Cherry Red Shrimp Advice Needed.

[PrairieSunflower]

So, thereabouts a week ago I decided to start up a tank for just my cherry red shrimp so they would start breeding and surviving. I've been reading up on how to best care for the tank (not the shrimp, the tank)... and my reading has advised me not to clean the gravel as that would mean I would also be sucking up potential babies which are impossible to see.... so, I've done my first water change (80%) and adding fresh water has disturbed the debris from the gravel.... I'm contemplating whether I should change it again right away or not.

Is this the best way to proceed... ie not vaccuming the gravel??

 

[Fishy friend2]

try the plate method. Use a plate that hasnt been washed in soap and pour water over is or something similar and the gravel isnt likely to be disturbed but IMO I still think you should use a gravel vacuum. Put a pantyhose over it to prevent from sucking up any Babies

 

[PrairieSunflower]

try the plate method. Use a plate that hasnt been washed in soap and pour water over is or something similar and the gravel isnt likely to be disturbed but IMO I still think you should use a gravel vacuum. Put a pantyhose over it to prevent from sucking up any Babies

Great, thanks! I will go with the pantyhose idea... I should be able to place it inside my vaccume so I can still suck up gravel and not have any potential babies in my bucket. I likely don't have any babies in there yet anyhow!

 

[Fishy friend2]

They breed pretty fast So I wouldnt doubt it! lol. I use that method for my newborn Betta Fry

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I'm not sure what I'm even looking for when it comes to eggs and babies! A few females have yellow saddles which I read meant they have eggs in their ovaries... but I've not seen any eggs being fanned... I've mistaken their moving legs for eggs a few times though...

 

[Fishy friend2]

lol. I would have done that too! sadly I dont have any cherry shrimp though as to start a colony of 5 it would cost me alot of money. they are expensive here

 

[PrairieSunflower]

lol. I would have done that too! sadly I dont have any cherry shrimp though as to start a colony of 5 it would cost me alot of money. they are expensive here

Really? They are super cheap here if you get them from a breeder (I've gotten some off ebay once and others from a breeder in a fish forum)... they are stupidly expensive in pet shops for who knows what reason though!

 

[Electric Warrior]

As far as adding water, I have a big tank and it's planted, so putting a plate or a bowl in the bottom is not an option when adding water after a big WC. I just use a colander that has a handle, and can sit across the rim of my tank when I pour the new water in. Hardly disturbs a thing.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

As far as adding water, I have a big tank and it's planted, so putting a plate or a bowl in the bottom is not an option when adding water after a big WC. I just use a colander that has a handle, and can sit across the rim of my tank when I pour the new water in. Hardly disturbs a thing.

Oh! That's a good idea too!