Shimps and canister filter

[ma_clement]

HI all

What kind of precautions should I take before I introduce shrimps into my system?

Should I put something on my filter intake to prevent my shrimps from getting sucked in?

My system is just over two weeks old. Should I wait longer?

All I have in there right now is 6 cherry barbs.. I don't think the barbs will eat the shrimps, will they?

[bettabreeder]

First thing would be to get a test kit and see if your water has ammonia, nitrates or nitrites. A fully cycled tank will not have any. Cherry barbs will eat shrimp. In fact all fish will with possibly only oto cats as the only exception. And yes you will need to cover the filter intake with a sponge or mesh bag of some sort before you get shrimp. Start with simple cherry shrimp as well. Water quality is of the utmost importance when it comes to more fancy shrimp varieties. This will lead to using RO/DI water and having to remineralizing it. But cherry shrimp can survive and breed in our tap water.


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[ma_clement]

If only cherry shrimp can live well in tap water, then all I will get will be cherry shrimp

I'm lazy, I'm going the lazy way

Or the simple way. I'd rather choose species according to my water than try to adapt my water to a specific species

It's easier that way

[exv152]

If you don't want the young shrimp to get sucked into the filter impeller, I would recommend one of these...

[daworldisblack]

http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-filters/ati-filter-max-1.html has also worked great to prevent shrimps from getting sucked in. Awesome if you have a shrimp set up as they like grazing on it as well. Cherry Barbs will definitely pick at your shrimps though. You need heavy planting to keep a population.

[ma_clement]

thanks everyone

I'll get one of those things and I'll wait till my tank is more heavily planted (plants are growing!!)

thanks

[Nyx]

Where can you get this one?

If you don't want the young shrimp to get sucked into the filter impeller, I would recommend one of these...

[daworldisblack]

Where can you get this one?

Aquainspiration in Toronto is where some of us have gotten it. Not sure if they can be found online. I haven't seen any locally.

[ma_clement]

How about just using some door and windows screen (the plastic type) over our intakes?
http://www.rona.ca/en/screen-0412671--1

dirt cheap, when it becomes too clogged or dirty, change it.

One piece ($7.79) of 30x84 inches would be enough for all the filters of every shrimp keeper in the region

[exv152]

Aquainspiration in Toronto is where some of us have gotten it. Not sure if they can be found online. I haven't seen any locally.

I've seen them on ebay too, in fact that's probably where AI gets most of its stuff.