Fergy666 Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 So I am looking at setting up a small desk top shrimp tank for someone as a Christmas gift and was looking for ideas. I dont want to go all out so I am trying to do it on a bit of a budget. Probably looking at something around 10 Litres (as it will go on a kitchen benchtop) but only looking to spend around 70 bucks max. My idea was maybe to pick up a decent sized Glass Vase run a sponge filter in it with a Desk Lamp beside it for lighting. I am just trying to work out what to put in the tank. I figured maybe some Java Fern tied to a rock or driftwood as a centrepiece and nothing else, however I am not sure if it will quickly outgrow a tank so small. I am trying to keep maintenance down to a minimum, basically feed the shrimp, do a quick water change once a week. Seeing as Java Fern and similar do not get planted any ideas on a cheap black gravel that can be used and not purchased in huge quantities? (without it being that glassy shiny stuff - something more natural) Does anyone else have any ideas on how to set up a tank on a small budget? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shanoz Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 We have at our place a glass vase with a Pair of Endler Guppies who have just spawned 7 babies on Sunday (storm day) and there is around 20 Cherry Shrimp in there with some black gravel and some Java Moss and Duck Weed. All up you could pay about 70 bux easy and without filtration!! They are happy as living together that way! Oh yeah, there is a T-Rex skull in there, great moss holder and fish cave! lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 We sell 2kg or 2L bags of shrimp soil at AOA, as well as cheap low watt LED lights that will grow most/fern. Small shrimp tanks are cheap man......... its the shrimp that are expensive lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fergy666 Posted November 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 Ahh thats where I am sorted :-) already got some red cherry shrimp in my tank that I am willing to offload So will they survive without filtration? do they simply just need the water changes? Maybe I should look at endlers too. Where did you pick up that bowl vase from Shanoz? Pretty much the idea I am going for, but its hard finding a vase big enough. Or is it just your basic fish bowl from a pet shop? Also are you fertilising the moss or just relying on fish waste etc? I assume the natural lighting in the house is enough to keep that going strong? What is your weekly regime for care? Donny, any chance those LED lights are on the website? or got a brand or model so I can have a look at what they are? Cheers for the help :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shanoz Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 I actually got given this after my cousins wedding as they were on the table with flowers in........... so i ditched the flowers and turned it into the fish bowl! Yep! We have seen them at the home stores etc and also Ikea have some rad ones! I am sure you could get cheap ones from any of our sponsors....????!!! As for regime, believe it or not, my theory is "If its not dirty, don't clean it". All it gets is natural and the room light (roof and three other surrounding tanks) and a quick couple of glasses drained or just a top up if evaporation beats me to the drain bit........ and yeah happy as and stable water! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
africanman79 Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 Crazy clarks sell those bowls. Pete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M&J Fabulously Fish Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 for your shrimp go visit butch in birkdale good shrimp and cheap as Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shanoz Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 It just so happens that the shrimp in this bowl actually came from [MENTION=625]butch50[/MENTION]........! They were some extras that I didn't add to my 45cm Cube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nafe420 Posted November 13, 2013 Report Share Posted November 13, 2013 Check out the aquanano range, I think they're great little set ups, low maintenance and great for plants although the cheaper 25 series can only probably hold 10 shrimp nicely. Great for first time aquascaping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted November 13, 2013 Report Share Posted November 13, 2013 I am a bit of a fan of the fluval ebi tanks, theres one behind me now lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fergy666 Posted November 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2013 So I am looking at going down the Small sponge filter path and was looking for an air pump to run it. Any suggestions? I was looking at the Bubbilo SP100. Any thoughts on the noise these make? Heard Air pumps can be quite noisy at times. Ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted November 15, 2013 Report Share Posted November 15, 2013 Sp100 would work well, I have several of the bubbilos and have yet to have one fail on me. Which is a nice surprise, as they are certainly priced right. Happy with the sound level too, its only a 2watt unit so I have to meditate to hear it over the bubbles. You can always ask someone in the store to plug it in so you can hear it before taking home. Theres always plenty of background noise in a pet shop.... so it can be hard to tell exactly how quiet it is. But airpumps are usually louder without airline attached, so usually you will be able to just hear it. If it sounds like a dirt bike doing donuts on your front lawn.... the salesperson will understand when you decide not to invite it into your home lol. Anyway you can always ask, the worst that can happen is they say no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted November 15, 2013 Report Share Posted November 15, 2013 (edited) double post Edited November 15, 2013 by Donny@ageofaquariums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
