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Hi, As promised, here is a status: So I finally got my test kits. Here are the results from right now actually: NO3 / NO2 / NH4 = 0 GH = 5 KH = 0-1 Conductivity = 250 us/cm PH = 6.5 I guess these are all perfect. Hope my next batch of shrimps makes it this time

Setting up a new tank for some Neos, as I scored this insanely cheap, NIB tank. It’s been cycling for about two weeks. Considering orange or red Rilis, but haven’t decided yet as I have cycle time remaining. Specs: Tank: WaterBox 10 gallon AIO Cube SUMP Area Filtration: Filter sock, Bio Spheres, Lava Rock pieces in Mesh bags Lighting: Asta 20( still waiting on it to arrive) Substrate: Black Diamond Blast Media Sand, and Small amount of ADA Aquasoil My tap water is worrying me, as the PH is 7.8, but the GH/KH match at 2.0, while tds is 190. This doesn’t give me a lot of wiggle room with TDS to adjust, correct? Should o just us RO water remineralized with Salty Shrimp GH/KH+? I already use RO in my Caridina tanks. What TDS should I be shooting for, as everyone seems to have a different idea of perfect parameters.

I had six RCS in my Fluval Spec V and around a week ago lost one to a failed molt. Thinking likely too big of a water change. The others did fine, however they have resorted to hiding almost 24/7 a couple days after loosing that one. It’s a moderately planted tank but given its size there’s really only a few places to hide I can’t see. Any thoughts on why they’ve gone into hiding? Would the decrease in numbers really make them feel more vulnerable? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am expecting them next week: Tangerine & Bloody Mary

I can't be too sure with those photos, but I THINK I can make out the 3rd side section circle that would be females, but it is difficult to see on those pictures! Try watching this video then you may be able to see if you can tell: https://skfaquatics.com/forum/forums/topic/14104-telling-male-from-female-shrimp/?tab=comments#comment-134729 They look nice healthy shrimp. You only need 1 male for multiple females so hopefully 1 is male and you should be covered! Simon

Thanks for all the input and ideas. The molts were several days ago so I would’ve expected them to come back out by now (at least they did before). The big water change wasn’t intended either...got carried away vacuuming the gravel. I’m hoping I have a male but not completely sure. Here’s a couple pictures of possible males, but I think they’re likely female: Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The best overall way to get the best water would be using RO water and GH/KH+ as that way you know the water has everything in the ideal balance and is stable. I started doing some tests on my tap water and it changes ludicrously every time I test it, to the point there isn't any point testing it in reality any more so I have given that up. All of your parameters, except GH look perfect but it would be a lot more involved (if even possible?) to adjust just the one parameter, using water with the right TDS figure, but what makes up that figure, you will never know and can change without you realising! I think I would aim for Ph7-7.5, TDS around 200, Kh 2-4, Gh 6-8 but don't fixate on hitting a fixed perfect number too much, the best balance you get with the GH/KH+ should be fine - just mix to around TDS 200, then check where that takes the other parameters? Take it from there. As JayC has mentioned before you can cycle with tap water and then do a complete water change when the cycle has completed ready for the shrimp, especially in your case as most of the parameters will be fairly close between the two! I am assuming that you are already cycling with tap water anyway. I assume/hope all is doing well in the caridina tak setup now? Simon

It is probably several factors, firstly as JayC states, they hide when they moult as they are very vulnerable until their new shell hardens. As you say as well they are more likely to emerge the more other shrimp are out and about (and you only have a few at this point) as they must feel safer I assume. I have also noticed over the years that the weather affects them, when it is a bright sunny day less of them come out (even though my tank is not near direct light) so if the weather where you are is as changeable as here (UK, unlikely though) they may be reacting to that! A bright sunny day and they don't come out much here, but being UK we don't get too many of those. You shouln't really need to do any more than 10% water changes unless you are still cycling the tank (or have fish in the tank as well), and that could kill shrimp, but add any new water slowly with some sort of dripper setup! It sounds like you are doing well in reality. I always lose some shrimp (or even fish) of any new batchs and think losing 1 of 6 in the first couple of weeks pretty much the norm. Hopefully the rest will do fine and start breeding soon? Simon

Were the moults recent? Shrimps have have moutled recently usually go into hiding for a while. That could explain some of the hiding. Your parameters look okay for cherry shrimps. Hopefully your TDS is below 200, but you will find out when you get the TDS meter. What about Nitrates?

pH is 7.0 (new spider wood keeping it lower) but stable, GH7, KH4. TDS meter is on the way. Temp is ~70 (no heater, stable room temp) I have seen a couple successful molts since the death as well. I would normally see 4-6 of them around the tank and now it’s maybe 2. No other new additions or changes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It could be incorrect water parameters, causing them to hide. What are your pH, KH, GH, temps, and TDS? Hopefully you have test kits for these parameters.

Simon is right. If your water parameter is already high in KH, you don't want to add coral.