If you're getting
LR, that will most likely start a new cycle in your tank. No need for the shrimp. The reason for the
LR or the shrimp is to start the Nitrogen cycle in the aquarium. Dead stuff (from
LR or the shrimp) get broken down by bacteria creating ammonia. Then you get a population of bacteria that feed on ammonia and break that down to nitrates. A new population of bacteria then breaks down the nitrites to nitrates. Nitrates, in limited quantities, are non-toxic to fish. They are removed through water changes, the action of
DSB or other anaerobic areas.
I believe there is an article on the nitrogen cycle in the articles section. You may also want to read the 'Fishless cycling" article there too.
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