Soil Compaction: The Silent Killer in Your Aquarium (And How Reset Baskets Can Save Your Tank)

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

Maintaining a healthy shrimp tank requires careful consideration of your shrimp’s grazing habits. Shrimps are constant grazers, and having sufficient biofilm and grazing material is essential for their well-being. Biofilm provides necessary nutrition, and if there’s insufficient grazing material, shrimp may begin preying on each other. To avoid this and ensure your shrimp thrive, especially when you’re not around, Lubao and Kallax balls are the perfect solution. This guide explains how to use them effectively, enhance shrimp breeding, and keep your aquarium healthy even during periods of absence.

Why Should You Use Lubao and Kallax Balls for Your Shrimp Tank?

Shrimps need a continuous supply of grazing material to stay healthy. They are active 24/7 grazers, constantly consuming biofilm from surfaces within the tank. If your tank is too small or doesn’t have enough surface area for the biofilm to grow, you risk your shrimp going without food, which can lead to cannibalism.

This is especially problematic if you’re trying to breed shrimp or maintain a high-quality selection process, as the shrimp may begin feeding on each other. By using Lubao and Kallax balls, you ensure a steady supply of grazing material, which not only prevents cannibalism but also increases the chances of breeding success.

How to Use Lubao and Kallax Balls: A Detailed Guide

Preparation Before Use:

  • Soak the ball in reverse osmosis (RO) water for 3-6 days.
  • Change the soaking water daily to ensure proper soaking.
  • After soaking, discard the water—never pour it back into your tank.
  • Place the ball in the tank, preferably in a designated feeding dish.
  • Use only one ball per tank.

General Guidelines for Using the Balls:

  • Tanks of 30L and above: You can use 2x Kallax ball
  • Tanks of 30L and below: Use the Kallax ball. For tanks with more than 20 shrimps
  • Tanks with less than 20 shrimps: If you wish to use a ball, the Kallax ball is more suitable but soak it 5-6 days.
  • Heavily Planted Tanks: There’s no need to use the ball, as plants can provide enough grazing material.
  • When Going on Vacation: Use the Lubao or Kallax ball to provide additional grazing material, alongside other sources like leaves and moss. The ball does not replace food—resume your regular feeding schedule upon return.

During Use:

  • If you have many shrimp: You may not see significant biofilm growth because the shrimp will consume it quickly. This indicates the ball is working well.
  • If you have fewer shrimp: You will observe a substantial amount of biofilm. If there’s too much, it may be time to switch to a Kallax ball.

Replacing the Ball:

  • When it’s time for a replacement: Use a net to remove the ball quickly and seal it in a bag to avoid unpleasant odors.
  • After removal: Discard the ball and place a new one in the tank. Ensure it has been soaked for 3-6 days before use.

Signs You Need to Remove the Ball:

  • Cloudy Water: If the water becomes cloudy, remove the ball immediately. Cloudiness is a sign of a bacteria bloom, which occurs due to the release of ammonia during the fermenting process. A well-cycled tank with beneficial bacteria will convert the ammonia into nitrites and nitrates, but if the water becomes too cloudy, remove the ball and allow the tank to stabilize before adding a new one.
  • After Clear Water: Once the water clears up, you can place a freshly soaked ball back into the tank. If you were using a Lubao ball, you may switch to a Kallax ball at this stage.

Conclusion

Using Lubao and Kallax balls in your shrimp tank can greatly improve the overall health and stability of your aquarium. These balls provide essential grazing material, prevent shrimp from resorting to cannibalism, and increase the chances of successful breeding. By following the guidelines for preparation, use, and replacement, you can ensure that your shrimp continue to thrive, even when you’re away.

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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!

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