Optimal Water Conditions for a Newbie

[Ryan]

Hello, I have a one gallon tank on my desk, and my RCS are having trouble with molting. I've had a few die on me while trying to molt now. They spend a few days arching their backs and scratching with their rear legs before they give up. It always seems to happen to females.

 

Parameters are as follows:

 

Ph: 7.6

Kh: 3

Gh: 7

Nitrate: 0

Ammonia and nitrite were tested by the lfs a few weeks ago and both were at 0 after the tank had been set up without shrimp for about a month.

 

The tank is at room temp, but I have a small heater in the mail.

 

I have a sponge filter with an air stone and the tank is heavily planted.

 

Thanks for any help.

[LiveLee Aquatics]

I believe the KH is a bit low, dont recall how to up it though. I also think that you don't need a heater if your room doesn't ever alter your water temp to drop down below 65F or over 80F.  I'm still getting into the hobby myself, so wait for the more advanced members to chime in

[Ryan]

In the coming months, room temp may drop below 65, since the office shuts off the heat at night. The heater was super inexpensive anyways. Couldn't hurt to have it.

[zodiac]

that arching may not have anything to do with molting.

that's normal,they do that.

 

when they have problems molting,they're on their side trying to get the shell off.

your gh is fine.

 

it may be something else or the fact that shrimp just die for no reason.

 

if temp changes too fast, that will kill them.

[Ryan]

46 minutes ago, zodiac said:

if temp changes too fast, that will kill them.

 

That may have been it. But would a temp change result in a shrimp that struggles for two days, not eating and scratching at its back with its legs?

[zodiac]

i don't think they die quick.

 

the smaller the tank the quicker the temp of the water can change.

 

though,my heated 10g may change a few degrees through out the day,but that is no big deal as it does slowly.