You have been making changes over the earlier period so that may make a difference and the tank is more established the longer you go so don't be put off trying blues and blacks again, from a different source. Those ones did better with me but they were from a different supplier than the reds. I would personally doubt the 'colour' would make any difference, more likely to be the source/breeder? Still, those red ones are stunning so you can't loose either way! Don't be put off trying again from a different supply though!
Woohoo! More shrimplets, at this rate you may soon need a bigger tank?
My newly set up tank is being a bit stubborn and not moving from nitrates of 25........ I will test it again on wednesday and if it s still being stubborn I guess I will have to do a big(gish) water change, d'oh! I guess if I use just RO water and do 8L (1/3) it will get the GH and TDS to the better parameters at the same time. Thankfully it is a rubbish UK weather week so shoudn't be too warm.Luckily I also haven't put the buckets away from setting the tank up.
Simon