starsman20 Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 This was one of the first aquariums I put together and I did not get enough substrate in it. I want to add at least an inch to the top (of black) so that the plants will stay planted and there is better contrast for the critters. There is only water sprite and 1 anubias in there now but I want to add a few more different plants. The problem for me is this is a fully functioning cherry shrimp colony. There are tons of little shrimp all over and I am concerned that if I just dump a bunch of new substrate in that I will kill off a decent amount of them. Should this be a concern at all? If I go slow will they just move out of the way? Or since they seem to reproduce like crazy does it even matter? Am I being overly concerned? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaac M Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 Hi @starsman20, I would remove the plants and other decorations from the aquarium. I would leave the substrate, filter and tank inhabitants in there only. Then after thoroughly rinsing the substrate, I would add the substrate at one corner or area of the aquarium at a time. Then from there I would spread the substrate by hand until the desired look is achieved. That should give your shrimp plenty of time to get out of the way. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starsman20 Posted May 15, 2021 Author Share Posted May 15, 2021 @Isaac M Thank you. I was wondering about piling it all up on one side then using my aquascape tool to push it around. I think I will try that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 can fill a big cup with the new substrate and lower it in and tip out the cup. go slowly, and any shrimp that shouldnt die of natural selection will get out of the way. repeat as needed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaac M Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 No problem @starsman20, if you have one of those substrate spatula tools that is even better. I would pile some on one corner. Smooth it out. Then pile some more on the other corner and smooth it out. And just repeat that process. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starsman20 Posted May 16, 2021 Author Share Posted May 16, 2021 Before and after. Turns out there are a lot more shrimp than I thought now that they are easier to see. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaac M Posted May 16, 2021 Share Posted May 16, 2021 Looks great @starsman20! And yeah the black will really make them pop 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveO Posted May 17, 2021 Share Posted May 17, 2021 I like how you repositioned the plants. Looks nice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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