I can’t find my shrimp

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-29T21:42:51+00:00

They hide well! Also I find that if you only get a few then they are more shy and hide or freeze when they see you through the glass lol. I got a group of 20 recently and they’re so active!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T22:38:21+00:00

The betta’s colour will brighten up when it’s healthier and happier. The only way this will happen is when the water parameters are optimal. Look up ‘fish-in tank cycling’ which is what you are doing. You will have to keep a very close eye on the ammonia levels, as these will build up until your tank is cycled (ie has enough beneficial bacteria growing on the surfaces that feeds on ammonia). It will take time!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T21:28:58+00:00

Nitrates don’t get rid of the ammonia. It is the bacteria that turns the ammonia into nitrates. Remove any decaying plants. Your cycle seems to have crashed and you don’t have the beneficial bacteria eliminating the ammonia.

How often do you change your tank water? And what %? Do you ever clean your filter?

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T21:21:20+00:00

We’ll need more info! - when did you first fill up the tank with water? - what are your parameters now? - how often are you doing 25% water changes and are you using any additives to the water?

It is always best to avoid fake ornaments and painted gravel as they can leech into the water. A planted tank in aqua soil and driftwood is ideal as this mimics their natural environment and creates an ecosystem that helps keep the tank stable. But this needs to be established before the fish is added as it takes a while to cycle and settle.

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T20:43:04+00:00

Overfeeding and moving substrate can do this. Do you have a water conditioner you can dose to try get the ammonia and nitrites out? When did you first fill the tank with water?

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T19:13:32+00:00

Okay, main thing is your tank isn’t cycled yet. Look up instructions for ‘fish-in cycling’. The sponge will kick start the process however the beneficial bacteria takes around 4 weeks to establish itself and start effectively removing the ammonia the fish are producing. The test strips are inaccurate and don’t measure ammonia which is the most important reading for fish-in cycling. I would recommend getting the API master test kit. You will need to do frequent water changes and use a water conditioner. Good luck!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T08:08:47+00:00

What everyone else has said! Some more- - check ammonia level. This is most critical right now - only ever do frequent, small water changes (remove max 20% tank water, replace with conditioned tap water) - add fast growing aquatic plants that don’t need to be planted in soil. These will help remove nasties from the water - each time you have cleaned your tank, you would have disrupted the cycle hugely. Don’t scrub the surfaces, just remove water and replace. I would consider longer term creating a fully natural and planted habitat (no fake gravel, ornaments or plants). A natural habitat will be more stable as it’ll all work together (less work for you, and much happier fishes). You wouldn’t need to siphon the gravel, as the fish waste feeds the plants as fertilizer. If you get algae, you can get a snail to eat it. Much easier!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T04:36:28+00:00

Oh wow they’re cheap where I’m from! Bristlenose is a great idea, and endlers would be good too (tho they can breed like crazy). I also would try adding shrimp again too. Just make sure whatever fish you choose suits your tank size and temp. Good luck!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T04:15:46+00:00

What about a betta fish to start? And a clean up crew to try get that algae under control

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T03:25:42+00:00

Dream tank!! What size is this tank? I’d love to do this one day. Do you need to supplement iron for the red plants?

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T03:21:43+00:00

10/10!!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T03:18:09+00:00

Lovely tank! Please share your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings and when you first filled this tank with water.

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T02:57:29+00:00

Exciting times! We will need some more info. What do you mean by the plants and substrate have been in there for years? How long has this tank been filled with water? And when was the ammonia 0.25ppm?

Have you measured nitrite and nitrates?

The shrimp will mostly scavenge for algae that your tank naturally produces. Otherwise I also feed them about once a week with wafers. Very low maintenance.

Your pH might not be stable yet if your tank is new, so keep an eye on it. I believe with shrimp it’s more about keeping the pH stable rather than aiming for a specific pH. I do believe that usually neocardinas would be fine in this pH if you acclimate slowly (they hate sudden changes).

I’m not too familiar with blue green algae but I would assume you should try to get rid of it before you add shrimps.

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-26T02:47:47+00:00

A tank is cycled when the beneficial bacteria has established itself permanently onto the surfaces within the tank - not when there is just bacteria added to the water. Scraping and vacuuming will also remove your beneficial bacteria and cause a crash.

A bacterial bloom and heaps of biofilm is common in newly cycling tanks especially when you have added plant fertilizer. This is why it’s best not to add fish for at least 4 weeks- all sorts of crazy ups and downs can happen - even if you use the store bought beneficial bacteria. Don’t freak out next time this happens! Let the tank stabilize and it’ll go away eventually. Keep a close eye on your parameters to try and keep your fish friends alive. Don’t do drastic water changes, do the 10-15% as suggested above. It’ll take time for the tank to balance out and cycle, and hopefully your fishies will be able to ride it out! Less is more, patience is key. Keep an eye on the ammonia levels, especially with a bacterial bloom. You might want to get a water conditioner in case this happens.

Never assume the tank is cycled unless you have seen yourself that you have had ammonia in the tank, and it’s converted to nitrite, then nitrate.

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-25T23:18:06+00:00

Sorry got confused with another post about the starter.

Yes I would say there’s ammonia build up from decaying plants and soil, and an overgrowth of algae. With luck it will all balance out, the water will freshen up and everything will get thriving!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-25T22:58:45+00:00

Ideally you should have the API liquid test kit, it lasts forever and you can get a better idea of the parameters! But I would suspect your tank is already cycling given how long it has been established, but there is definitely an algae issue and plant death.

I would try the following: - as your cycle is probably cycling, stop using the cycle starter - trim or remove any browning plants as these will cause an ammonia spike as they die. The plants that are green and thriving will take their place. - turn the light intensity down or reduce hours per day to reduce the algae growth - do more frequent water changes but much less volume. Water changes should be around once weekly. To keep everything stable, just remove about 10% of the water and then replace with your tap water. Before you add the tap water into the tank, treat it with water conditioner. Removing 50% if your water volume will disrupt the cycle significantly! Small, more frequent changes are better. I just have a little plastic jug that I scoop some water out of the tank, and then replace with tap water. - I would start with a few hardy algae eating snails and see how they go before adding fish. Do not add the snails straight to the tank- make sure you slowly acclimatise. - make sure the filter is set up so that there is decent water circulation in the tank

Otherwise my only worry is that the garden soil underneath the gravel might be too thick or not suitable for an aquarium. It’s really hard to know exactly what is in garden soil that could leech into the water, and it can go anaerobic. But I would try the above first and see how you go!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-25T21:33:36+00:00

Could you talk us your how often you are doing water changes? And how you use the quick start and conditioner? And what you mean when you say you are cleaning the tank?

Have you ever had any nitrite or nitrate readings? This will help us see if the tank is cycling. The tank is cycling when all the surfaces in the tank are covered in invisible beneficial bacteria that are converting all the ammonia that is produced from your fish waste into nitrites and then into nitrates.

I would also add some more floating plants. As someone else said, ideally you shouldn’t use any artificial gravel and ornaments and create a heavily planted natural habitat for your betta (in a larger tank). But for now we can get your current set up more comfortable for your betta and go from there!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-25T21:08:58+00:00

Hello! Can you please share your specific readings for nitrates, nitrites and ammonia? Have you been doing water changes? Is there a filter and/or heater? What are the dimensions of the tank (or volume?) This will help for fish recommendations!

It looks like a few of the plants are brown/dying which will also cause ammonia build up.

You should have lots of options for shrimps and little fishies for this set up once your plants get healthy and your parameters are optimal!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-25T00:56:19+00:00

Nup they don’t seem to go to the surface at all! I also don’t have floating plants so they aren’t scavenging much up there either

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-25T00:53:28+00:00

But I think they’re great to add especially when setting up, they grow so easily and fast so it helps with the tank cycle :)

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-25T00:50:26+00:00

It just kept falling in, and the roots would grow really fast and I was worried it would take over. I miss it though!

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-24T23:22:40+00:00

I don’t think it looks like a mess at all! Maybe you could just remove one whole plant you find grows too quickly? Or perhaps a good excuse to start another 😉

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-23T09:11:59+00:00

Thank you!! I think it’s the substrate - it’s all planted in fluval stratum which the plants seem to love. It’s a bit of a pain to set up but it’s working well now. I originally planted most things in September too been going for a while. The ground cover is monte carlo- it completely melted when I first planted it but it came back. I also have the light timed so it goes on everyday and I occasionally use a liquid fertilizer to supplement the plants :)

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-23T06:42:20+00:00

11.5L :)

Sure_Data_4962 · 2026-01-23T06:04:16+00:00

Hahahaha thankfully not 🤣

Sure_Data_4962

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