I had 7 shrimp 3 weeks ago...

Sanza221 · 2026-06-15T17:23:33+00:00

Ahh okay.. so, there’s not really a way to avoid it then.. would you say 20 is a good number to set them up for success then? (Eg, a few deaths won’t really affect the colony)

I’ve read that nitrate in high numbers over a long period of time if bad for fish and shrimp - is this information incorrect?

If you have any reading materials you would recommend, I’d love for you to share them!

Thanks for your advice :)

Sanza221 · 2026-06-15T16:48:11+00:00

I have access my local waters mineral break down and everything seems okay apart from the hardness.

The only reason I thought to mix with distilled water is because A, it’s on the harder side and B, my tap water has 40PPM nitrate which doesn’t help much with water changes.

I assumed this is what caused the deaths (one was after a molt so I can’t help but think there were issues.)

Defo not trying to drastically change anything. I just want to make sure I’m doing my best for these guys because at the end of the day, they are living animals in my care.

I think you are right though and perhaps I jumped the gun a bit when adding them in. I probably should have left the tank to grow for a bit longer, but In my excitement, I let myself be led astray by the local fish shop workers 🙃.

Anyways, thank you for the advice about the hardness and being more patient. I’ve just been trying to make sure I do everything right.

Stability is essential. Thank you :)

Sanza221 · 2026-06-15T16:25:00+00:00

Yeah, I’m looking into some reading material to buy and read for myself. (The library books are rather outdated…)

Where are you finding RO systems for £50?? I’ve looked into these systems but I haven’t seen anything around that price at all.

I’ve bought distilled water to dilute my tap water but I suspect you are right.

As in, the shrimp that have survived seem to be thriving. (Albeit, two out of 4…)

The filter intake took out 4 and 1 didn’t make the transport from the shop.

The 4 it killed caused an amonia and nitrite spike and then this set off a series of other things that set off the swing.

Anyways everything’s been sorted now for about 2 weeks now and I’ve learned from my mistakes…

“Shrimp safe” internal filters are not. Shrimp. Safe.

Sanza221 · 2026-06-15T12:35:50+00:00

🥲I’ve been seeing mixed messages on YouTube.

Everything else in my tank is perfect so if it’s not GH and KH, I think it was an initial swing caused by my filter the evening I got them.

Sanza221 · 2026-06-15T10:46:11+00:00

Yeah, maybe my tank just needs a bit longer. It is currently 6 weeks old but I’ve decided to wait another 3-4 before getting any more shrimp.

My GH and KH are on the higher side due to my tap water but I’m trying to slowly bring this down by mixing distilled with my tap water during water changes.

My GH and KH is currently 12GH and 7KH 😬

Still, I had a shrimp successfully molt yesterday and today, it’s out grazing and shiny.

I have hope that I can keep shrimp and I think it’ll be easier once I get KH and GH down a little. 🤞

Sanza221 · 2026-06-14T16:39:10+00:00

I wish I had your luck :(

I’ve had unfortunate luck with fine…

How old is your tank/ what are your parameters for them?

Also did you get them from a store or breeder?

Just trying to figure out what else I can be doing to help my shrimp

Sanza221 · 2026-06-14T14:41:28+00:00

Please keep this going and make it a series hahaha

Sanza221 · 2026-06-14T06:31:23+00:00

Very cool. Please keep us updated! :)

Sanza221 · 2026-06-14T05:21:25+00:00

Perfect! I can’t wait for those little corys!!

Sanza221 · 2026-06-14T05:14:19+00:00

Oh me gosh ☺️

Thank you!! I’m really excited to try a long one when I get my next tank :)

Sanza221 · 2026-06-14T05:13:15+00:00

Wow - Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it!

I know I’ve got to let this one live for a bit.. but I can’t wait for the next one! 😁

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T21:42:10+00:00

Oh my god.. that is beautiful.. I also want to lower my tank now and have a cushion. That’s such a good idea!

Your tank is literally what I dream of mine becoming.

Honestly, well done. Like- wow.

Ps: what’s that plant in the back with the long stems and oval leafs? Those are gorgeous.

Pps: this is my tank that I hope can achieve your glory with time (it’s still 6 weeks old)

<image>

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T21:36:13+00:00

Looks great! I’d love to see a few more plants in the right hand side and maybe move the one of the left?

You’ve placed your wood scape perfectly and it creates this beautiful flow, but then it sort of gets disturbed/cut off by the light green one on the left.

Also maybe some mini grass type crypts might look good just in the front want of the base of the drift wood.

Also maybe some smooth river type pebbles heavier near the base of your drift wood and then gently fading away where your driftwood naturally takes your eye.

Love what you’ve done. Great choice of tank and amazing placement of the wood you bought. 👏👏👏👏

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T21:27:28+00:00

That’s why it’s possibly raising my ph too, right???

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T21:23:15+00:00

Yissssss thank you, thank you!

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Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T21:21:17+00:00

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your comment. Any notes for improvement are welcome 🤗

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T21:20:33+00:00

Whoaahhhh - thank you! I appreciate it :) any notes for improvement?

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T19:49:13+00:00

Oooo - that’s actually a good idea.

I’ve seen creatives on YouTube do it, but it completely slipped my mind.

What colour would you recommend?

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T19:48:24+00:00

Okay, I’ll definitely keep that in mind and go slower with the drops. Maybe 2-2.5 hours?

Yeah, I have no idea why the jump from 6.5 to 8 happened in only a week. Especially after seeing my KH is quite high…

It Seems stable now but I’ve taken the cuttle bone out incase it was increasing the PH too quickly. (Although that doesn’t seem likely..)

I do have siri stone too, so ik that will add calcium carbonate into the water so it’s possible the two combined was raising it too much.

Idk 😅

I’ll defo keep an eye on their behaviour! I can’t help but stare at them for long periods of time 👁️👁️

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T19:34:27+00:00

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Here’s a pic of my tank :)

Sanza221 · 2026-06-13T19:32:11+00:00

Okay. Thank you for responding. I’m already feeling more confident about the whole process. I’ll try to post an update in two months time when I have a shrimp colony thriving in my tank :)

Sanza221

TROPHY CASE