Beautiful & Easy Planted Tank For Shrimp (Step by Step)
- Jul 02, 2023
- Anshika Mishra
- 145 0 0
A small planted tank for shrimp can be a beautiful and natural addition to any room in your house, and it doesn't have to be complicated. In a few steps, we can create a beautiful underwater universe that is easy to maintain and enjoyable to look at.
Tank Overview
Any aquarium can be used. For this planted tank, we'll be using the small shallow aquarium. The idea will be to create a planted tank with an environment for shrimp that visually looks similar to a riverbank for a shallow stream.
Using different-sized stones, two types of substrate, and low-maintenance plants, we can make a beautiful, natural-looking aquarium where shrimps can thrive.
Setting Up the Tank
Start with placing the stones. You can also add the substrate first to cushion the rock. I'm doing it this way to build a barrier between two substrates. Choosing different size stone pieces with exciting textures will automatically create a natural-looking effect without much effort.
We can make a triangular shape with the stones starting with the most significant pieces. The area inside is for holding the substrate for the plants. So, using smaller rocks, fill in the more significant gaps and the open regions. Save some tiny stone pieces.
Any substrate can be used for this planted tank style, and it would still look great. Two different types of substrates will be used to make this one look more dramatic. Aquatic plant soil will go behind the stones. You can also use gravel with additional root tabs for root feeder plants.
Natural sand will go in the front of the stones down to the front of the tank and around the side. These sands have been used to remove debris.
Remember those small stones from earlier; now it is time to add them to the sand around the larger rocks. This adds a natural look since stones always break out in nature. Of course, the two substrates will begin to mix, and some soil will travel down onto the sand.
An easy trick to remove some pieces is to use a magnet - in this case, one that extends to the bottom of the tank. It will pick the soil right up because the pieces contain iron which the magnet attracts.
Adding the Plants
A mix of smaller to medium-sized plants can be used, and they are easy to care for.
- Brazillian Pennywort
- Peart Weed
- Cryptocoryne Lutea
- Micro Sword
- Monte Carlo
- Bucephalandrea
Breaking apart the plants into smaller groups will make the plants easy. While planting, keep the plants misted so they don't dry out.
Use tweezers to plant, and doing it before filling the water will make things easier. You can wedge it between the rocks or use super glue as needed.
Setting up
Add the filter once the tank is complete, and let the tank cycle. Make sure to add a pre-filter sponge to add surface area for bacteria. To boost cycling and quickly establish the beneficial bacteria. You can also add filter media from an already-established tank to transfer the live bacteria.
Let the tank set up and get rid of Ammonia. Once the test starts reading right, add some shrimps and monitor the water parameter.
Shrimps don't add much waste, but keep an eye out for ammonia spikes.
You also don't need to add a log of shrimps. A few cherry shrimps will add a great pop against the green plants in the tank.
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