General Hardness (GH) Doesn't Really Matter In Shrimp Tanks

Summary

This video explores the significance of measuring General Hardness (GH) in shrimp keeping, challenging the conventional belief that maintaining GH within a specific range is crucial. The presenter conducts an experiment with two tanks, one with high GH and the other with low GH, both outside the recommended range for neocaridina shrimp. Despite these extremes, the shrimp thrive, suggesting that the ratio of minerals, particularly calcium to magnesium, may be more important than GH levels. The video emphasizes the importance of using a remineralizer to ensure a healthy mineral balance, even in tap water with the right GH, and suggests that RO/DI water with added remineralizers is the best option for shrimp health.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The video aims to explore the importance of measuring General Hardness (GH) in shrimp keeping and challenges the conventional belief that GH is critical for shrimp health.
• 🦐 Despite many hobbyists maintaining GH within recommended ranges, molting issues persist, suggesting that other factors may be at play.
• 🧪 The experiment conducted involved setting up two tanks with significantly different GH levels to test the resilience of shrimp and the impact of GH on their health.
• 🌡️ One tank was set at a very high GH of 30°, and the other at a very low GH of 2-3°, both far outside the normal range for neocaridina shrimp.
• 📈 The experiment suggests that the ratio of minerals, particularly calcium to magnesium, might be more important for shrimp health than the absolute GH level.
• 💧 The use of a remineralizer can help ensure a healthy mineral ratio, even if the GH is high, indicating that GH testing alone might not be sufficient.
• 📊 The video highlights the limitations of the experiment, such as the lack of replicates and the potential influence of other factors like microbiome and water source.
• 📉 The results indicate that shrimp can survive and breed in tanks with extreme GH levels, provided the mineral ratios are correct.
• 📝 The video encourages hobbyists to consider remineralizers and remineralization, especially when using RO/DI water, for better control over mineral balance.
• 🌐 For those looking for more in-depth information, the video recommends checking out Shrimply Explained's resources, including their YouTube channel and website.

Q & A

Why is GH measurement considered important for shrimp keeping?

GH (General Hardness) is considered important for shrimp keeping because it is believed to be critical for ensuring that shrimp molt properly. It has been a staple measurement for a long time, and many guides on the internet emphasize the importance of having GH within a certain range for the health of the shrimp.

Why might shrimp still experience molting issues even when GH is within the recommended range?

Shrimp may still experience molting issues even when GH is within the recommended range because the ratio of minerals, particularly calcium to magnesium, might not be optimal. The video suggests that the right mineral ratio is more important than just having GH within a certain range.

What is the purpose of the experiment described in the video?

The experiment aims to test two hypotheses: 1) whether the recommended GH ranges for neocarinidae shrimp hold true when pushed outside of these ranges, and 2) the importance of matching the parameters of the breeder's water to ensure the health of the shrimp.

How were the two tanks in the experiment set up to test the effects of GH on shrimp?

The two tanks were set up with the same amount of water, substrate, and sponge filter, with 10 shrimp in each. The only difference was the GH level: one tank was at 30° hardness and the other at 2 to 3° hardness, both of which are outside the normal GH ranges for neocarinidae shrimp.

What was the outcome of the shrimp in the tanks with extreme GH levels after three months?

After three months, the shrimp in both tanks were doing well, had bred, and their offspring were surviving, suggesting that extreme GH levels may not be as detrimental as previously thought, provided the mineral ratios are correct.

Why is the calcium to magnesium ratio important for shrimp?

The calcium to magnesium ratio is important for shrimp because it affects the flexibility of their shells, which is necessary for proper molting. An imbalance in this ratio can lead to molting problems.

What is the significance of using a shrimp-specific remineralizer in shrimp tanks?

Using a shrimp-specific remineralizer ensures a healthy calcium to magnesium ratio, which is crucial for shrimp shell formation and molting. It provides the necessary minerals in the correct ratios that may not be present in tap water or well water.

What are some potential issues with the experiment described in the video?

Some potential issues with the experiment include the limited number of replicates, which could affect the reliability of the results. Additionally, the experiment was not perfectly controlled, which could introduce variables that might affect the shrimp's health.

What is the recommendation for hobbyists regarding GH testing and mineral ratios in shrimp tanks?

For hobbyists, it is recommended to test for GH and, if necessary, use remineralizers or adjust the calcium and magnesium levels to achieve a healthy mineral ratio. Using RO/DI water with a remineralizer allows for complete control over the mineral content in the tank.

What resources does the video suggest for those interested in learning more about shrimp keeping?

The video suggests visiting Shrimply Explained on YouTube or the website Shrimply Explained for more guides and scientific-based resources on shrimp keeping, including a shrimp basics course and a PDF guide on setting up a low-maintenance shrimp tank.