How to Breed Shrimp: Substrate, How Much and What Kind, Choosing the Right Substrate for Shrimp

[@LupDiesel]

We have a great variety of shrimp on our website check them out here. flipaquatics.com/collections/all-shrimp

[@miki2325]

man you have planaria in your mishling shrimp tank 14:09

[@wolfywinks4192]

Flip Aquatics - Will the shrimp interbreed if you keep lots of different types in same tank ???

[@CrazyAquariumGuy]

What is consider the most expensive Red Neocaridina Shrimp? Red Sakura? Fire Red? or Bloody Marry?

[@zamora3D]

I just finished messing with my tank and copied your setup. It's genius! I put the fluval stratum on a shallow rectangular clear container and put it at the back of the tank and have all the plants in it. Then I put a very thin layer of plain black sand as the flooring. I get to enjoy sand and the stratum at the same time without the mess. Its awesome now. Thank you!

[@robertodauajare5989]

I'm from Mexico and it is really hard to find crystal or other exotic shrimp types... But once you do, the shrimp are surprisingly hardy because of bad handling water parameters of the breeders. A year ago i added 25 crs to a pond with no filter (except water plants) and just soil substrate. I found later that only 5 survived so I left them there... after one year they are now a pretty big colony of 300+, and I don't do anything but water top offs (ro not re mineralized) and they are a pretty hardy strain. The only thing I use to buffer ph is a small lair of crushed lime stone and they are doing great. Now once a month I am adding more limestone to try and reach ph of 8 to make my shrim alkaline resistant. Temperatures in cancun are mostly stable but get up to 30 - 35 c on the summer. On the winter down to 17c... Never the less I don't use chiller nor heater on them. It is a great experiment and I suggest you try it. Hoping to make one day crs as hardy and temperature resistant as cherry Best regards

[@nadiet90]

Roberto Dauajare do you have a video of This?

[@davidedomingos4501]

yeah, plz do a video or take pics

[@Joricano]

Yes please i wanna see as well

[@SquiresAquatics]

Hey man, I’m new to Shrimpin, and I’m really enjoying watching some of the KZbinrs giving out excellent information. I’ve heard everyone talk about flip aquatics so now I’m on your page. I’ve been watching them for a couple days now. I had to laugh when you said you were a little scatterbrained, because you were definitely moving about 100 miles an hour. But that’s OK just made me watch the video twice. Lol Keep the videos coming, your expertise is invaluable to those of us who are new to the craft of keeping shrimp.

[@leevandyke9360]

You inspired me to build a tank and buy some blue velvets. The company sent me 10 or 11, and one random baby Sakura :) I'm waiting for them to breed. You've taught me a lot! Just wanted to say that.

[@GUYANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA]

Keep it shrimple

[@LupDiesel]

Rico Suave always my friend 😀

[@needless2048]

Rico Suave, Very Punny

[@jnemo169053]

Love the videos, just did a substrate swap on my Taiwan bee tank today. I made the full conversion to controsoil in all my shrimp/planted tanks. Love the growth and buffering capabilities. Enjoy that day off my friend!

[@paulwirth1123]

No need to reply immediately, always enjoy life, it is far to short... keep up great work... celabrated 16yrs married this yr... listen to "understand" not to respond, communication is key...

[@SimplyBetta]

Hey there, thanks for this older video. I needed a good explanation on how to make a buffered substrate last longer, now I know I can add GH back to my RO water and leave out KH, so my ADA Aquasoil will last as long as possible! I have a tank I'm going to keep at quite a low PH using a buffered substrate, driftwood, and peat moss (if I need it). Thanks, love your vids!

[@LupDiesel]

thanks for the comment and feedback :) appreciate it! glad the video helped

[@SimplyBetta]

That video DID help, but I just realized that I am super unsure about one thing. If I do up my RO water to have 0KH and add it to my buffered ADA substrate tank (trying to crank PH low on in), what is preventing my water from easily fluctuating wildly in PH? Does the ADA or buffered substrate itself add to the KH to prevent that?

[@AdamTillontheWeb]

Simply Betta Oh the joy of buffered substrates. I've been looking for an answer for this for a while, and have never been able to actually get a detailed answer for what these substrates actually do in a technical way. The concepts are relatively simple, but the devil is in the details as they say. By adding RO water, you're not adding KH. KH is a measure of the carbonates etc available to neutralize acids. The only way to have an acidic pH is to have an acid in the water. Acids are continually released by fish, shrimp and biological processes in the tank (filter bacteria even), and as you point out if left unchecked they'll continuously drive the pH down. As a result, the substrates have to be releasing some acid, but at a controlled rate. I've never used them myself, but there must also be something that prevents the pH from going too low (some sort of slow release carbonate?). I've used pure peat substrates 8" thick with RO water and had a pH stay happily at 7 with lots of plants, so it just shows that there's a lot to this whole thing.

[@ShaneZettelmier]

Lol. I’m still watching. I appreciate you guys and a lot of the other KZbinrs. Are used to do a lot of fish years ago and there was a lot of trial and error in learning, it’s a lot easier to sit around and watch a couple dozen videos with your experiences and advice. I’m thinking about starting up again with one or two shrimp tanks now.

[@MonsterGigante]

The snow storm missed us in the Chicago South Burbs! Gonna start up a 40g breeder when the weather warms up because I'm gonna stock it with those PRL's you have. Just need the warmer temps for shipping!

[@jakegrinnell4731]

Watched until the end of the video. Great info as always. Running an inert and buffered tank now. Bought my crystals from you and they're doing great! Cant wait until they grow up.

[@nunstersplace]

I have a 75 that I started out as a compost dirt rock substrate and that was around four plus years ago and the plants, shrimp and fish are all doing good and the water parameters are all good. I am running two large canister filters that I clean once a month. So I am all for live substrate. Oh and the plants over grows the tank so that about every two months I got to cut almost a half a grocery bag of cuttings and plants from that 75g. tank.

[@JesseDahirKanehl]

I love his attitude, it's like he's high on shrimp

[@gfaj4076]

like?

[@Saratonnin]

Keep the videos coming. Love watching your channel. Getting a couple shrimp this Friday, you have inspired me to tackle the scary world of shrimp keeping. Thanks. Good luck with the business and the adventure of being married, it is not as bad as some people make it out to be.

[@shrimpsociety7057]

thanks for the advice. I am about to set up some more 20's in my own shrimproom and your advice really helped me with my new tanks. THANK YOU Diesel.

[@NimuohS]

I wanna be a shrimp Breeder, but I'm still watching video and learning and would love to learn from you before jumping into it , I'm in seattle .

[@simonenvy6563]

This really helped clarify things for me. Thanks a lot for taking the time to post this!

[@skippersmenagerie1572]

I am droppin' my comment,Duder. I want to try my hand at shrimp breeding to make a few bucks. I had a business a few months ago that sadly fizzled out after over a year. Just trying to keep myself occupied doing things I love. Fortunately I have a good women that supports me in everything I do.

[@chuckt8354]

I also use pool filter sand (I first heard about it here!) Many of the national hardware store chains carry pool filter sand on their web sites with free in-store pickup. I use Ace Hardware and order it to a store a mile away. Another thing I add to my shrimp tanks is a pile of stones. To add hiding places for the babies and to trap food for them. About a year ago I wanted to get rid of a jar of tumbled stones (the kind you put in the bottom of a vase.) At the same time I was looking to add something to my shrimp tanks for the kids to hide in. It works well with my royal blue babies swarming all over and in between the stones. Survival rate seems to be up.

[@augustvukosovich4683]

I'm married too and in we had a baby boy 5 years ago and just had another one. I also work and I'm a college student plus I have 4 fish tanks lol. So, I feel ya! I bet you are still busier than I am. I have no idea how you do it but I love ya and you're doing great. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@yaboi8616]

Thank you for these videos you pretty much got me into the hobby single-handedly

[@sybrandscheveers5726]

My Crystal Reds came from a tank that had a pH of 7,1. The substrate wasn't buffering anymore, I did hem in my tank how is buffered so, I'm convinced that how longer we keep shrimps in tanks how better they can handle different kinds of parameters. enjoy your day off 👌 and thanks for the video. greets from the Netherlands

[@reelthing4u]

i watch all the vid.i still dont know why.i dont have shrimp or fish, but i enjoy the vids . thank you for your time. always use the K.I.S.S. plan . keep it super simple.

[@glma2711]

Great tip on the black diamond sand being potentially bad with the petroleum cleaning agents. Was trying to decide if I should get it instead of fluorite black, made the decision so much easier now!

[@dwainkitchel1316]

great informative video Lup hope your day off is a nice one :) listened to the end :)

[@LupDiesel]

Dwain Kitchel it was an amazing day off haha thanks for the comment my friend :)

[@deadboynyc]

Happy holidays, have a great day off .Thx for all the info and your time

[@TheFishNerd]

Still listening. Enjoy that snow day!

[@LupDiesel]

The Fish Nerd it was awesome haha nice relaxation for sure!

[@tepes78]

Greetings from Norway and big thanks for a good quality channel. It's a helpful channel and I'm recommending it to people I meet here in Norway who also keep shrimps. It's inspiring to see how good you guys have made the shrimp hobby in the states and I'm hopeful that we can make the same community here in Norway

[@caseaquatics132]

Nice video. Watched it all the way through!

[@LupDiesel]

Casedog13 thank you :) dedication there haha

[@seangere9698]

ADA is one of the main substrates over here in Europe. There are a few others on the market that are, if not as big, they are close as well as a few that are coming out of a few countries in Asia that are making their make on the scene.

[@916pam]

Very well done. I had to watch a couple of times but understood what you were saying.

[@scottlopez5462]

when replacing half of the ADA exhausted substrate, do you get an ammonia spike that can affect the shrimp?

[@lionelluther1649]

I go to my local Ace Hardware store to pick up pool sand it comes pretty clean I am critical about what goes in my tanks so I still rinse it using just a hose and a five gallon bucket

[@sabinekatsavrias4422]

Love all your vids and your genuine no bs informative ways. Thanks for sharing!

[@brianschoenharl9357]

Thanks for the video!! Glad I watched this I was considering getting the other Black blasting substrate from Tractor Supply that you had previously suggested and will now stick with the sand. Keep up the videos.

[@heidihoglan6756]

I made it to the end! I know it's a year and a half after you posted - I just found your channel through aquarium co-op and I'm really enjoying it!! I've kept neocaridinas a few times with varying success rates. I'm looking forward to starting up again with your advice!! Love your videos 👍😊

[@dustin772]

Love the vids! Always watch to the end. Any chance you will have orange Sakuras soon? Even culls?

[@Jahee-Official]

Almost 2 years later, still hanging in there.

[@clementpigot6561]

Nice video Rob! Thanks for sharing!

[@neilmunro7924]

Really helped me understand the substrate thing better. Thanks

[@littlebobbyspsychedelicfis628]

I love the "Captain Kirk" lighting across your eyes at the end of this video! Thanks for sharing!

[@CryMoreShrimps]

Greetings from Poland!!! I watch Your videos more than often!!

[@LupDiesel]

Poland! Greetings from the USA :) thanks for watching!

[@Fedaykin1983]

Good video man, very informative :D

[@PedroGomez-eq3sn]

hey mate, I like very much your videos. You are doing great !!

[@LupDiesel]

Pedro Gómez thank you Pedro :) I appreciate it

[@christinecarbonell2912]

Still here, love you videos, lots of great info. Enjoy your snow day off!

[@LupDiesel]

Christine Carbonell thank you for the compliment and comment! I had a great snow day :)

[@sliverpenn199]

Stayed to the end, enjoy your off day

[@LupDiesel]

Greg Gaines thank you brother! hanging in there till the end is a task haha I always get sidetracked

[@teamhex]

I set up a tank this past weekend...but I did dirt and gravel. Just not looking like I wanted. So I bought an 8.8lb bag of Fluval. Going to redo it this weekend. Nothing in the tank except dwarf hairgrass so...should be alright. I still need to figure out what shrimp to get. I want something that pops against the darker color

[@robbvalentine8858]

Do you handle the Palaemonetes species or think they can fit in with the Neocaridina parameters? Any advice would be appreciated

[@n.o.a.h.-northernontarioaq7991]

Great video. I was just editting this week's video on substrate for planted tanks and hit on alot of the same points on inert vs buffering. glad to see i am in the same track....hahaha. i am going to reshoot to add a touch about shrimp because i talk about them in an upcoming cleanup crew vid. But i am going to add a link right to this vid in my substrate ine because you cover it so well too.

[@jeffbrown1314]

watching you for years love this video thanks buddy

[@johnrichardson4583]

Loving your videos, just got my first Red cherry shrimp babies.

[@shippingexpert]

Congrats on your marriage. Great feeling. Video was very informative. Lots of info. Planning on a 20 gal shrimp tank in near future (tomorrow or yesterday), so I have a lot to digest. Now, where do I start???????

[@suspower]

I am setting up a 2.5 gallon shrimp nursery and was thinking about doing this plastic container method similarly. However, since i want this to be a little showpiece on my desk, i was wondering if it would be possible to fill a plastic container that is about 1" deep and would cover about 1/4 of the base of my 2.5 cube. I would fill the container with Stratum and the surrounding area with flourite black, then place some rocks around rim of the plastic container to hid the rim. would 1/4th of stratum substrate be enough to bring the PH down for crystal red/blacks ? Currently i run stratum in a 5 gallon and have a consistent ph of 6.5.

[@RandomNewb]

still listening, cool idea about switching out the buffering substrate when it 'depletes'

[@SakuraHarunoAnime]

I am still watching can't wait for more.

[@LupDiesel]

Sakura Haruno thank you :)

[@josh8134]

What's on the back of your tanks where the babies crawl on? is it foam?

[@Jlui83]

Do you still use fluval shrimp stratum in your tanks? How long has the buffering capability last? I'm using RODI water.

[@joey__4759]

How do I make sticks or leaves from outside safe for my tank. Do you boil them?

[@Jvdg3m3nt]

Leaves are usually better. I boil mine for 20-30 minutes.

[@jesse0M]

Is it necessary to have a buffer substrate? If I use ro water ? I would like to add blue bolts to a a planted tank that I gave already but I don't to take it apart . If I add a small layer of buffered substrate would it work ? Any help would be great ..

[@tuzong6308]

Still listening...Is it required to add minerals when you start up a shrimp tank? If it is, what minerals do you use for the crystals when you started the tanks? Sorry still new to shrimp keeping!

[@fatalfred]

Is there a follow up video with the ADA Tupperware method vs 1/4 ~ 1/2 inch bottom method? What were your observations? Do you have a preferred method you're using today? Thanks for the vids man!

[@AGUILAR3]

Always watch till the end !!!

[@LupDiesel]

AGUILAR3 much love! I appreciate the loyal viewership :)

[@bec11mort]

I know that this is an older video, but thanks for always providing great info. One of these days I will successfully breed crystal reds. :)

[@AudreyRobinel]

thanks for the vid! I was looking at substrates without returns on the quality... Of course everbody praises ADA, but for the other substrates i had no info. Plus it's good to learn that i don't have to use active substrate to breed neocaridina :) Indeed, all the active substrates i can buy are brown/black, and i wanted a clearer substrate to have a bit of variety in my tanks...

[@leashh1590]

Sorry if this is a dumb question…. But if you have a planted tank (with a buffered substrate) how do you replace everything every two years?

[@dwarfycottage]

Rob. Just remember what you said. Took me a while to find this video. So which method is better. The container or 1/2 inch substrate in Taiwan bee tank for breeding. Hope you can advise us all.

[@LupDiesel]

1/2 is better only because we had issues with shrimp dying behind the containers and not seeing them this ammonia spikes

[@aipbro]

Nice shrimps! I think I will learn a lot from your videos. I see you have many tanks set up that all looks the same. I know its a bit off topic, but could you maybe make a video on how you set up your racks and tanks? What special equipment do you need to get the system going? Any multi tank filters in place? Thanks.

[@nicka4881]

What if you combine both methods - have a shallow layer of substrate, and a container of substrate? You will get bacteria colonizing the shallow layer, and you can replace the tupperware whenever the buffering capacity is used up?

[@CullenKawano]

your videos are great! keep up the work! I wish i could get some of those shrimp! No worries we are still listening, stay safe in the snow, we've got flooding and rockslides here on maui. Any suggestions on breeding ghost shrimp? I have Opae which are almost like ghost shrimp and would love to breed them. Thanks in advance!

[@aqualive7793]

Could you please recommend a breeding tank size for a beginner..? I still can't figure out perfect size because I have a small space in my place..

[@kyuhan2075]

I hung in through the whole video! LOL but seriously, any opinions on EcoComplete?

[@haroutvartanian2915]

i have a quick question. I kept my in fluval stratum with water and bee shrimp mineral. Lately i removed the fluval stratum because it got old and i exchanged it with regular substrate that doesnt buffer. I did this because i got tired of changing the vacuuming and cleaning it was a mess. With fluval my was at 6.2. Obv my is going to be much lower sinze water water and bee shrimp mineral doesnt have any . Here comes my question, To keep my stable around 6.2 without buffering substrate, can i use salty shrimp and bee shrimp together to add about .5 to keep my stable? What do you guys think? Ive dont the math and 25ppm of + and 100ppm of + would give me .5 , 6, and 125. If i dont use the , my drops to under 5 and i prone to swing since there is no buffering substrate, do you guys think buffering substrate is all that necessary for to live and thrive?

[@technode1858]

Is Flourite gravel ok for shrimp? I just bought three orange sakura shrimp for my 10 gallon and they are still shy to come down to the floor to eat because the two small plecos but I have sprinkled some baby fish food around for them while they sit in the misses.

[@abrahamc4805]

Question, what plant is that at 6:20 in your video? You said it was one of your crystal tanks. Watched till the end! I like your vids a lot & what you're all about. Vids can be a tad long, but its all good. Thanks for all you do!

[@jony51983]

I was wondering what issues or troubles you were having with the black diamond?

[@tranviethiep1988]

When you change the pot in the shrimp tank, do you only have to put the new substrate pot in or you done cycle that pot before put it in?

[@thomaskrafft9890]

Love your work right to the end! If pool filter sand is ideal, how can I create an aquascaped (planted) tank that I won't ever have to break down?

[@Jvdg3m3nt]

Root tabs.

[@JM-rs7lm]

can jbl manado be used? There is conflicting sources in the internet. If use JBL Manado, should I use it with rock or driftwood that may complement the water attribute?

[@FlynnsFishForum]

Nice! How hard is it to breed japonica amano shrimp? I have heard mixed opinions on how hard it is to breed them. Are there any special requirements for breeding them?

[@benzomer7263]

The larva require salt water to develop before coming back to freshwater.

[@LupDiesel]

Flynn's Fish Forum I've never done it but yes it is hard. I'm sure it takes of town of work

[@ShrimpinAintEz_com]

Thank you for all you do

[@nadiet90]

hey lupe it's been like just short of a year...is the quarter inch substrate working for You?does it buffer the water just fine and did it help with breeding like you hoped?I'm from South Africa cape town and ada is so hard to come buy so wondering how best to utilise this bag I have left.

[@maldo05]

love watching till the end bro!!!!

[@LupDiesel]

Emilio Maldonado thank you brother! I appreciate the dedication

[@haroutvartanian2915]

When reverse osmosis water is mixed with salty shrimp gh mineral, it has a ph of 5.5. Fluval stratum keeps my tank at a ph of 6.2. Doesnt this mean fluval stratum raises ph? If i were to remove the stratum from the tank, my ph would go down to 5.5. This is confusing because everywhere reads that active substrates lower ph but how could this be is ro water has a ph of 5.5 and the stratum keeps the tank at 6.2? I know it would lower the ph aswell if tap water was used. Would it be fair to say fluval stratum will raise or lower the ph depending what kind of water you use to get to crystal red parameters ?

[@kmoore5256]

5 years old, so interesting if you reply. Maybe somebody else will. Anyone ever use peat moss to aid in buffering? I am trying it now. My tank is cycling first with, snails, then plants, and ghost shrimp. I have temporary limestone and active carbon for this process, and am up to my second stage with plants, whilst still boosting the ammonia levels after the first cycle with snails. It will be interesting to see how low the ph will be once stable. The deep substrate is 7 inches, with an inch of peat.

[@edwinanthonyii1241]

Definitely listening having some problems with my cherrys they kept dying ... going to change my substrate... I have about 7 tanks lol not shrimp just mostly angelfish ... but I want my lil personal shrimp tank... LFS said maybe because I had root tabs in there previously it might be the copper .... would u go with a natural substrate so I can grow plants or the sand ... ?

[@SDAVENGER1]

still watching!! great video

[@gaaraadams]

Still listening :) Thank you for the videos.

[@AdelardRen]

How does someone keep neocaridina in fluval stratum? I've seen some people have good success, but almost all my cherry reds have died, and all my parameters are good except Kh. I bought fluval stratum because it was recommended for shrimp, and I didn't realize it wasn't for all shrimp. Could that be what is killing my shrimp one by my one? Do I need to tear down my tank and replace the substrate to have success?

[@junglistmassive11]

thanks for the malaysian drift wood suggestion on your other video, i have 2 pieces now and they love it. also you might want to look into lava rocks, it might have been due to the driftwood being new/no algae film stuff, but they still are all over it and it is very porous.

[@mikep.9567]

Still listening.....good video. Thanks

[@cosmical1986]

Big fan keep shrimping and loving life!

[@zacharyviens5757]

I know you said you recommend filter sand for the RCS, but if I wanted to use the fluval stratum for them strictly for aesthetic purposes, would that be fine for that particular shrimp? I just really like the contrast of colors.

[@chucksmith9289]

Thank you for the info i wondered about the tubs and this answered it

[@SteenfottAquatics]

Lots of good info here 👍

[@LupDiesel]

Steenfott Aquatics Bob! hope you're doing well brother

[@tubyeej]

Still listening, great vid Rob!

[@LupDiesel]

tou her thank you my friend!

[@elmirabdelhamid1533]

Flip Aquatics Hi friend and...help 😊 Thank you for this valuable video. I m about to setup a 17 gallons (55 liters if i m not wrong) shrimpscape with driftwood, mosses, anubias and bucephalandra, and i also have a black fine neutral gravel. The trouble is that i don't have enough tech soil available to cover all the bottom and the idea to put it into containers is awesome (some use socks). My question is : What is the minimum volume or weight to use with this method for a 17 gallons tank and how long can it last assuming i will start with 100% RO water during the nitrogen cycling and supposing tds will be about 120 ppm when shrimp will be introduced Many thanks

[@rajmohan1009]

hey rob good vid on the substrate but i have a question you said buffering substrate brings the ph of a tank to 6.4 to 6.8 . and cherry shimp need a ph of 6.4 to 7. 5 so can i use a buffering substrate for a shrimp tank . plese repply

[@stojohnny]

I hung in for ya. Great info. I have a question. I want to get into the shrimp world. An X-mas gift I have coming is a new tank. I'm not looking into the shrimp that needs the buffered water / buffering substrate, what are your recommendations, or whats a good website to do my own research? Thanks!

[@schauman1]

Hey Rob, love your attitude and I'm redoing my 10 gal. Tank for shrimp. I'm thinking about the blue velvet. I have hard water and I live in florida. Hard to keep the water below 78 .I keep the tank in my taxidermy shop. What shrimp do you suggest I do like blue. But I do like the bloody Mary. Thanks Sandy