Feeder shrimp in sump?

wen tom

wen tom

Member
Hi all, wanted to know what you think about keeping a bunch of ghost shrimp in my sump while I'm gone. Is that unhealthy?
They'll be fed and living in there for about 3 weeks, up to 60 shrimp. Sump is about 30 gal. tank. (75 gal tank)
I'm trying to keep young dwarf lion alive.
thanks
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I don't believe ghost shrimp are saltwater shrimp... In that case, no, they would die.
If you are talking about baby brine shrimp - there is a chance that a few of them will live to adulthood.
 
S

saxman

Guest
Wendy is actually referring to SW feeder shrimp, IIRC.
Once again, the "overlapping common name" strikes again. However, the "FW" ghosties (Paleomonetes sp.) can be found in full FW, brackish, and full SW, depending on where they're collected.
 
wen tom

wen tom

Member
Is it O.K. for the sump? Yes, the ones I have in there now are happy as little clams! (or, shrimp in their case!) Just concerned for the health of the sump. Thanks!
 
S

saxman

Guest
The shrimp will feed on algae, detritus, and whatever food they can find. You shouldn't have trouble with them eating your "good" fuge critters.
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
I'd agree. Depending on your tank decor if u have enough just add 15-25 rt in your tank. The lion shouldn't eat them all at once. Mine averaged about 3-4 a feeding every 2-3 days. But I hand fed him mostly. If I dropped them in he would hunt the tank for them. I've had them in my tank a day or 2 before he found it.
 
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saxman

Guest
If you do add the shrimp the to DT, be sure to do it at night and let them exit the net next to the rockwork...that way it won't be a free for all when the fish see them.
 
wen tom

wen tom

Member
My concern was more what they "leave in the sump" It's real clean. No algae or growth in there. I hate to put them all in the display, Afraid he'd overeat and kill himself.
thanks so much for help.
 
wen tom

wen tom

Member
That was another goal, to train him to eat from net (or stick) rather than him just hunting. Can't always get live. You don't think he'd overeat himself to harm? Thanks so much.
 
wen tom

wen tom

Member
I'm talking 60 shrimp. (think I got a little over zealous, he had gone so long without eating!) thats why I thought to keep em in sump. But thats so much less space. Thank you
 
jay0705

jay0705

Well-Known Member
60 idk lol that could cause issue w tank bio mass over load. I don't think he'd eat him self to death tho no.
 
S

saxman

Guest
Quote:
Originally Posted by jay0705 http:///t/395219/feeder-shrimp-in-sump#post_3518637
60 idk lol that could cause issue w tank bio mass over load. I don't think he'd eat him self to death tho no.
Actually, it's not all that uncommon for some lionfish to overeat to the point of regurgitation, which isn't so great for them. Another possible issue is that due to their slow metabolism, they may eat so much, or such a large piece of food that it will begin to decay in their GI tract before it is completely digested, which will indeed kill the fish.
60 small live shrimp won't push a well-regulated 75 gal "over" in the least, especially if the shrimp population will dwindle due to predation. In fact, they may help clean up some.
 
wen tom

wen tom

Member
Wow cool! (delayed reaction I know, my computer decided to put all these in "bulk mail") Pissed me off! Thanks though!
 
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