Setting up freshwater (Benibachi) shrimp tank: Set-up

Setting up a freshwater shrimp tank start with the equipments selection and if you have miss out this post, proceed to this page to check out. With the complete equipment, next task is to set things up. This post will show the step of setting up a Benibachi based tank. 



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Layering substrate
Layering substrate is a direct steps. Benibachi recommend adding additive to promotes bacteria growth which eventually produce food for your shrimps. So, I start with layering half of the packet (30g/packet) of Benibachi Bee Max and Bee 3 at the based of my bare tank. I do not have the Benibachi mineral powder with me when I set up this tank but I highly recommended you to add the mineral powder. Mineral powder will help to adjust the water Total Dissolve Solid (TDS) to a level that suite the shrimps.

Then I added in the Benibachi black soil to about 3-4cm from bottom of the tank

Then again, layered another half packet of the Benibachi Bee max and Benibachi Bee 3

Finally I added the Benibachi black soil (powder) to make it around 7cm of substrate

Here's the comparison of the granulality between the Benibachi black soil and Benibachi black soil (powder). The powder soil is more fine, so it's easier for the shrimplets scavenging around the soil for food

Adding water
To minimize the stirring of soil when water is added, plastic is recommended to layered on top of the soil. Water can then be directly pour on top of the plastic. Remember the water that pour in needed to be aquarium safe. If tap water is use, add anti chroline to the tap water before adding the water in.

This photos is directly taken after the water is added in. With the help of the plastic, the tank looks clean and clear. 

This is the water parameter after set up
Day 1

• PH - 6.0
• Ammonia - 0

Day 5

• PH - 6.5
• Ammonia - 0

Summary
For the first timer, process of setting up the Benibachi tank may take 1 hours but for those experience, 15 minutes should be sufficient.  After hooking up the filter, the tank need to be cycle for 2 weeks if the filter and the tank water is new. From the water parameter test, the Benibachi soil does not shown sign of ammonia leak. After 2 weeks the tank is ready to house the shrimps. 


For the Equipments selection post, check this out 
Part 1 : Setting up freshwater (Benibachi) shrimp tank: Equipments