Shirakura Mineral Stone.

[bigcheed]

hi all, ive just gone back into the shrimp world and set up my 12 gallon tank for cherry shrimp. i have some shirakura stone left over from my crystal red tank which crashed a while ago. ive never heard of people using it for cherry shrimp. does anyone have any thoughts on using it for cherrys, good or bad. im also looking for good sources for stock. im trying to find high grade painted or fire reds to stock my tank with.  ive got some off ebay but they are all very young and not very colourfull as yet so i dont know how good a grade they are. i live in north west england and if anyone can point me in the right direction i would be most gratefull.

 

[Mamashack]

I'd aim to get UK bred shrimp as the imports can suffer with all sorts of maladies such as fungal and bacterial infections. They have to be transported a few times before they reach the final purchaser by which time they are quite stressed and open to infections etc. If purchasing from a UK seller check with them if they are imported or not. Buying from another hobbyist you trust might be your best bet.
I've been into shrimp-keeping for about 6 months and have lost a couple of colonies to bacterial infections which are difficult to wipe out before massive shrimp losses.
Sorry I can't comment on the stone as I've never used it.
Have you got any pictures of your reds? Where on eBay did you get them?

 

[bigcheed]

sorry ros i dont have any pics at the moment but to be honest theyre not much to look at. i did however buy them from a  uk breeder and they do appear to be fine. theyre very active so thats a good sighn. i forgot to mention that i already had 3 high grade shrimp in my tank which i found by chance at a local garden centre. ive been back but they dont have any left. however as of this morning the largest female of this trio is berried so fingers crossed ill have baby shrimp in 30 days.

 

[Mamashack]

Exciting few weeks ahead then, Chris!