Cycling with a hunk of shrimp... how much to use?

[dugan]

Hey all... I am setting up a new 55 gallon FOWLR tank as we speak. I've got 55# of LR and I'm planning on adding some LS as well.
After reading some of your success stories with cycling using shrimp, I want to boost the cycle with some 'shrimp cocktail' as well.
Is there a rule of thumb for how many shrimp to use per gallon?
Thanks...
Katie

 

[blueberryboomer]

Hi Katie, I don't know if there is a rule of thumb for using shrimp, as far as how many, what kind. I bought 8 jumbos to cycle our 200gal. I think its doing a good job though, I haven't checked the levels in a couple of days, will probaly do it tonight. After day 5 or6 I checked and we had our ammonia spike, hoping for some nitrites when I check. The only down fall I see so far is the smell, but if we get a good cycle it will be worth it. I've got a couple can deoaterizers sitting on the hood to take some of the smell out of the air. Its not too bad now. Later Lisa

 

[krustytheclownfish]

I've read 2-3 for every 50 gallons. I used 2 for a 29g and it cycled in under 2 weeks. As Blueberry said, the smell is really only the down side that I found.

 

[justchillin]

2 should do the trick in a 55...
hth,
mike

 

[dugan]

Well I just tossed 3 in (they were on the small side)... and am preparing the family for STINK!
Thanks for your help guys!

Katie