SKF Aquatics (Shrimp Keepers Forum) welcomes newone1992.

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hello i got my first shrimps today they came of a freecycle so i saved them some are red some are like grey 

I need to learn as much as i can as quick as i can i have some live plants i am going to try and get the bigger tank setup shell i plant them in gravel i dont no much about growing plants in a tank but i think the shrimp will like them also thinking of getting some hides for them i have only got a heater at the min an they have gravel 

do i need to keep a lid on the tank or will they be okay i do want to keep them but i dont want to get so stressed i cant so if anyone can help me understand i would be grateful thank you 

Welcome to SKF Aquatics. Have you got any pics of the shrimp? Some natives are crawlers and a lid would be beneficial but others aren't and no lids would be fine.

Hello these some photos i got it all with them i cleaned the tank now as that was like it when i got it but i haven't been able to take my own photos yet these are what the ad showed but if i can will try and upload my own i dont how to take a photo of them close up dont want to hurt them 

Hi Newone

Planting what you have in the gravel would be ok especially if you put root tabs of fertilizer under them. There are heaps of dedicated plant substrates on the market that would be better but they cost a lot. Gravel does not supply any nutrients to them but over time the mulm (fish waste) builds up in it and the plants will use that.

The shrimp do not really need hiding places especially for them. They will find a way to hide from you anyway but if you put any fish in there the smaller ones will be eaten unless there is a lot of places to go that the fish cant. I dont recommend fish with the shrimp. It looks like a lot of Red Cherry Shrimp there and the clear ones may be a low grade or something else. When they get more comfortable in the tank they might colour up some more and then you can see what they really are.

The number one thing for keeping shrimp is to keep the water stable. Use a good water conditioner like seachem prime to remove the chlorine/chloramine before putting the water in the tank. It is highly recommended you get a fresh water master test kit to monitor the water with. Get the water to close to the tank temp before putting it in. Oh and shrimp like a lower temp than fish so 21-24c is good.

Most LFS dont know a lot about keeping shrimp so before listening to their advice and buying anything just jump on here and ask a question. There is a lot more to it but i have to go to work. Read up as much as you can and getting on SKF Aquatics was a wise choice.

Welcome @newone1992 :) Would love to see some more pics when the tank is established !

i still trying to set it all up what filter do i need as the one i have looks to big?

my shrimp just sit on the bottom is that what they do? they not moving to much please help

1 hour ago, newone1992 said:

i still trying to set it all up what filter do i need as the one i have looks to big?

my shrimp just sit on the bottom is that what they do? they not moving to much please help

What kind of filter do you have?  How many L/hr does it do and how big is your tank?  Many people would say it's hard to have a filter that's too BIG.  As long as the current it creates isn't tossing everything in your tank around all the time, bigger is probably ok. There are lots of things you can do to tone down a strong filter's current - aim the outlet to a tank wall or large rock, add a few bends in the outlet line (may shorten the life of the motor), or extend the outlet if it's something like a spray bar. I think most shrimpers aim for considerably higher then the recommended filtration.  Just make sure it's got some sort of extra fine guard on the intake or is a sponge filter with fine pores - baby shrimp are tiny.

Shrimp do spend most of their time basically walking around looking for food.  They do swim through the water, but not that often, especially compared to say... fish.  But they should be moving at least some.  If it's a new environment, they might be more prone to hiding and staying still than usual.  Have you checked your water parameters?  Have the shrimp been in the tank without any filter on?

Did you read this 

Post some of your WP and describe how you set up the tank. Has the tank cycled? Was the filter full of water when you got it home or was it dry? Did you wash it out and what water did you use? What temp is the tank now? Do you have an air pump and stone running? Do you have a light on and for how long?

We can help but you need to provide as much info as possible. Photo's tell a thousand words also.

The water is fine they are moving more now i dont think they like the light much 

I took the filter out it was hoovering up the babies they are all alive i have fed them shrimp food they have eaten it when i got them they were left in a bucket with no heat for 6 hours they look so much happier now