Cleaning a shrimp tank, how to?

[TMaier]

A friend of mine is giving me some of her shrimp culls. The tank has sand ( <1/2" ) and plants, HOB filter and a few mystery snails.

I put a sponge over the intake to prepare. But when it comes vacuuming gunk and PWC, how do I manage without murdering shrimp? What it the recommended technique? Or will they have scattered as soon as I start messing with the tank and hide?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[TMaier]

Bump...,
Any advice? Or should the shrimp go into a tank that will never need a vacuum?


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Goldguru]

I've been just using a Jug to WC in my new shrimp tank.It have about 40 MTS in there as well.
trying hard not to over feed but I hear ya sooner or later a vac's gonna be in order.
It has large bunch of xmas moss & lots of water lettuce in there.
what i've read is most syfon into a bucket let it sit & net shrimp back in,not sure how that will work with the young 1's though

 

[TMaier]

Oh dear...
I put them in a tank where I hatch and raise my baby snails. I don't have any babies in there at the moment just a few adults. But when I do, they get lots of food and I vacuum weekly.

Even if I put the food in a dish the snail poo will be everywhere.

I think I will need to make some changes before I have more snailettes.

Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice

 

[Fresh2o]

I don't vacuum my shrimp tank. I don't want to risk siphoning up the newborn and juvenile shrimp. Even when siphoning (in the open, mid level area) I keep an eye out for stray shrimp swimming too close to the siphon hose.
I use foam over the filter intake and rinse it every 1-2 weeks.

 

[TMaier]

Well I think if this batch of shrimp thrive and breed I will need to set up an appropriate tank just for them. I don't expect more snails until spring. But there have been lots of amorous goings on so I could be wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice