Substrate for shrimp tank?

[wgama]

I was wondering what substrate you would reccomend for a 10 gallon shrimp tank I am going to set up. I saw that you can put a layer of potting soil under the substrate in the December 2009 Freshwater and Marine Aquarium magazine and I was wondering if this works good? Has anyone tried it? I don't want to pay a whole lot for substrate so I thought the dirt under gravel method would be an inexpensive way to go.

[wgama]

Anyone?

[kcirtappatrick]

I like to use ADA aquasoil just be sure to cycle it before you put anything in there.

[lauraleellbp]

What kind of shrimp?

You can use any substrate at all with the Neocaridina sp. But Bee shrimp (CRS, etc) prefer soft water so that's why many choose ADA AS, as it tends to soften water.

[wgama]

I was thinking cherry shrimp of some sort.

[ravenmyth]

I have had good luck with Miracle Gro Organic potting soil for a tank with ghost (glass) shrimp. I have a layer of Black Fluorite coarse sand over the potting soil. It is a planted 3 gal with crypts. They are a blast to watch

[lauraleellbp]

Originally Posted by ravenmyth

I have had good luck with Miracle Gro Organic potting soil for a tank with ghost (glass) shrimp. I have a layer of Black Fluorite coarse sand over the potting soil. It is a planted 3 gal with crypts. They are a blast to watch

I'm glad that worked out for you, but it isn't something I'd normally recommend. Potting soil is full of ferts and can cause serious water quality issues, especially with ammonia.

[ravenmyth]

Actually you're a little misinformed. The organic potting soil doesn't come with the bad fertilizer granules etc. The one I use is one of the ones Diana Walsted has used as well.