2.5g Nano Shrimp Hardscape

[MarioMaster]

Well I've been wanting to get shrimp since I found this forum, but after starting my 5.5g I decided not to put shrimp in as the neon and glowlight tetras would probably eat the babies, so I got a cory catfish for cleanup and decided to leave the tank at that.

So still wanting shrimp I just said screw it and got a 2.5g tank to be dedicated just for shrimp

Currently I have a Cascade 80 power filter on my 5.5g to hopefully pick up bacteria to jumpstart the cycle in the 2.5. Any tips on making sure the tank is cycled before I add shrimp?

Anyway here's a picture of the tank (got some black sand and a black background for maximum cherry visibility ) constructive criticism would be appreciated.

I plan on getting a bunch of various mosses and tying some to the top rock of the little "cave" to make it look grown in and more natural

Click Image to Enlarge

[FrostyNYC]

I love everything except the cave. Caves are great when you have fish that will use the cave. In this case, I'm not sure sure. But I'll reserve judgement until you get plants.

You were dead-on when choosing black to highlight the shrimp.

Regarding cycling, RCS are hardy, and produce relatively little waste. However, your tank is small.... I'd just swap a little bit of filter floss or a whatever you're using in your 5.5 gallon and put it in the filter for your 2.5 gallon. Running the 2.5 gallon's filter in the 5 gallon is a good idea. You'll be fine. Great start.

[MarioMaster]

Thanks for the comments, I just talked with revernance and ordered a big clump of java moss.

When would you suggest I start looking into actually buying the cherries?