Knowledge Is Power

Is having more tanks always better when it comes to shrimp breeding? While it's tempting to think that a larger setup leads to quicker results and improved outcomes, the reality is more nuanced. In this post, I explore how scaling up—from 12 to 100 tanks—impacts your learning, breeding success, and overall experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, the key to success is not just about having more tanks but knowing how to manage them effectively.

Intro

As a hobbyist or enthusiast, the question of whether having more tanks leads to better shrimp breeding is often asked. Over the years, my own journey has taken me from managing 12 tanks to over 100. But does scaling up equate to better results, faster learning, or higher-quality shrimp? In this post, I will share the insights I’ve gained from my experiences and explore how the number of tanks impacts learning, efficiency, and selective breeding. Along the way, we’ll look at time management, automation, costs, and the complexities of scaling up in the shrimp breeding hobby.

The Journey of Scaling Up Tanks

Does More Tanks Lead to Better Shrimp?

When I first began my shrimp breeding hobby, I started with just 12 tanks. As my experience grew, I gradually expanded to over 100 tanks. The question I often asked myself was: does having more tanks result in better-quality shrimp, or is it merely a numbers game?

The answer, after many years of experience, is: Not necessarily.

Time: The Most Valuable Resource

One of the most significant factors when scaling up is time. More tanks mean more maintenance and time spent on daily tasks like water changes, resetting tanks, and managing the overall system. While you may expect that more tanks will lead to better breeding, the time required to manage them efficiently can quickly become overwhelming.

For example, with 12 tanks, a weekly water change and reset process might take approximately 5 full days in a year. Scaling up to 100 tanks could mean dedicating an entire month annually just for water changes. Therefore, scaling up isn’t always practical unless you have the time—or the means to automate the process.

Automation and Semi-Automation: Efficiency Is Key

As the number of tanks increases, the need for automation becomes critical. Initially, I started with semi-automation, using gravity-fed water discharge systems. Later, I transitioned to faster DI systems, which helped reduce the time required for both water changes and top-ups.

Incorporating automation allows for a more sustainable expansion, reducing the burden of manual tasks, which are essential to maintain a hobby that should remain enjoyable.

Tracking: Managing Multiple Tanks

Another challenge with scaling up is tracking. With 12 tanks, it’s easier to remember when each tank was last reset or cleaned. However, once you hit 100 tanks, manual tracking becomes too complex. That’s why using tools like Excel spreadsheets and automated dashboards to track tank conditions, water changes, and other critical data becomes essential.

By implementing systems to track progress, hobbyists can easily monitor their setup and anticipate when maintenance tasks are due.

The Financial Impact: Are More Tanks Worth the Cost?

Scaling up comes with significant financial costs. The initial investment in setting up a larger tank system can be almost seven times higher than setting up 10 tanks. Beyond the tanks themselves, the costs for shrimps and other livestock also increase exponentially. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t see returns in terms of learning and selective breeding—if managed well.

Learning: The Real Benefit of More Tanks

The most significant advantage of increasing the number of tanks is the learning curve. More tanks allow you to observe different shrimp behaviors, better understand breeding cycles, and refine your techniques. Over time, you’ll also become more skilled at managing the complexity of your setup.

Additionally, as you scale, you’ll begin to make more mistakes—each one teaching you something new. The ability to experiment with different shrimp strains, refine selective breeding processes, and improve your lines is a valuable learning experience.

Selective Breeding: Is Bigger Always Better?

Having more tanks may give you the space to practice selective breeding, but it doesn’t automatically make you a better breeder. Selective breeding requires discipline, consistency, and a well-thought-out process. Simply having more tanks doesn’t guarantee better outcomes unless you’re focused on specific breeding goals.

In my own setup, I do not selectively breed all shrimp types due to space limitations, but I do work on improving specific lines by removing shrimp with undesirable traits.

The Outcome: Quality Over Quantity

Ultimately, the quality of your shrimp and the efficiency of your breeding process will serve as indicators of whether your expansion strategy is working. If you find that your lifestyle cannot keep up with the maintenance of many tanks, it may be time to reassess your goals and methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, more tanks don’t always equate to better results. While scaling up provides opportunities for learning and experimenting, it also introduces challenges like time management, financial costs, and maintenance complexity. Automation and proper tracking systems can help you manage a larger setup, but the key to success is understanding your own limits and carefully considering your goals for selective breeding and shrimp care.

How many tanks should you have? It depends on your dedication, resources, and passion. Personally, I recommend staying below 100 tanks to avoid the diminishing returns that come with larger setups. However, only through hands-on experience will you truly understand what works best for you.

Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is a silent killer in aquariums, suffocating plant roots, locking out nutrients, and creating toxic anaerobic pockets. Undergravel filters (UGFs) worsen the issue by pulling water downward, forcing substrate particles together over time. This results in clogged filters, stressed shrimp, and declining tank health. Farmers understand the importance of aerating soil, and the same principle applies to aquariums. That’s where reset baskets come in. Unlike UGFs, reset baskets rely on gravity, preventing compaction and maintaining a well-aerated, nutrient-rich environment. The benefits? Improved water flow, long-term stability, and a thriving ecosystem for your shrimp. Hobbyists worldwide have reported transformative results after making the switch. If you’re experiencing slow plant growth, filter issues, or stressed shrimp, it’s time to rethink your substrate setup. Don’t wait for disaster—take control now. Switch to reset baskets and watch your aquarium flourish like never before. Your shrimp will thank you!

What Losing Shrimp Taught Me About Success in the Hobby

In the world of shrimp breeding, success isn’t built on smooth waters alone. It’s shaped by setbacks, failures, and the lessons learned from those painful moments when things go wrong. I remember the first time I lost a batch of shrimp after a water change, and it was devastating. The shock of seeing them die after what seemed like a simple task made me question my entire approach to shrimp keeping. But rather than giving up, I decided to dive deeper into understanding what went wrong. Losing shrimp became a pivotal moment in my journey, not a stop sign, but a stepping stone. It taught me about water parameters, shrimp behavior, and the importance of being patient. Today, I make water changes regularly, with a deep understanding of how it impacts my shrimp. It’s this resilience, this willingness to learn, that has helped me grow, and it’s what I pass on to hobbyists around the world.

Are You Using the Right Biofilm? The Key to Healthy, Breeding Shrimp

If you’re serious about shrimp keeping, you know that not all biofilm is created equal. While knock-off biofilm balls may look similar, they lack the scientific formulation that makes Kallax Ball a trusted choice among top breeders. Your shrimp deserve the best nutrition, breeding success, and water stability, and that’s exactly what the Kallax Ball delivers. Unlike cheap alternatives, Kallax Ball actively reduces ammonia and phosphorus, enhances shrimplet survival, and extends the time between water changes. You’ve already invested so much in your shrimp—why risk it with unreliable products? Responsible shrimp keepers choose proven results over false promises. Don’t gamble with your shrimp’s health. Choose the Kallax Ball, the gold standard in biofilm nutrition and water quality.

The Truth About Shrimp Feeding: We’ve been doing it BACKWARDS!

Most shrimp keepers unknowingly feed their shrimp the same way they would fish, but shrimp require a different approach. Unlike fish, which eat in structured meals, shrimp are natural grazers, constantly foraging on biofilm. This nutrient-rich layer of microorganisms forms on tank surfaces and is their primary food source in the wild. Relying too much on commercial shrimp food can disrupt their natural feeding behavior and impact their health. Instead, focus on fostering a stable biofilm ecosystem in your tank by incorporating biofilm-friendly materials like moss and Kallax balls. This approach ensures your shrimp always have access to food, reduces stress, and improves survival rates—especially for baby shrimp. By shifting away from traditional feeding methods and embracing a biofilm-based approach, you can create a more natural, thriving environment for your shrimp. Support their instincts, feed smarter, and watch your shrimp flourish!