Amano shrimp

Liz Mehok · Post by **Liz Mehok** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 10:22 pm

I've put several shrimps in my tank this afternoon to help control some algae in the tank. I really like these shrimp (so cute!)
Problem is, my Rainbow fish seem to think they are food! Just how good are these shrimp at defending themselves?
The tank is VERY dense with plants so there are lots of places to hide. (it also makes it very hard to take a head count)
Anyone with experience in this?
Liz

Ghazanfar Ghori · Post by **Ghazanfar Ghori** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 10:52 pm

I had Amanos with Rainbows, no problem. The amanos
will learn pretty quick not to come out too much
during the day so you might see less of them. A peek
at night witha flashlight should show you the
Amanos hard at work throughout the tank.

Liz Mehok · Post by **Liz Mehok** » Fri Dec 26, 2003 11:51 pm

Glad to hear that you have had these shrimp with Rainbows! So far, the only shrimp I see is the largest one I put in the tank. (and he is FAST)
I have four, if they all survived the afternoon. would like to have more. Is there a most effective number?

Archie · Post by **Archie** » Sat Dec 27, 2003 2:42 am

A guy at the workshop (i apologize for not remembering his name) shared a good idea with me for keeping any shrimp. Basically he told me to put a short length of approx. 1/2" pvc somewhere in the tank. this serves as a safe haven for the shrimp when they are molting. obviously you want this out of sight.

JLudwig · Post by **JLudwig** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 5:01 am

[QUOTE=Liz Mehok] Glad to hear that you have had these shrimp with Rainbows! So far, the only shrimp I see is the largest one I put in the tank. (and he is FAST)
I have four, if they all survived the afternoon. would like to have more. Is there a most effective number?
[/QUOTE]

Hi Liz...

Amano uses 1-2 shrimp per liter... I know, that was not a typo <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0">. I don't think they are anywhere near as expensive in Japan since they are collected locally. Personally, I find them effective at the 1 per gallon level, it really depends on your light level and how good of an algae grower you are... I myself am very proficient at growing the various hair algaes so I need more to make a dent...

This information was taken from the algae section of the FAQ at www.vectrapoint.com... Not sure I agree with everything (especially the oto stocking levels) but a good read direct from the Master...

Cheers,
Jeff Ludwig
Elkton, MD

RTRJR · Post by **RTRJR** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 5:34 pm

I've only had Amanos with Dwarf Neon Rainbows. The shrimp were not around yet when I kept larger Rainbows, but they are fine with those small Rainbows. The shrimp don't even get all the Rainbow eggs.

I tend to load Amanos in freshly set tanks, where like Jeff I tend to be adept at growing hair algae. But I load at less than one per gallon - perhaps at about 2/3 shrimp per gallon. Once the tank is "mature" (~6 months), I feel free to "borrow" or steal shrimp for other "needy" tanks. My long term shrimp stocking is usually about half my start up levels or less. But these are primarily low to moderately lighted tanks. In tanks with brighter light and routine supplements the stocking levels of shrimp stay at the initial level - probably a requirement due to my erratic care.

Amano himself certainly does load up tank with otos and shrimp. I suspect that his cleaner crew bioload is near or equal to my total bioload.

Liz Mehok · Post by **Liz Mehok** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 5:48 pm

Thanks for the great info!
with only four, (actually 3 are still mia) it would be great to fine a place to get these critters at a better price. I've got 46 gallons of fish tank and lots of hair algae.
Any suggestions?

My fish had a few things to say about shining a flashlight on them at night!

Archie · Post by **Archie** » Sun Dec 28, 2003 7:04 pm

the AC has/had them for $1.99/ea. I am sure there is somewhere online that we could get a good price for a group order.

Liz Mehok · Post by **Liz Mehok** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:23 am

Good news! After not seeing any shrimp in the tank since 27 December, this afternoon I've spotted two! Don't know where they have been all this time. So glad they made it. They look bigger too! The others in the tank don't look very concerned any more. Thank goodness.
I'll be off to find a scrap of pvc for the tank. Thanks for the suggestion Archie. If anyone on the list has a 1/2" (small)scrap let me know!

RTRJR · Post by **RTRJR** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 3:20 am

Liz - I have all sorts of scrap PVC or CPVC. I will be glad to share my srap box, so just holler if you do not find any at home and I'll bring some trash - errr, scrap - to you.

Amano shrimp

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