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u/OwnConsideration2090 2d ago
I hate to say it but this is not the algae you want in there. This is more like a hair algae that’s more of a nuisance.
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u/ndrewtan 2d ago
I think you're right! Shiuos be a thicker variety like chaetomorpha macroalge right?
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
Why's that? I went on the shrimp bubble Amazon page and this is what the user photos have. I've seen my shrimp interacting with it frequently, presumably eating it
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u/itsnobigthing 2d ago
Buy them some Java moss
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
Ok that's potentially a good idea but why is there something wrong with the type of algae I have when I'm telling you I'm seeing reviews sharing photos of 2+ year old kits with the same algae wherein the shrimp and algae are both flourishing? If there's something wrong with my algae I'd really like to understand what that is before deciding on a change/addition.
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u/itsnobigthing 2d ago
It’s not wrong per se, just generally an unwanted form of algae that most people don’t want in their tank
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u/OwnConsideration2090 2d ago
Java moss will die. It can’t survive in brackish water where the salinity is 1.010 and up
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
Hey everyone, I'm new to these little shrimp, or shrimp in general, but I bought one of those shrimp bubble setups (I know these aren't hugely popular here but short term at least I'd like to maintain the ecosystem until I move and have space for a proper aquarium), and I'm seeing the algae diminish really rapidly. I had to move my shrimp upstairs in the townhomes because I think it was getting too cold for them downstairs (like a 10+ degree difference), but the lighting situation is kind of rough up here.
Shrimp Bubble's website FAQ states artificial room lighting is sufficient to help the algae grow, so when I noticed the issue I put a lamp near my little guys and left it on. Have done this for 3 days and it still looks like the algae is diminishing to me, so today I left a full spectrum led on it most of the day. Should this work? Is there anything else I should be doing?
I'm kind of alarmed at how rapidly it shrunk. And that's what the little guys eat right? I also feed them twice monthly but without the algae wouldn't they die?
Lastly, I've read that oxygen is necessary to the algae growth, but it wasn't specific to this type of situation. Does the cork cause an issue with the algae's ability to grow?
Thank you! I'm a huge fan of my shrimp and am hoping to get this figured out
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u/BlondeRedDead 2d ago
It’s questionable for them to claim room lighting is enough for algae growth given all the possible variables in all the rooms people may put their shrimp in…
First—How long have you had them? If it’s been a few weeks, try pulling that cork and leave it open for a few hours. The seal is good for preventing evaporation/maintaining stable salinity, but you do need to open it periodically (every couple/few weeks) for gas exchange. Maybe mark the water level first with a bit of tape so you can top up with RO water when evaporation eventually becomes noticable. Shouldn’t be an issue for several months but mark it now so you know the original water level.
It’s good you added the light. What wattage is the LED? What’s the spectrum? How far is it from the container? How long do you leave it on each day?
Side note… The container wasn’t exposed to direct sunlight by chance, was it? A closed container can heat up quickly beyond the room temp. If it’s in a room you’re not in frequently, make sure it’s not in a spot that catches direct sunlight for part of the day.
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
Hi, thanks for your response, I've had them for just about a month now. I'll definitely try opening the cork for a bit tomorrow.
No window anywhere near them.
I'm definitely not good with the technical side of lights and stuff, on the thing it says 5v 60mA, hope that answers your question. It's a white LED which I've read is typically full spectrum, it came with a kids terrarium I bought my kids for Christmas, and I had it near the tank for the first time today for about 8-10 hours on, about 5 inches from the tank propped up against a tissue box. Going to keep trying this to see if it grows back unless you or another who knows better advise otherwise
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u/BlondeRedDead 2d ago edited 2d ago
Ok, light sounds probably fine/good.
Besides opening the cork tomorrow, the only edit: other thing I can recommend is maybe going ahead and getting some freeze dried spirulina just in case you need to seed the sphere with new algae? It comes in powder and powder-in-capsules, and I recommend the powder. It’s usually a better value, and a whole capsule is FAR more than you’d want to add in.
This is my best judgement based on the info you gave, but there are definitely folks here who know far more than me, so hopefully theyll chime in too (and correct me if I’ve gotten anything wrong!)
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
Interesting. Do you think I'm safe to wait a day or two to see if the light and uncorking helps any with the current algae situation before jumping on that? Knowing of course shipping may take a few days? Part of the appeal of this setup was that it's idiot proof, which I really could benefit from, aquatics aren't my forte, but I'll make it such if needed to save these little buddies of mine
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u/BlondeRedDead 2d ago
It’s up to you, but I would go ahead and get it now. My reasoning being, you’ll be ready in case your current efforts don’t result in new growth as soon as you like. It’ll give you a buffer to figure out the conditions that put you back into “idiot proof never have to feed them” territory, ya know?
Plus, it will be good to have on hand for future situations like, say, you upgrade their housing or change the location and notice a stall in algae growth.
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
When I Google spirulina powder, I see supplements and other stuff, is there a specific type or way to search for this stuff or would anything advertised as such work? And when you say seed, how much would you sprinkle in there and how long does it typically take to start growing?
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u/BlondeRedDead 1d ago
Yes, the spirulina powder meant as a human supplement is the stuff.
I realize I forgot to ask—do you see your shrimp acting like they’re eating? Like, grabbing stuff and putting it in their mouths? Because biofilm isn’t always totally visible, so even if algae growth has stalled for whatever reason, your sphere may not be barren of food.
If they appear to be eating but you’re still concerned, just add the tiniest bit and keep a watching.
(I’m eyeballing it here and I’m guessing your container is quite small) Like, I’d wash/dry my hands well, then just stick a fingertip into the spirulina powder and only shake a bit off from what stuck to it. Not even all of it.
The algae that grows from it will be more of a green coating on surfaces than the little balls of whatever algae you have in there now, btw.
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u/CharlesStross 2d ago
5V60mA is barely anything at all, but give it a shot. If the light doesn't help, you might try some indirect sunlight from an open window.
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
Doing stuff like keeping lights on them and trying indirect sunlight, how long might it take to notice the algae growing back? Is it a fast or slow process?
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u/CharlesStross 2d ago
I've had light-issue algae spring back as quickly as a week. It could very well take longer with a weaker light source, or if light levels are not the problem.
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u/CharlesStross 2d ago
Where did you get it from? It's not impossible that the algae is not brackish acclimated and is dying; I'd assume a commercial seller would have good algae but my Amazon returns history proves that commercial sellers are sometimes very dumb.
I believe the shrimp generally will not be eating the body of the macroalgae, but instead feeding on the microalgae that grow on its surface. So, still reducing the volume of food, but they're not literally eating the greenery you see (I think; someone please correct me if I'm wrong).
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u/Jordanthecomeback 2d ago
This is an outfit called shrimp bubble that sells everything as a complete kit. Per their reviews, lots of people have had their shrimp for years with no work required, which I imagine must extend to their algae too. It's generally designed as an enclosed system but I read they benefit from actual feedings and occasional water changes so I've ordered some water kit and have fed them twice in the month I've had them
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u/RecessionGuy 2d ago
Any changes in light levels other than seasonal changes? Volume? And how many shrimp do you have?