Jake's 18"/3gal Nano Shrimp Tanks

[somewhatshocked]

Cut the intake pipe down a bit so it wasn't so tall and stuck a Fluval Edge pre-filter sponge on it. That's it.

You indirectly pointed something out for me. The bit about modding reminded me that parts are super-cheap for ACs. Guess that's the route I should go.

[MABJ]

I'm glad I could indirectly help!

I wish I could modify the outflow on them to be a spraybar and keep the intake tube.


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[somewhatshocked]

You could run a small external pump to solve that problem. Pre-filter sponge over the intake, spray bar as the outflow.

I've contemplated using a larger AC with a small impeller. That way there's more surface area being hit as the water leaves the filter but with a reasonable amount of flow.

[bostoneric]

hard to beat an AC. parts are cheap, tons of space for different media types, easy to mod, edge sponge, etc etc.
I have more then a few ACs NIB just waiting for duty!

[somewhatshocked]

Time to update with tank progress. Ignore my fancy plaid pajama pants in the reflection!

I'm a brainiac, so, naturally… I randomly had a debit card in the shot that had to be blurred:



Had a little helper keeping watch:



Not bad:



I think it'll look nice once it all grows in:



The piece of wood on the far right is covered in Fissidens.

Temporarily using a 24" Marineland Double Bright fixture. Will switch to an 5050SMD fixture once I find time to cut down some aluminum c-channel.

Plan to flood later tonight. Just have to mix the water and cut some stuff to fit in the AC20.

Now off to the LFS to see what kinda goodies I can round up.

[somewhatshocked]

For those doubting cheap SMD LED strips, here's a look at three 18" 5050SMD strips:



Perfect for shallow tanks.

Can't wait to get some new aluminum to create a simple fixture. Flooding the tank in just a bit and am seeding it with some old filter floss.

The same amount of lights on a 10gal:



Leads me to believe I could definitely keep low light plants in even a 10gal with these little LEDs if I just add another strip or two.

The 10gal Deep Blue I've got is going to be set up this week for crypts and Pygmy Cories. Probably Cherry Shrimp, as well.

Now back to 3gal work!

[somewhatshocked]

Flooded:



Now just have to wait 5-6 weeks for a nice "cycle" to complete, bacteria to grow in and moss to grow out.

I'm running low on Mischlings at the moment so here's hoping someone has a bunch of F1s when the time comes.

[MABJ]

It looks good. Nice black background. I like how simple it is.

You seeded it with media, but you're waiting 5-6 weeks? Is that for extra safety measures?


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[somewhatshocked]

Thanks. The other 3gal started as just a piece of manzanita. Now it's a moss jungle. This one will grow out over the course of a few weeks. Fissidens should bush up pretty nicely and the Xmas Moss from Han is super-healthy and should grow quickly.

pH with RO and this substrate is pretty low. So it takes a good 3-4 weeks to be safe. I almost always run things longer to develop a nice environment for shrimp. The more goodies growing on surfaces, the better.

Originally Posted by MABJ

It looks good. Nice black background. I like how simple it is.

You seeded it with media, but you're waiting 5-6 weeks? Is that for extra safety measures?

[MABJ]

Hmm well that makes me a little nervous. I only waited about 2-3 weeks, but I do have a decent nitrate readout.

However I only have two shrimp and two Crays, and I feed them every 2-3 days.


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[somewhatshocked]

Beware keeping crayfish with shrimp in such a tiny tank. The shrimp could become tasty snacks.

[MABJ]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Beware keeping crayfish with shrimp in such a tiny tank. The shrimp could become tasty snacks.

Oh I know. As bad as it sounds, I'm not real worried. If they get eaten, it is how it would be in nature. Having a predator I mean.

They've learned not to stay around the Crays too much, and they look healthier than ever.


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[andrewss]

looking good


shrimps are fast lil guys I doubt a cray can get em normally... my CPO will try if they get close to him but I have never seen him even seem to get close to catching one of em

[somewhatshocked]

New tank is already processing half a milliliter of 10% ammonia per day. Since the cycle isn't going to take long, I'm excited. Means I'll be able to grow all kinds of goodies in the tank over the next month or so.

[bitFUUL]

Are these tanks that much fun? I'm seeing more people nabbing them.