Shrimp question

[Rootdok]

I am thinking about adding some shrimp, likely ghosts, to my tank and I'm wondering how much of a bio-load they put on a tank. I know the rule of thumb for fish, but what is it for shrimp?

 

[Seiryoku]

I think they reduce the bio-load more than they add to it. The one I hear the most is 1 ghost per gallon.

 

[S-kate]

No animals really reduce the bioload, but ghost shrimp do strain it less. I've also heard 1 ghost shrimp per gallon.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

they eat a ton, and hardly poop any. good combo.

 

[Rootdok]

Cool, thanks. Any other good types of shrimp to use?

 

[jumpfreak26]

Cherry shrimp, dont know much just that they breed a little easier and a little cooler looking in my opinion

 

[Seiryoku]

The Amano shrimp is popular.

 

[FreshwaterJeff]

I've read that Amanos, while a full-time freshwater shrimp, won't breed without a brackish or salt water environment (i.e., in captivity, a separate tank with brackish water for temporary housing).

Is this true? Has anyone gotten amanos to multiply in purely fresh water?

 

[Lotus]

Yes, Amanos need brackish water to survive. It's apparently hard to do, even if you have a brackish tank set up for them, as the larvae are hard to feed and very sensitive to salinity changes.

 

[FreshwaterJeff]

Thanks, Lotus.

I'm torn. I would like to have shrimp, but if I end up with the pair of Rams as planned, I might fear for their little crustacean lives...

 

[zoo minsi]

you could always try bamboo shrimp there a bit bigger but still cool, they can get upto 4 inches but aare totally peaceful.
http://www.petshrimp.com/bambooshrimp.html

 

[FreshwaterJeff]

I've thought about it, but I don't really want to add to heavily to the bioload and I know bamboo shrimp produce a lot of waste.

As I understand it, amanos are among the best at algae control. What other varieties are good algae eaters?

 

[Grymatta]

I think my amano shrimp might be pregnant. My tank is purely freshwater not brackish. Will let you know in a few days.