Help with new inverts

[rshock]

I just received a shipment of 5 blue velvet shrimp for a freshwater tank. The shrimp are in good condition but extremely small and I am afraid my fish might eat the shrimplets at this size. What should i do? Get them acclimated and give it a shot or try and raise them in a separate container until they are large enough to put in the tank?

 

[bettaowner]

I would raise them in a seperate grow out tank.

 

[Fishanatic]

Agreed. If you have a spare tank, there's no reason to risk the shrimp at the current state they are at.

 

[bettaowner]

What fish do you have?

 

[rshock]

I have 7 Galaxy Rasbora. Based on previous advice and my own research they are likely to eat these guys if I put them in now.

I can get my hands on a spare tank but should I just use tank water and change it out each day? How long will it take to get these guys big enough to avoid being eaten?

 

[rshock]

Well I lost one shrimp yesterday, got a separate tank and have been changing the water daily. They are still not looking too good. Any additional suggestions?

 

[Mogurako]

CPDs will eat shrimpletts that are just released but after a molt or two there shouldn't be an issue if there are plenty of hiding places and you keep them well fed. I have some in with my Taiwan red cherries and I still see healthy population increase. If you want higher shrimp survival rate then don't put them in with anything that will eat them and stick to a shrimp only set up.

If you're dead set on keeping the shrimp in a separate tank to grow out then add a heater, sponge filter, a big handful of java moss, and conditioned tap water . Change out 10-20% of the water weekly and feed them high quality food every other day. I've noticed my Blue velvets grow a little slower than the cherries but should be big enough not to get picked off in a couple of weeks.