Can't Keep Shrimp...anyone else?

[t316]

Does anyone else have a problem keeping shrimp alive???

I have been thru 5 now, 4 cleaner & 1 coral banded, and all die upon entry. All seem fine prior to entry. Appears to be some kind of shock. Iv'e tried putting them on top of rocks, sand, etc...but they average between 5 - 20 minutes, and they turnover helpless (dead).

They have been drip acclimated for almost an hour. I have kept all other livestock away from them. I have tested levels every time, right now:
270 gal. tank Amm 0 Nit's 0 & 0 PH 8.2 Ca 400 KH 13 SpGrav 1.027 Temp. 79-80
LFS can't figure it out either. What am I missing here???

 

[itom37]

Have you tested for copper? I would imagine your other inverts would die as well, if there's copper, but who knows. The SG is a bit high, I think. Do they seem fine during acclimation? or is it just upon entry into the tank? I would acclimate more slowly to see if they kick the bucket in the bucket, but that's a pretty expensive test. Do you use tap water?

 

[kynekke]

How long and what type of acclimation are you using? I can't keep shrimp either but mine usually last a week or so.

 

[t316]

Have not tested for copper. Other inverts are fine...include (1)cucumber (1)hermit crab & (20+) mixed snails. Use RO water from lfs. Will soon be setting up my own RO system using tap. All but one appeared 100% okay during acclimation. One cleaner seemed a little sluggish halfway thru.

 

[t316]

Drip acclimation. I also tried just floating (I know...but I'm trying everything).
Time is usually around an hour. White light off, blues on.

 

[salty blues]

I'm a newbie to SW(8 months). I never kept a shrimp in my life till 'bout 2 months ago. Got a peppermint shrimp who seems to be thriving. Go figure

 

[slomo]

I also have 3 pepermint shrimp doing ok, i even dumped them on the floor twice during acclimation

That was in September!

 

[kynekke]

So there's a new acclimation method I'll try... the carpet method

 

[slomo]

Tile floor works best

 

[t316]

Anyone???

 

[grabbitt]

Despite the fact that all the other inverts are doing alright, it's still a safe move to test for copper. Sorry I don't have any better ideas for you

 

[sepulatian]

An hour of drip acclimation is not nearly enough. Any invert needs at least 3-4hrs of drip acclimation and an SG of 1.025 or 1.026

 

[mie]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
An hour of drip acclimation is not nearly enough. Any invert needs at least 3-4hrs of drip acclimation and an SG of 1.025 or 1.026
I could not agree more shrimp are very sensitive to acclimation. must be done in three hours no less.

 

[inquiring mind]

I understand this is significantly after the original message, but for those who are searching for answers and read this. You might check LFS for testing. Our LFS is very active and would be more than happy to help me figure it out and retain a customer.