substrate depth for pistol shrimp

[krusty23]

i've been thinking about keeping a. randalli and/or a. bellulus together with their appropriate gobies (s. nematodes & a. randalli) in my new tank.

What substrate type and mininum depth would you recommend for these species, so that they can display their natural behaviour?

I want a sandbed that is as shallow as possible but still keeps the shrimps happy.

oh, and by the way: would you think a sandbed sized 30" x 20" would be big enough to keep both pairs?

help would be appreciated

 

[Anonymous]

Seems to me that from my reading the substrate needs to be deep enough for the shrimp to burrow into, a minimum of four inches, coarse in nature. You can use a cut off piece of PVC pipe sunk into the substratefor a burrow. As far as keeping two pairs, I don't have any idea. But I have seen a trio of sorts kept, a male and female goby (same species) with one shrimp that made for a cool display.

 

[cindre2000]

Sand grain size and shape is more important than depth. I personally have approximately 1.5-2in in two different nanos that house shrimp. As long as there is rock to burrow underneath and larger pieces for the shrimp to use to shore up the structure, you should be fine.

You will only need a really deep sand bed if you want them burrowing in the sand bed and not underneath any rocks.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for rescuing me cindre, was raking my brain there for a minute.

 

[pcardone]

i have had a pistil shrimp"leo" for 5 years now i don't have much sand but he has a fort in the rocks. i don't see him alot but he will come out for food or bring out a shell from a dead snail or something. he's quite tidy and will break up a fight if the fish are having a ongoing battle.

 

[krusty23]

thanks a lot guys. i appreciate it.