No plants in Shrimp tank?

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MDK500

Feeder Fish
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Mar 26, 2008
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I've been a keeper of shrimp for a while now and have bred a few species already. In my current shrimp tank, I have substrate, driftwood with a lot of Java Moss, and a moss ball. I have a breeding colony of cherries in there with some bee shrimp and also some high grade RCS. On pet shrimp they state: "Shrimp do not need plants. In fact, many shrimp come from habitats where are no plants at all. Plants can actually adversely affect a shrimp tank. Especially fast growing plants compete with microorganisms for nutrients and light (i.e. they shade them out) and also compete with filter bacteria, eliminating them in the worst case scenario. A plantless tank with leaf litter on the bottom is best for shrimp. If you absolutely must use plants, use extremely slow growers such as java fern."

So... should I convert my tank to only have leaf littler and the moss ball? It does seem like they would be able to feed on more macros this way anyways. So should it be done? Is it really necessary?
 
I have 7 shrimp tanks going, all heavily planted except for one. Since I supplement the diet, I am not concerned about the plants competing with the shrimp for microorganisms, in fact I think more may grow ON the plants. My shrimp are always grazing on the infusoria on the plants and wood. I too use leaf litter (both indian almond and seasoned oak leaves) which they love. I think as long as you are feeding a well rounded diet (depending on species) and have good maintenance the plants can only help not hinder.
 
I know people who keep them in unplanted tanks, they still have to feed them the same. Might be interesting to see what you find out though.
 
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