Can a bare bottom tank still get critters?

[Herefishie]

I have an extra tank that I was thinking about setting up as a bare bottom. I have experienced some critters in my shrimp tank which drive me crazy and they are unsightly. I wondered if worms, seed shrimp, etc. need substrate to survive?

[nabokovfan87]

I would think they can grow on any sort of hardscape if need be.  If you're having issues, specifically with shrimp tanks, I would try to find some way to siphon the substrate thoroughly more often to keep it clean. 

[Guppysnail]

Yes. Every critter that can exist in a substrate tank can exist in a bare bottom. They do not get as plentiful in bare bottom because almost all mulm gets siphoned out. However there will not be as much of the yummy yucky stuff growing for your shrimp without substrate.