The shrimp is in the building...

[monalisa]

Well, even the greatest of plans can go awry...
I started my cycle today...put the shrimp in.
I had fully intended on scooping Speedy (my snail) out before starting the cycle and taking him back to the LFS for safe keeping...I called, they said that would be fine...I told them I wasn't going to forget about him...
Do you think I could find that little bugger? I pulled every rock out, looked inside, out, under, over...hmmm. The only thing I can think of is that he burrowed under the sand, in which case I will feel better about his being in there during cycle, at least he's got some cover. So, wish me luck, the waiting begins...
couple of questions:
is 1 shrimp enough for a 37 gallon tank? and how often should I test the water during cycling?
Responses appreciated. Thanks all!!

 

[bigarn]

One large shrimp should do it. I'd test the water every couple of days. Let the waiting begin!
Good Luck

 

[mudplayerx]

I think one shrimp is enough as well. I hope you find your snail! It is a good sign that you care so much about your critters. You should do very well in this hobby. Best of luck on your new tank.

 

[who dey]

congrats mona!!! good luck!!!! be patient, yeah, check parameters every couple days.:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

 

[monalisa]

Thanks for the responses...We've definitely got a big enough shrimp in there. As a side note, we've also got Friday night's dinner planned ... little butter, little lemon...
Care about my critters? You bet...isn't that what this is all about? I can't wait!!!! But, wait I will...alas...

 

[who dey]

sounds delightfull!!! but, maybe a little bloated by then

 

[monalisa]

Originally posted by WHO DEY
sounds delightfull!!! but, maybe a little bloated by then

 

[who dey]

refering to your friday night shrimp dinner:jumping:

 

[monalisa]

WhoDey...oh...
I came home from work this evening, and my husband (who's been very excited about this project) informed me that he thought Speedy, my snail, had gone to the big beyond. He was still stuck on the front pane of the aquarium and hadn't moved in a LONG time. I watched as well when I was home...and he didn't move for a LONG time.
All evening though I kept a watchful eye, and sure enough eventually there he was speeding across the sand...and onto the rock.
Should I take him out as long as he's visible...or do you think he'll make it through cycle?
I definitely want to keep him, I named him for cripes sake!!
thanks,

 

[1journeyman]

If your store will hold him for you then by all means let them!

 

[buzzword]

Congrats MonaLisa! I had a bumblebee snail as a hitchiker when I cycled my tank and he didn't move for days on end. Yet he made it through my cycle and is still cruising the tank, so did my 4 hitchiker nondescript hermit crabs which have since been exiled to the refugium. Good luck with your tank hope all goes smoothly.

 

[puffer32]

Mona, good luck on your cycle! I start mine this weekend. Its great to see someone else who cares for and names all its creatures. My husband can't belive how I have names for everything, even the squirrels we hand feed in our yard.

 

[monalisa]

Puffer, yeah, you got that right. My daughter wanted to name our snail Cheerio (after the Cheerio bee), but it was just easier to refer to the little guy as Speedy, especially because, believe it or not, he is!!! :notsure: