Blog
Taiwan Fire Red
12/01/2010 09:23While traveling this past summer, I was able to get some Taiwan Fire Reds from Aqua Forest Aquarium in San Francisco and Win in New York City. I lost most of them during my move in August; however, the remaining gave me a berried female - shrimplets due any day now!
———
New Tank
07/08/2010 15:08I just started a new tank but can't find my memory card reader to upload the photos. For now, here are the specs:
Tank: 10 gallons
Substrate: Azoo Plant Growers Bed (dark)
Filtration: AquaClear 20
Flora: Needle Leaf Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus), Blyxa japonica, Elatine triandra, Staurogyne repens 049 Tropica, moss (I think mix java and willow)
Fauna: Haven't decided yet if this will be a shrimp tank. I just got a pair of Betta albimarginata that may go in here.
Hardscape: Manzanita branches
Azoo Plant Growers Bed is supposed to be superb and comparable to ADA Aquasoil. There was very little cloudiness at initial setup, and what remained cleared up completely overnight. I used 100% RO water; after five hours, pH reading was 6.5 and ammonia was 0.25 ppm. Ammonia is what I'm keeping an eye on; this substrate is not supposed to have an ammonia spike like Aquasoil.
24 hours after setup: pH = 6.5, ammonia = 0.25 ppm.
———
New Substrates
06/24/2010 11:35I just placed an order for some Azoo Plant Grower's Bed for a few new tanks I plan to set up. Here are the specifications from the online shop, looks like good substrate for shrimp!
Return to a sustainable and natural aquascape with this advanced substrate made of natural material from the earth. The AZOO Natural substrate is the ultimate plant bed, providing a long-lasting, nutrient-rich foundation for plants to grow and thrive. Designed to mimic the natural growing power of nature in quality and appearance.
The natural substrate decreases the hardness of the water and stabilizes the pH to a lower level, ideal for plant nutrient absorption, healthy root development, and strong growth. The porous granular structure is easily penetrated by developing plant roots. The granules are specially processed to maintain their structure for extended use, sustaining good circulation of water and oxygen through the substrate for a long time. It encourages both nitrifying and de-nitrifying bacteria around plant roots.
The raw natural quality of the substrate promotes advanced water purification within the aquarium environment, while accelerating water decolorization of contaminants and of tannins released by driftwood.
The substrate material is designed for immediate use in the aquarium, no pre-rinsing recommended. Upon setup in the aquarium, the AZOO substrate will not release ammonia or cause undesirable ammonia spikes, a unique quality which makes this subsrtate the ultimate natural plant substrate available on the market, with no rivals.
- natural and sustainable, provides a long-lasting, nutrient-rich foundation for plant development
- decreases hardness level of water
- stabilizes pH, maintains a lower pH value for ideal nutrient absorption and root development
- porous granular structure made of natural material from the earth, promotes water and oxygen circulation
- removes discoloration of water caused by driftwood tannins, promotes excellent water clarity
- promotes advanced water purification, allowing less frequent water changes
- no ammonia spikes upon setup
- no pre-rinsing recommended, ready for immediate use
- can be used as stand-alone substrate or as substrate base
- size: 12 lb bags (5.4 Kg)
- recommeded for use: one bag per 10 gallons (40 liters) of aquarium water
Images from greenleafaquariums.com
I'm also planning on getting some Akadama bonsai soil to try. I've heard many good accounts of it as a substrate for shrimp. Still looking for the best price for a bag.
———
Rili Shrimp
06/22/2010 18:57New developments have been made with Neocaridina Shrimp, with possible potential for pattern breeding. These new shrimp are currently called "Rili Shrimp" and are derived from further mutations of Fire Red/Sakura Shrimp. Check out the links below for more info/pics.
https://www.shrimpnow.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5395&highlight=rili
———
Back after a long break
03/22/2010 11:45Well, I'm finally back updating my site after a long break. I hope to continue updating on a weekly basis. A lot has changed with my shrimp and fish. I got a hold of some Orange Eye Black Tigers from Germany, but sadly, they passed away after having them for 5 months. I did get berries, but haven't seen any shrimp yet. With this order, I also got some Red Tigers, but due to a delay in shipping, I lost them.
I also got some CPOs that have mated, but the female did not carry the eggs fully. It was her first time, so hopefully it will be better next time.
I added Snowballs and Blue Pearls to my shrimp list, will update with pictures later.
My Betta Macrostoma have spawned numerous times and I have had viable fry from stripping the male and tumbling the eggs; but they fungused.
Good news is my Microrasbora Erythromicron have bred for me and the fry are growing up nicely. Finally a happy story :)