Cleaner shrimp question

bing_ph · Nov 11, 2016

When is the best time to add a cleaner shrimp? Tank is on its 8th week of cycling, added 6 snails last week and they're doing great. Ammonia and Nitrite readings both 0.

Since tank has no fish yet, should the shrimp be given food once in a while?

Thanks !

DLJTWO · Nov 11, 2016

How long has your Ammonia and Nitrite been at 0? If it's been less than 2 weeks, I'd wait on the Cleaner Shrimp. They're very delicate and sensitive to swings water parameters. Let your cleaner crew establish itself for at least 2 weeks after you know that your cycle is complete and you should be good to go. Better safe than sorry and on your tank inhabitants and your wallet. Just my $.02 Hope it helps.

Oh and as far as feeding the shrimp, he will go after whatever you feed your fish... they are shy about chasing food down.

bing_ph · Nov 11, 2016

thanks for the reply @TheSoloist.

based on my records ammonia and nitrites have been reading zero for the last 5 weeks.

will that be safe enough? i plan to add the shrimp first before adding fishes by the end of this month.

Salty1962 · Nov 11, 2016

I would suggest waiting a few more weeks before adding a Cleaner, your tank is still very young. They are very sensitive to chemistry changes.

bing_ph · Nov 12, 2016

Salty1962 said:
I would suggest waiting a few more weeks before adding a Cleaner, your tank is still very young. They are very sensitive to chemistry changes.

Thanks @Salty1962 .... Will take that route you're suggesting.

Salty1962 · Nov 12, 2016

Glad to help! Stay Patient my Friend

you'll be glad you did!

bing_ph · Nov 12, 2016

Salty1962 said:
Glad to help! Stay Patient my Friend you'll be glad you did!

Patience has been my friend since I started with my build ... But more patience will do well ... Hehehehe

DLJTWO · Nov 14, 2016

Sorry for the delay in responding @bing_ph had a pretty busy weekend but @Salty1962 has already given you some great advice. The one thing I had to get past in my journey was knowing that if I could wait a few weeks or even a month, I would be rewarded with years of enjoyment from my tank. It was a long and hard road to discovering this for me but it's paid off.

teamlounge · Nov 14, 2016

Honestly, I would add a few fish before the cleaner shrimp. They naturally clean fish in the wild. With nothing else in the tank...they won't know what to do with themselves. Keep in mind they will also steal food from corals if you plan on having a reef tank.

bing_ph · Nov 14, 2016

TheSoloist said:
Sorry for the delay in responding @bing_ph had a pretty busy weekend but @Salty1962 has already given you some great advice. The one thing I had to get past in my journey was knowing that if I could wait a few weeks or even a month, I would be rewarded with years of enjoyment from my tank. It was a long and hard road to discovering this for me but it's paid off.

Thanks! Agree 1000%....the waiting game might will be challenging but the rewards are countless. will hold to that phrase...good things will come for those who wait

bing_ph · Nov 14, 2016

teamlounge said:
Honestly, I would add a few fish before the cleaner shrimp. They naturally clean fish in the wild. With nothing else in the tank...they won't know what to do with themselves. Keep in mind they will also steal food from corals if you plan on having a reef tank.

Thanks a lot @teamlounge ! Honestly never though of that...right without the fishes the shrimps will be at a lost! Fish first them shrimps to follow then