DIY Dwarf Shrimp Cave

[Chuck13]

I want to make caves and tubes for dwarf shrimp. I have ideas about what I want to do and use. 
My question is what is the smallest diameter hole I should make for the entrances. 
 

I want to make sure the largest dwarf shrimp (CRS) can get in but I don’t want smaller fish trying to use it too and getting stuck. In one tank I have white cloud minnows and in another green neon tetras.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Tihshho]

You don't want to make the holes too small as adult shrimp won't use it as much if at all. If you make them, make it so the fish in the tank can't get stuck in case they attempt to go in.

 

[Chuck13]

Exactly. Any ideas on what size that would be?

Thanks

[Guppysnail]

I’m not a diy type so can’t help there but…my shrimp became over prolific when I stacked smooth river rocks with space for them to get in the center but not fish. I removed the rocks they overproduced so much. 

[Trish]

Have you considered a piece of Cholla wood?

[Griznatch]

 I second the cholla wood suggestion. You can also very easily thread or poke some java moss in it and have plenty of hiding area for shrimp fry.

[Tihshho]

On 9/5/2021 at 11:21 AM, Chuck13 said:

Exactly. Any ideas on what size that would be?

Thanks

What are you planning to make them from?

[Chuck13]

On 9/5/2021 at 6:25 PM, Tihshho said:

What are you planning to make them from?

PVC and terracotta 

[JettsPapa]

Cholla wood is a good option.  Another one, if you prefer something that looks natural instead of man-made (which I do), is to use a pile of small stones, sized so the shrimp can get inside but the fish can't.  I use that quite often.

[Chuck13]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the help. 😄