FAQ on Cherry, Sakura, Whatever Shrimps

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Mods, this new FAQ looks very similar to the other thread "Common Topics on Shrimp Keeping". It just appears that the other topic are more targetted to CRS. If it is considered a repeat, I will copy it over to the other thread so that we don't get too long list here.

Since there are so frequent Q&A on Cherry/Sakuras, and some requirements are different from CRS, let's jot down a list of info for newbies.

1. My shrimps appear pale when lights are just on.
When shrimps (or even fishes) rest, their coloration will turn pale. Color will be restored after awhile.

2. Shrimps are Hiding.
When shrimps are newly introduced into the tank, it is new in an environment thus may go into hiding. They also goes into hiding when they felt intimidated, after molting, etc.

3. My shrimps are pregnant. How long is the term?
Most shrimps carry eggs for a duration of about 3-4 weeks before shrimplet hatches.

4. I can't spot my newly hatched shrimplets. OR they appear inactive.
Newly hatched shrimplets are very tiny and may not be easily spotted. During the first couple of days, they tends to be inactive, thus if they are in hiding, or among plants, it is very difficult to spot them.

5. Keeping Fishes (TIGER Barb, etc) with Shrimps.
Come on, if you want to keep shrimps, you don't keep fishes. Most fishes are unfriendly with shrimps. Either they starts eating up shrimplets, or their fast movements will intimidate the shrimps and shrimps may go into hiding. They may even attack shrimps after shrimps molted.

6. I want to mix Sulawasi with other shrimps (cherry/sakura/crs)
AT OWN RISK! If you are serious about shrimp keeping, you will keep a tank for one water perimeter range suitable for the shrimp, and another tank for other perimeter tolerant shrimps.

Sulawasi and most other shrimps are different in pH . Sulawasi requires higher pH (alkaline) while most others requires lower pH (acidic). If you want to experiment, give a thought to the lives in your care.
(hokkien saying, chor lang kiang lo ho, mai keh kiang.)

7. My shrimps are pregnant. Any special care?
Basically, leave them alone and they take care of themselves. If there are fishes in the tank (some pple keeps fishes w shrimps), remove it or your shrimplets will become dinner to the fishes. WRAP your water filter inlet or your shrimplets turns into minced shrimplets (and that is not funny. Be responsible).

8. Food for shrimps
Shrimps feed on micro-organism that is found in the tank and plants. Micro-organism are not visible to human's naked eyes thus we won't know if there are sufficient for the shrimps. Thus, there may be a need to feed them from time to time.

Get recommended shrimp food than the average fish food. Don't try to save on food. It is not expensive considering how much shrimps consume. Some have tried feeding BREAD for human consumption. Maybe humans can eat fish food too.

9. Plants
Moss are popular for shrimp keeping. Moss are low maintenance, requires no additional fertilizers, no CO2, no nothing.

10. Filters
It has often been mentioned, to use canister more than other types of filters. It is not a must, it is just highly popular. Canisters allows more space for filter media, canisters are enclose and usually darker (inside). That allows more condusive environment for benefitual bacterials (BB) to thrive. These BB are good at helping breakdown waste.

11. Water purifier system
Some have resorted to using water purifier to collect water for their fishes and shrimps. Water from tap are rather soft and lifeless. Using purifiers may be good to remove some metals or unwanted chemicals. It is not necessary to use a purifier anyway thus there is no need to invest in one.

12. Water (Aging, chlorine, chloramine
It is recommended to age the water and to use anti-chlorine/chloramine. Water from tap contains rather high chlorine/chloramine content. Aging helps to reduce chlorine but not chloramine. Another thing is, it is good to aerate the water.



AOB
Newbie questions?
http://www.arofanatics.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=347180


There are many other info relevent to this topic but I shall not fill them in as I am not familar with it. Here is a small list of missing info and would be nice if anyone can provide REAL info (don't assume pls).
- Substrate
- pH level and water perimeters
- Temperature required

Please add on the URL (and use a subject title to the URL too) to other topics relevent to shrimp keeping. It will help people gather info before they embark into this passion. YES Passion! It is not a game when lives are concern thus please take good care of your shrimps.