Filter slits dilemma

[Kelly]

Ok I have a 8 gallon tank I want to use as a breeding tank.... the issue is it has a built in filter and the slits are big enough for shrimp to slip through.... infact some did. The filter is off because of this issue. Does anyone have a idea on how I should block the slits off? I’m unsure how to add a picture with my Apple iPad... or I would

[Kelly]

Also I hope they smart enough to find a way out ... My small net only fits in one part of the internal filter which is frustrating... which will become a issue when I do figure out a way to block it and need to get the shrimp out....

[sdlTBfanUK]

It depends on the filter, if it is one with slots to the back then you can either put a piece of sponge behind or in front of the slots. It will reduce the flow though and need cleaning the sponge often so it doesnt block too badly? When I had one of these type of tanks it also meant the level of water in the rear section dropped dramatically so you will need also to keep an eye on that, especially if you have a heater in the back!

It may be easier to just get a plain tank and cheap sponge filter?

Simon

[Kelly]

It’s in built in the back. I’m unsure if a sponge do the trick... I would take a picture but I keep getting  1003.52kb error message....I thinking maybe going to Michael and get a plastic mash....I have to do this soon because one of my shrimp is berried.......

[sdlTBfanUK]

The picture file size may be too big, can you reduce that by maybe takng a lower resolution/quality picture?

Simon

[Kelly]

I’m not sure how to do that on my Apple iPad

Wait maybe I figured it out....

[Kelly]

I took the filter out for now

[sdlTBfanUK]

That looks very similar to the one I had. I assume the water is sucked through the slits (bottom right of the tank) and runs back into the tank via that cut down portion on the back wall, is that correct?

Where does the pump go (with the clear tubing), in the small rear section with the slits or in the larger section with the cut down at the top, I assume it goes in the large section and pumps the water up to the cut out where it flows over into the tank, down the back wall?

Where does the filter go, I assume it is just a piece of sponge?

Simon

[Kelly]

Left corner this is what the filter looks like

[sdlTBfanUK]

That isn't actually a filter, but just a pump to get the water up to the top I think, or is there sponge in the top box? I can't see anywhere specifically for a filter?

All you need is a large piece of sponge (not too fine though) to fill the smaller back right section, that goes from top to bottom (you only need the bottom half but that makes it difficult to remove the sponge for maintenance), and therefore stops the shrimps going through the slits and acts as a filter as well. I think I got cheap sponge on ebay or amazon and cut it to size for mine. You may need to turn the speed of the pump down (-) if you can. You will probably need to remove the sponge once a week so that the slits don't get clogged and keep an eye on the water levels in the rear sections as that will drop, the more clogged the sponge is! If you are using a heater it would be best in the actual tank due to the altering water levels in the back???

The shrimp will still go to those bottom right slits as detritus will collect there.

Simon

Edited March 6 by sdlTBfanUK

[Crabby]

Try what Simon said. He’s spot on. You can try getting the shrimp out just with your hands probably, if they fit, not much we can do to help you there unfortunately.

[Kelly]

Ok problem solved:) I went to  michaels craft store bought a plastic mesh  for 2.50 and glue gun it to back after I empty tank and pulled out 15+ shrimp from the filter department. Hopefully that solves the problem I turn filter back on. 

[Crabby]

It's hard to get a gauge on the size of the holes in the mesh... there's a chance that newborn shrimplets could get through, from what I can see.

[sdlTBfanUK]

That should work bar a few newborns that may fit through depending upon the gauge as crabby states. You will need to keep cleaning the area where the slits are as they will get blocked otherwise. That should be easy though, just get a new cheap toothbrush!

Simon

[Kelly]

Well they got through again...so I took them out and I think issues were I use the whole mesh and didn’t glue it down well. This time I cut it to only go over the slits and glued it down well. I also got shrimp and plant substrate called flu also stratum. The tank refilled and set up but without shrimp in it. I bought a shrimp safe filter.  Right now water foggy. The shrimp are in my smaller 5 gallon tank for now....to bad it’s too small they seem to like it better....

[Kelly]

I actually like the set up in the little tank.... wonder if I can make it like this in the 8 gallon. Funny thing is I just plop it in without thought. After chasing 17+ shrimp out of the filter area 2x within a day I was tired. 

[sdlTBfanUK]

The shrimp would be fine in the 5 gallon if you want to leave them in there? There may not actually be much difference as the 8 gallon looks taller and shrimp only occupy the base are so what is best is the largest base area, rather than volume, that is why specialist shrimp tanks aren't very tall!

Getting shrimp from the rear sections of the original tank can be done using a 'turkey baster', they are cheap enough to buy and I cut the tip back a bit to make the opening bigger.

Simon

[jayc]

13 hours ago, sdlTBfanUK said:

I cut the tip back a bit to make the opening bigger.

Great "tip" !

[Kelly]

My 1st berried female

[Kelly]

There’s moles in tank so I’m sure there be more on the way

flap she dropped the eggs.....