Quote:
Originally Posted by
xxxbansheexxx http:///t/396411/peppermint-shrimp-problem#post_3532047
Well my tank size is a 56 gal ,but the sailfin is small at this point an i was told by my lfs that it was ok till he grow to a bigger size then i was to trade him in. As for the shrimp i have rearranged the rock in my tank an havent seen any sign of them. I did notice when i had put them in the tank the dotty back did show aggressive towards them an he was the only one who could fit in the tight areas of the tank.
Hi,
You SHOULD, many don't care to listen....purchase fish that fit in your size tank. Later when you want to trade the fish in, you have to dismantle the tanks rock to get to it. You stress out that fish, and all the other fish in the tank while you do so, chasing it around with a net. Years from now when you decide you must dismantle the rock work, you could stir up toxins that is imbedded in the sand, and released when you move the rock, killing everything in the tank.
Just like fish you are trying to catch in my little what if story, you may find your shrimp under the last rock you remove from the tank. Dottybacks won't bother peppermint shrimp unless they are tiny. HOWEVER...if your nitrates or phosphates are high, your shrimp will die, they can't handle nitrates higher then 20. Shrimp are very sensitive to any sudden changes, so if you didn't acclimate them right, they could go into shock. The live rock contains bristle worms, tiny brittle stars and slugs, they are good guys, and we call them part of the CUC (Clean Up Crew) they clean up the dead. With an adequate CUC you won't find any shrimp bodies, and the fish will eat the pieces.
Just a word of good advice, NEVER, EVER ask any LFS for advice on critters or equipment.
Go into the store knowing what you want, or need. They don't know what is in your tank, nor do they really care, they want to make a sale. They don't remember what they sold you weeks ago, and they won't remember what equipment you have either. They don't know your tank, nor your level of SW knowledge, and have no business telling you how to stock it. You should do your homework before going to the LFS, and know what type of fish will get along with the other fish you already have, what size tank they need, and food requirements.
This book is super helpful
A sample page, so you can see the info it offers.
