Shrimp & Wild stuff tank

About 6 weeks after starting my 6ft up and deciding to go with the semi aggressive, West African stock it occurred to me that I needed to have a sustainable, breeding source of food for my predatory fish (primarily my Bush Fish) so instead of catching and feeding I setup a tiny little tank in my garage specifically for shrimp and other wild creepy crawly's. Even a few tadpoles have found their way in and out.

Since then I have added a few wild swords, dragonfly nymphs, snail, beetles,worms and all manner of creatures that come from the local streams with the Shrimp.
The idea was never to win any beauty contests but to be a realistic environment for the critters to breed.

Recently I noticed a batch of shrimp fry and upon closer inspection found some slightly larger ones, so breeding they are!

The tank is really basic, old stony substrate from an old tank (full of old-tank dirt etc) open top with a single LED spotlight, no ferts, no co2. I just chuck in whatever comes from the stream.

A single, small internal power-head pumps and oxygenates, there is no heater as I am trying to replicate the cold, high O2 environment from whence they all came.

These wild creatures are so unpredictable and some of the shrimp are striking in their patterns or even colours. Some of the fish are quite surprising too showing unusual colouring.

Its not pretty but im having enough fun with this to maybe upscale the setup... lets see.

 

I think it's a great idea well done

 

thank you, its been fun to have a setup that isn't carefully curated, just wet n wild lol.

Btw, have you ever seen a Green Sword with a black tail ? (pic 8) ive asked for more info on my main thread but nothing so far...

thanks again

 

I must admit I might have seen one but never paid much attention to most livebearers, my apologies

 

No worries, I have never really before either but I've gone online and cant find anything even remotely the same, thought maybe I was missing a trick...

Thanks again for the input

 

Will keep an eye open from now on.

 

Cool idea............man i wish i could get some of those shrimp and swords from you.
Those wild shrimp are pretty striking and if they breed so easily could be a good source of live food for fish, need to plan a trip to Durbs sometime, come and visit you:idea:

 

Looks Awesome!!!

Wish could get my hands on that Shrimp!

 

thank you! You are most welcome, if you are ever coming this way just PM me and ill send you my details dude..

 

same to you bud, if you ever find yourself near DBN give me a shout. Thanks for the feedback

 

More beasties

Spotted some more interesting critters last night...

Seems I have freshwater Anemones / Hydras, they are fascinating to watch. You would assume they were anchored but they move around quite a lot..

Also some weird, pulsing worms in the substrate, haven't ID'd these yet if anyone can help ?

If there are any livebearer experts browsing here I'm still looking for some info on the black tailed sword below.

Cheers.

Greg,

 

Worms are most likely planaria

 

thanks @GaryG, I've never kept a dirty tank before so this is all new to me but im finding it fascinating. I assume the fish will eat them if given a chance... more live food can only be good.

 

I suppose some fish may eat planaria
Dont really know