Newbie Setting up a New Tank

[Zorba]

Hello

 

I have never kept shrimp before, very excited to keep some. I have searched through the forum for basic set up advise and what a newbie needs to purchase in order to keep shrimp happy. Can anyone perhaps point out where I can find this information or can someone help with advise please

Sorry if I missed it!

Also I read in the welcome section that Mossimo balls are not allowed, is this still the case as there is someone advertising it for sale ( not here though)

 

Thanks

 

Andy

[fishmosy]

With regards to setting up a tank, there are a couple of articles in the library that are a great place to start.

For example:

http://shrimpkeepersforum.com/forum/index.php/page/articles.html/_/shrimp-care/so-you-got-some-shrimp-now-what-r35

Another great resource is the tank setup section. Most people post their water parameters and the set up of their tank, so there are lots of examples to copy. I wont link to any in particular as there are too many that are worthy of close reading for a new comer.

Additionally If you have a specific problem, please fel free to ask. There are no silly questions here.

With regards to the marimo balls - they are advertised elsewhere but they are illegal in Aus and are a protected organism in their native Japan. Buyer beware. For these reasons SKF does not allow marimo to be sold ect. here.

[Disciple]

Hello Zobra,

What shrimp are you wanting to keeping?

[OzShrimp]

How big is your tank and what type of shrimp are you wanting to keep?

Probably recommend Cherry shrimp to begin with if its your first time to get the basics down right unless you got money to burn whilst you learn :)

Were here to help!

[Squiggle]

+1 yep, totally depends on what shrimp you want to keep. As suggested, cherries are the best to learn on as they are cheap & a bit less fragile than any or the Caridina spp. A few good products to start with are a shrimp specific food (Srimp Crack is good ) a mineral supplement powder, a TDS pen to check the mineral content of your water, a good selection of test kits (pH, GH, KH, nitrate, nitrite & ammonia) & I always recommend getting mineral balls for any shrimp tank as they help keep the WP stable & also help to prevent algae. There are also a lot of other products you can get, these are more supplemental & are not absolutely necessary to start up your tank.

[Zorba]

Hello Zobra,

What shrimp are you wanting to keeping?

Thanks for the replies

 

The tank is 21 litres, I have used a coffs harbour type pebble for the flooring, placed anubrias on driftwood for plants, but am looking for fire moss. I do not have artificial light over the tank because it is next to a window

Unfortunately I do not have an endless budget so want to start with the cherry variety. However I am finding it hard to buy a breeding trio or couple of pairs. Whenever I respond to gumtree adds I never hear back. That's ok I will be patient as I would prefer to buy from someone here

 

Thanks for the help

[OzShrimp]

Best investment would be to invest in premium forum membership if you are intending to hang around long term as it gives you full access to the classifieds section and get what you need a lot quicker,

 

Even though you are utilising natural light you may still wish to invest in a light as you are able to control the amount of light the tank gets as you dont want your algae to get out of control. Also be better for your plants and mosses.

 

Cant comment on your base but you need to be careful of any rocks etc you put in the tank as it can alter your water perimeters. As Squiggle said you will need to invest in a good test kit. You can get a master test kit with the basics for like $60 and it will last you a long time. TDS pen for an average basic one i am pretty sure sponsors will sell or you can get one from ebay.

 

Best advice is not to rush it as it will not only hurt your hip pocket but potential for the shrimp to die.

[Zorba]

Thanks for the advise OzShrimp, will definitely not be rushing in. May have to look at a light option then

 

Will keep exploring the forum

[OzShrimp]

If you want to grow low to medium light plants and want to save money and run led's i find the up aqua pro z series pretty good value for money.