Trippinbugs

Hi Soothing.... Had a need to join the "spot" after finding your journal here. (So, hi! New here!) I have been trying to find any info or experience in basic shrimp breeding, and haven't found much out in web-land yet, until I came across your journal. I've had this thread up on my pc for 3 days, and just finished reading. It's been a fun read, and I am ecstatic that you have continued (and hopefully will continue) to document your journey. Most "serious" breeders keep their knowledge under super secret lock-and-key, which I find frustrating. I completely respect all the hard work that goes into this hobby, and I understand not wanting to freely give out info to the public for fear of misuse. From my experience so far, it seems like this niche is fairly new to the at-home hobbyist scene. I know it's not new, been going on for quite some time. But to be a beginner on the freshwater shrimp scene looking for more inclusive information is tough! A quick bit about me.....I've been keeping freshwater tanks all my life, and have never had less than two tanks running at all times. My fascination started with guppies. I love breeding them. I have a great running relationship with a local fish store who is very knowledgeable, and has always given me great advice along the way. Anyway, I took some of my stock to trade in one day, and the owner finally convinced me to bring home some shrimp to try. I started with Amano shrimp, which is cool...mine saddle up and berry constantly. Once the eggs hatch, they are berried about 3 days later. My guppies feast on the babies though, as I don't have any intrest in trying to create the right environment for them to grow from there. That is a lot of work. Eventually, about 2 years ago, I got a good handful of red neos.......and the rest is history! I never thought I'd be interested in anything other than guppies....but I have seriously found a passion with these beauties. To say I'm in love with them is an understatement. So basically, I have a pretty good setup going for my shrimps right now. They are happy and reproducing steadily. So now I want to take things further. I've done a lot of reading. I'm not really "educated" in genetics.....I know the basics, and what NOT to do or avoid. I have a nice range of reds, from clear/very little red, up to beautiful painteds. I started with all reds, and a couple batches of eggs through some nice chocolates! With these chocolates, I find the juvies to look blue for a short bit before they completely mature. Once matured, I find them colored mostly greenish/clear, chocolate, and nice reds. And this has me seeking the research avenue. Anyway, I enjoy reading your progress. I'll be a life-long reader I'm hoping to grow my knowledge so I can breed with a purpose, and add to the lack that is out there. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I hope to learn a thing or two from you