There will be time when you have to be away from your shrimp tanks for a few days and sometimes a week or more. This can be due to work schedule or your shrimp tanks are being located in another place where you only can visit once every few days. This is totally possible given that the setup has to in a way that is catered towards sustainability.
Power Supply: One of the most important elements about leaving the tanks for a few days is the power supply running the setup. If you are in an area with a lot of power shortage, a backup UPS is probably a good investment. However, fear not, unless there are really very low or high temperatures, a few hours of supply cut will not be of any concern in general. However, there are many portable USB Airpump where it can run for a few hours per charge.
Filtration: if you like me enjoy over filtration, this is yet another critical element because if you need to have a peace of mind, a good filtration goes a long way. Sponge filters are great for multiple tanks as they are functional and inexpensive. There are also other types of filter like the lift sponge filtration which is also a good way. The reason for a good filtration when you are away is that it will have the capacity to ensure that the water is being taken care of. One of the more worrying point is there is a few dead shrimp when you are away and the rest of the shrimp hardly clear it causing a rise in ammonia. A good filtration will be able to reduce the risk of an ammonia spike. Drop in an airstone – this will be a lifesaver too. I have a few on standby just in case. Also i have a few large powerbank to ensure there are sufficient juice.
Link: https://amzn.to/3eHtwal
People often ask me what sponge filter do i recommend, actually there are many types of sponge filter and if you are just beginning to start with shrimp breeding and looking up and down for a sponge filter, you can try the tested and proven Qanvee filter. So what filters do i use? I actually use Totto filter which is a Japanese Filtration system that helps reduce nitrate as well. Yes you read it correctly.
I’m not sure if there are any distributor for Totto filter in your country but if you really want to get your hands on it, i have found it on a Japanese website.
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/melossakiki/6v8awki0l2xru9hf/
This is the official website link but no direct sales: http://www.totto.co.jp/en/test.php
Food: There must be sufficient grazing material for the shrimp to consume when you are away. Shrimps graze 24/7 and if you have a small tank without much surface area for biofilm to grow fast enough, it is risky. In addition if you have a lot of shrimp they can strip the biofilm in your tank in a day or 2. When shrimps start to go without sufficient biofilm it triggers cannibalisms, which means they will start preying on each other. This is detrimental if you are doing a selection process as your stock shrimp will be at risk. Hence, having a good source of grazing material not only is critical for a small tank, it enhances the probability of breeding as well.
I tried a variety of grazing material and i think more critically is if the tank is very dense with moss and plants, than additional grazing material isn’t required if the shrimp population is low. However, if you like me like to see a mass number of shrimp in an open area than yes having grazing material is important. Indian Almond leaf is also an excellent source of grazing material and if you would like to speed up the process, soak them 3 days prior to using. It will now be soft for the shrimps to feed on. One of the best grazing material which one can control and contain is the lubao. This is one that i really enjoy using and certainly helps shrimps breed better, increase shrimplets survival and many advantageous elements just in the small ball.
We have discussed on Electricity Power, Filtration and food and the next most important element to this is to go enjoy your holiday or weekend get away! If you are like me, where i use Lubao, the shrimp tank can easily go without feeding for a week. There are times when your work schedule is overwhelming, family need your time and other things you need to attend to. This lil’ method will help you get through those time yet giving you a peace of mind.
Happy weekend!