New to plants, plus cycle question.

[Glow light tetra]

The fertilizers won't hurt you shrimp, as long as they don't contain copper.

 

[Rivercats]

Just replacing the same bulbs still only gives you very low light. And fertilizers, all of which contain copper are fine for shrimp. There is only a minute amount of copper in micro nutrient mixes and shrimp actually need a small amount of copper kind of like we need a small amount of iron.

I use liquid carbon in all my tanks, even the one's with CO2 and if used at the proper dosage for the needs of a tank and used daily it aids in photosynthesis and growth.

 

[LeafsFan]

Would the sunlight bulbs not work? They are not the same type bulbs that were in at first. The light in the tank is considerably different and brighter then before.

 

[LeafsFan]

Here is the product I bought. I definitely notice a difference.

 

[Fishfur]

Ferts don't usually cause problems with the less sensitive shrimp. Cherries and most of the other colours of Neocaridina should be ok. Just take some care not to overdose with anything. CO2 boosters like Excel can bother shrimp if you use too much. Just take care not to overdose and you should do fine.

However, Platies will most likely eat the shrimp babies and might even eat some juvenile shrimp too. If shrimp are what you want, you'd be better off with some smaller fish. Maybe danios or guppies, both quite hardy fish. [ not giant danios, they get quite large ]

Gold zebra danios are very pretty, and guppies come in a rainbow of colours now. Kyathit danios look like they have leopard spots on a gold body, very attractive fish. Leopard danios have spots too, but much smaller ones. Long fin forms are available in Zebra and Leopards too.

 

[Rivercats]

Okay those aren't the same type of bulbs! So yes your in a higher light bracket than before!

 

[LeafsFan]

Phew. You had me scared for a minute. I was gonna be mad if the lfs played me lol.