AboutNathan Expertise I can answer all questions related to freshwater aquariums. If I am not available because I am maxed out, you can find me on the Aquarium Plants category. Fish care, fish behavior, feeding, breeding, and diseases are my specialty. To be specific, I am most familiar (though I am familiar with most species) with Livebearers, Tetras, Barbs, Danios, Loaches, Goldfish, Angelfish (freshwater), Catfish (corydoras, plecos, etc.), Bettas, shrimp, and even snails. I can help out with new tank setups, the cycling process (nitrogen cycle), acclimation of fish, and general care. I can also answer questions regarding many species of freshwater plants, including fish compatibility with plants. Additionally, I can lend a hand when it comes to aquarium support equipment questions, such as those regarding filters, heaters, lighting, and thermometers. Questions about aquarium water conditioners and products are also accepted. I will try to answer your question to the best of my abilities, and if I do not know an answer, I will do my best to find out.
I do not have much experience in saltwater aquariums, or pressurized CO2 systems, so I cannot answer any such questions. Best wishes, and good luck to your fish!
Experience I have kept freshwater fish tanks for many years, and I am experienced with a variety of different freshwater species and invertebrates, such as Tetras, Barbs, Loaches, Danios, Livebearers, Cichlids, Goldfish, Bettas, Catfish, Shrimp, and Snails. I have helped people set up aquariums, and I am very familiar with aquarium products and equipment. I have also bred many fish, and I always care for my fish in the best way possible.
What makes a good home for tropical fish? Well, all tropical fish, like guppies and Bettas, require filters, heaters, and a good-sized tank. Healthy fish should be actively swimming and feeding, with defined fins and clear eyes. Take a random check of some of your fish daily, to make sure they're thriving!
Education/Credentials I own an extensive collection of aquarium-related books and magazines, and have read all about, and I am experienced in, many aspects of humane and proper fishkeeping. Through these books and other articles, from reliable internet sources, and from personal experience with fish, I have a thorough knowledge of freshwater aquariums, fish, and freshwater plant species.
I have a number of livebearers 'giving birth' at different times and have decided that I should actually try to save some of them from hungry parents!
I have a couple of breeding traps so I've no real problem there. The recommendation generally seems to be to feed fry on new Brine Shrimp. I have a Brine Shrimp hatchery & have no problem using that, my question is - The Brine Shrimp are hatched in salty water so how do I introduce them to my freshwater tanks - If I just 'pour' some shrimp in will it not upset the balance in my tank?
I'm sure the solution is simple & that I'm just missing something!
Many thanks,
Lee
Answer Hi Lee,
You didn't specify the type of Livebearer, but that's ok.
Yes, the brine shrimp are hatched in saltwater, and if you're concerned, you can just 'rinse' a batch of shrimps by netting them out and putting them in a container of fresh water/tank water, then putting them in the fry tank.
A small quantity of salt will not disturb the fish or the aquarium, and Livebearers, especially Mollies, will actually benefit from the addition of salt.
So in summary, you can just 'pour' some shrimps in, as long as you only get a small quantity of the water in. Netting shrimps with a fine meshed net is even better.
