Peppermint Shrimp Qs

Like I said, I understand that. Shrimp are generally overnighted and I'm questioning how much O a shrimp can actually use, how much waste can it really make in 24 hours? (Shrimp isn't going to be in same bag as a fish or anything)

It's minimal. I really don't think it's going to impact the pH. Even if it does, whether you put the shrimp directly in the DT or drip it, the shrimp would experience the pH swing, you're not getting around it by not dripping. So I don't really see the point being made WRT pH. The only reason I'd avoid drip is ammonia swings and I, again, don't see shrimp making much of an impact there. (the ammonia swing is tied to the pH/O of course)

If someone has actually tested a shipping bag of shrimp, then OK.

But I don't think this applies to shrimp, snails, and other critters that we consider "negative" bio load in our tanks.

EITHER WAY, I'd advise you to test the pH before doing anything and let that lead you. If it's within a few tenths, I'd drip due to their sensitivity to SG swings. If it's off by a point or more, then I'd just put it directly in the tank. You'll still get the pH swing, but you'll avoid any ammonia swing which is worse. (if the pH isn't way off, then you won't get an ammonia swing either)

 

Not sure how much waste a shrimp would make either. But why risk it. You can still drip acclimate them just add something like AmQuel to neutralize the ammonia build up.(if there is one)

 

What kind of wrasses do have now Kacy? Some wrasses will eat peppermints. I put about 5 in a tank one day and as soon as they hit the water, a melanurus wrasse had lunch. Funny thing was there were already some in the tank and he didn't bother them. I guess it was a feeding response. Thought they were mysis shrimp and chowed down.

 

Yeah, I'm not sure either on a shrimp. I know other inverts like emerald crabs got delivered to me in the past with a pH still in the 7.9-8.0 range IME.

So if there isn't an ammonia concern (I really wouldn't think there is) with a "negative bio load" critter (i.e. CuC), then I would think the shrimp's sensitivity to SG/pH swings out-weights the reason not to drip (which is toxic ammonia). At least with a drip it'll get a gradual SG/pH swing instead of a dramatic one.

I'd advise to drip acclimate a shrimp Kacy. Even if it is shipped.

 

Thanks for all this great information! I knew I could count on you guys!

The shrimp will not be shipped, it is coming from a LFS about 30 minutes away. My tank guy is bringing it, so I'm sure he'll drip acclimate and knows how to get the shrimp in, etc.

I know berghias do a great job - but I'm so worried about them starving when they are done. No LFS around here sells them, so I can't take them there - and dealing with finding someone to take them sounds irritating.

I'll try the shrimp, if that doesn't work, I'll try lemon juice, if that doesn't work Joe's Juice again...if none of that works I'll reassess the situation.

I've heard peps are hit and miss - but I'll try it. Even if the guy doesn't eat my aips he is still a good addition to the tank! Though creepy :

I just have a male flame wrasse in there right now. I don't plan on adding any more wrasses - though I want to! He should be ok with the shrimp....I think.

 

Peppermint don't just eat aiptasia, but any coral that is aiptasia like

Just learned this first hand 2 hours ago. I got a new richordia flag from LFS and it was quite fleshy. Within two minutes the peppermint (not camel back 100% sure) the shrimp jumped on in was eating it like crazy. I chased him away with a turkey baster and within two minutes he was doing it again!!! I was really mad I thought I was going to boil him alive.

So I put the coral it in my sump. The shrimp still found its way and at the end 1/2 the frag is gone. I now placed it at a safe place hoping the frag will grow back and then give it to a friend or return to LFS free. I just can't watch the shrimp eat it alive.

Now mind you mine is a pico 2g tank. there are only corals, snail and the peppermint so he is king and he fears nothing. Since I could not keep a fish in the pico, the peppermint is a really lively and fun thing as it does not even attempt to hide much nowadays. I have some LPS and another richordia, star ployp and zoa in the tank and it does not touch them. It has a taste for fleshy stuff. Think about that before you add him in he is not 100% reef safe.

 

These shrimp are the devil.