While the followers wait for an update on the 75 gallon tank, I would like to also include a short build of a Shrimp Tank I have put together for a contest held on this forum.
The rules are to make a brackish tank that is no larger than 2 gallons for the Hawaiian Super Shrimp (Opae Ula). The only live things allowed must be purchased through petshrimp.com. Any non-living things are allowed for decoration so long as they are ok for the shrimp.
I started with this 0.5 gallon cube tank, sold as a Beta fish tank at Petsmart. Note, this tank is not large enough for a beta fish, but it is plenty big for the Opae Ula Shrimp.
The Hawaiian shrimp often live in areas where lava rock is abundant therefore my attempt at its natural habitat was to include lava rock. Petco carries random lava rock pieces so I picked out two that I though might be the most interesting.
Initially, the plan was to use both pieces, but after putting them into the tank, I realized that they are too large to keep both in, so I decide to use only one. Here are the test fits.
I then settled on this rock in this particular formation. In my opinion, the rock creates an interesting scape, while allowing for some open space to later put a moss ball in.
The next step was inspired by my current nano tank where I had the background painted blue to make it appear more “ocean” like. Another added benefit is that it allows me to hide any of the wires behind it, as well as providing a contrasting color to the red shrimp and green moss that will inhabit the tank later.
On my nano, I ended up paining the tank back after a failed attempt of gluing a blue background. Taping a large glass panel allowed for too many bubbles and created streaks of glue being visible from the inside. However, this is a smaller tank, so I gave it a shot to see if I can make that work here. I started out by measuring out and cutting the material to size.
Unfortunately, after I did the work, I realized that the piece that I cut out had damage.
A new piece was cut out.
The tank glass was cleaned and the backing was applied
View from inside the tank.
And how it looks with the rock inside.
The tank was to go in my office to give my cubicle a bit of interesting appeal and something fun to look at. Here it is in its place
For wire management, I attached a few sticky zip tie holders and zip tied the wires to it.
Adding the sand.
Filling with water (it’s a bit cloudy from the rock and sand. I rinsed the sand, but forgot to rinse the rock)
The next morning the tank was looking nice and clear
As a side note, the tank has a timer (purchased on
Amazon) that automatically turns on and off the light. Water will be topped off manually, and there is no need for a heater, any pumps, or filtration for these shrimp. Now to wait for the tank to cycle.
