OK, for those of you who might be around to give a quick answer, here's the story...and question:
Probably 6 months ago, I set up a 10-gallon tank just to throw in some macro-algae...Had all different types of plants...figured if they lived, ok, if not, ok. Along with the plants came two pistol shrimp. Not knowing their compatibility right away, I put one in a mature tank, and threw the other one in the little ten gallon (had a couple of small pieces of LR for hiding and sand on the bottom). For a week or two I fed the little tank lightly so the pistol could eat, but after that it appeared as though he had vanished. There was no popping, I observed VERY CLOSELY and could find no indication that the shrimp was still living. I assumed it had perished due to my neglect.
I placed a few of the plants around in some other tanks and practically forgot the 10-gallon. No additives, no food, just distilled top off so the heater wouldn't burst. Had a couple of florescents on the tank. Needless to say, the tank got real scummy. I mean the scum would stick to your arms if you put them in there. Everything was green, red, ugly scene. I really just hadn't gotten around to dumping it yet.
Well, got around to dumping today...I'm in the process of moving (not hurrying though) and thought I'd get the 10-gallon cleaned up and moved and use it later. Went outside, poured the water out, all but a little bit because I saw something move....guess who? The pistol shrimp from months ago!!!!!
I'm acclimating him now in a 20-gallon where the other pistol shrimp lives. The nice 20-gallon has a pretty, well I guess VERY large pistol shrimp in it. He's all red and pink and purple, snaps regularly...can be seen on occasion. I know a 20-gal. is small....so does anybody think this little left-over pistol has a chance of living peacefully in the same tank? The big pistol would never pair with a spotted goby in that tank, so I thought this one might. I'm going to try it....unless somebody has a better idea. I also have a 30-gallon....nitrates are pretty high for a pistol...but good grief, if this little guy could withstand all that went on in that neglected 10-gallon....seems like he could survive living anywhere, even in my creek...LOL
Opinions??? I'm hoping they can co-exist until I get everyone moved to a new 55-gallon reef I just cycled. But it will be a month more before I add anything to the 55. So, for now....we're sort of stuck with the 20. What does anyone think? Thanks
Probably 6 months ago, I set up a 10-gallon tank just to throw in some macro-algae...Had all different types of plants...figured if they lived, ok, if not, ok. Along with the plants came two pistol shrimp. Not knowing their compatibility right away, I put one in a mature tank, and threw the other one in the little ten gallon (had a couple of small pieces of LR for hiding and sand on the bottom). For a week or two I fed the little tank lightly so the pistol could eat, but after that it appeared as though he had vanished. There was no popping, I observed VERY CLOSELY and could find no indication that the shrimp was still living. I assumed it had perished due to my neglect.
I placed a few of the plants around in some other tanks and practically forgot the 10-gallon. No additives, no food, just distilled top off so the heater wouldn't burst. Had a couple of florescents on the tank. Needless to say, the tank got real scummy. I mean the scum would stick to your arms if you put them in there. Everything was green, red, ugly scene. I really just hadn't gotten around to dumping it yet.
Well, got around to dumping today...I'm in the process of moving (not hurrying though) and thought I'd get the 10-gallon cleaned up and moved and use it later. Went outside, poured the water out, all but a little bit because I saw something move....guess who? The pistol shrimp from months ago!!!!!
I'm acclimating him now in a 20-gallon where the other pistol shrimp lives. The nice 20-gallon has a pretty, well I guess VERY large pistol shrimp in it. He's all red and pink and purple, snaps regularly...can be seen on occasion. I know a 20-gal. is small....so does anybody think this little left-over pistol has a chance of living peacefully in the same tank? The big pistol would never pair with a spotted goby in that tank, so I thought this one might. I'm going to try it....unless somebody has a better idea. I also have a 30-gallon....nitrates are pretty high for a pistol...but good grief, if this little guy could withstand all that went on in that neglected 10-gallon....seems like he could survive living anywhere, even in my creek...LOL
Opinions??? I'm hoping they can co-exist until I get everyone moved to a new 55-gallon reef I just cycled. But it will be a month more before I add anything to the 55. So, for now....we're sort of stuck with the 20. What does anyone think? Thanks
