Unexplained Shrimp Losses: Causes and Prevention

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.

Share:

More Posts

Unexplained Shrimp Losses: Causes and Prevention

Unexplained shrimp deaths can be a frustrating challenge for aquarists, but understanding the causes can help you prevent losses and maintain a thriving tank. Water parameters, shipping conditions, and improper acclimatization are the top culprits. Poor water quality, like ammonia spikes or nitrate buildup, can harm shrimp even when parameters seem safe. Regular water tests and proper filter maintenance are key. Shipping stress is another factor; ensure shrimp are shipped in breathable bags with stable temperatures to minimize risk. For new arrivals, gradually match your tank’s pH, GH, and KH to the supplier’s parameters to prevent shock. Feeding habits also play a role—overfeeding leads to waste buildup, stressing the shrimp. Always purchase from reputable suppliers who provide detailed care instructions and raise shrimp in optimal conditions. By focusing on these factors, you’ll set your aquarium up for success, reducing unexplained shrimp deaths and ensuring a healthy environment for years to come.

Balancing Spouse and Hobby Finding Harmony in Passion and Partnership

Pursuing a fulfilling hobby while maintaining harmony at home is a challenge many of us navigate. My wife, Dandelyn, has supported my aquarium passion for over two decades, transforming it into a shared journey. Hobbies are more than personal escapes; they shape relationships and inspire growth. Balancing time spent between tanks and family requires commitment, respect, and open communication. A healthy hobby isn’t just a retreat; it fosters joy, creativity, and even legacy. It’s not about how many tanks you own—it’s about building connections, inspiring others, and creating a home full of shared dreams and achievements.

Quality vs Quantity

Breeding thousands of shrimp might sound impressive, but does it truly reflect mastery? Quantity alone offers an illusion of success but neglects the artistry and skill required to produce exceptional specimens. Quality shrimp stand out with vibrant colors, strong genetics, and adherence to internationally recognized standards. Selective breeding—the cornerstone of quality—requires patience, knowledge, and a clear vision. By focusing on quality, you can achieve not just personal satisfaction but also global recognition. Imagine your shrimp winning top prizes, like our Black Ninja line, which claimed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places—and Best in Show—in 2024. Quality isn’t just a goal; it’s the benchmark of excellence.

When ‘Clean’ Is Too Clean: Why Near-Zero Nitrate Can Backfire

Shrimp-keeping is a delicate art, where a single wrong step can lead to devastating losses. Yet, the responsibility to guide hobbyists often falls through the cracks. Sellers make profits but rarely provide ongoing support, leaving buyers to navigate a maze of conflicting advice. It’s time to address this gap and ensure every shrimp keeper’s success.

Send Us A Message