see them before you buy, instead of getting random shrimp.

[Mr. F]

I just asked petco in Cambridge MA, and they say they carry RCS for $3.99 each. The good thing is that you see them before you buy, instead of getting random shrimp.

Interesting. I now recall someone mentioning this at one point! Mostly in the south and east coast I think.