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Up Aqua Soil versus Shrimp Sand


kapp

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Hi All,

Further to me recent thread (http://www.shrimpkeepersforum.com/forum/showthread.php/2914-Help-needed-new-shrimp-sabout-to-arrive-and-pH-doing-crazy-things?p=32377#post32377), I'm going to go and get some Up Aqua shrimp "sand", hopefully tonight and put it in the tank.

Doing some research, it seems often that without knowing it people maybe using the term Up Aqua Soil when meaning Up Aqua Shrimp Sand and visa versa. My LFS has the shrimp sand and highly recommends it. But I'm a little cautious given my recent run in with the soil.

Doing a little bit of research I've confirmed that the soil can someimte sbe inconsistent from bag to bag and can crash the pH - like what's happened to me. Seems the soil laso has to be cycled for 2-3 weeks (mine's been cycling for 2 and is still bringing down the pH o 4.0).

So given that, are there any issues people have had with the Up Aqua shrimp sand. LFS says it doesn't need to be cycled like the soil and can be usd straight away. (Looking at past threads, it seems the sand doesn't cloud the water like the soil does when disturbed either.)

If all goes well, would it be safe to put the shrimp in tonight or tomorrow or should I wait longer? (CRS and goldens.)

Any comments or thoughts are very much appreciated.

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I have put yellow cherry shrimp in straight away using shrimp sand, as long as you have a mature tank, filter and old tank water there shouldn't be a problem. Up aqua soil is meant for plants where as sand is for shrimp. I have not had much luck with shrimp using the up aqua soil have had a few deaths especially with berried gals even though water is perfect as confirmed by tests, up shrimp sand is a great product only it tends to break down faster than I like. I recommend going with benibachi shrimp soil if you can get it.

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Thanks guys. Took the plunge last ngith and this morning, all shrimp still doing well. Very happy about that.

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Great to hear & good info to know for the future, great thread dude :encouragement:

1194932213729ronaldmacdonald_zpsb022aec8.jpg

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