Building a thriving 5-gallon shrimp tank

[jink]

I just set up a 5 gallon tank and I'm planning on making it an all-moss setup for my shrimp. I've got susswassertag and java moss in there. How long do you think it'll take for the moss to grow out and look beautiful and lush, like my inspiration photo?

[Avalon]

You've got two options here. First, go all out and plant a ton of moss initially, since susswasertang can take its time to grow. I'd recommend setting up the tank without shrimp for a few months, using a fertilizer that's safe for them - Thrive's got one that works well - and giving it a solid 8-10 hours of light per day to really encourage growth. Shrimp do best in established tanks, so I'd say wait at least a month before adding them anyway.

[Giggletons]

I've worked with moss before, but not susswassertang specifically. One thing I've found is that moss tends to grow alongside algae, so make sure you're regularly cleaning out the algae to give the moss room to thrive. Also, don't forget to dose enough minerals and maintain a decent amount of biomass in the tank.

I'd recommend adding some pest snails - they're clean, small, and have a similar biomass to shrimp, which can help.
Also, consider laying out some rocks for the moss to anchor to - it'll give them a solid base to start growing out from.

[brayk]

I'm a big fan of susswassertang, personally. I got a small amount with a shrimp shipment and initially, it was slow going, but now it's picking up pace. Not as fast as some mosses, but I find it way easier to manage - I've got it in three tanks now. Took around 4 weeks to really take off.

[jink]

You've got two options here. First, go all out and plant a ton of moss initially, since susswasertang can take its time to grow. I'd recommend setting up the tank without shrimp for a few months, using a fertilizer that's safe for them - Thrive's got one that works well - and giving it a solid 8-10 hours of light per day to really encourage growth. Shrimp do best in established tanks, so I'd say wait at least a month before adding them anyway.

I've got a pretty good amount of susswasertang in my tank, about three handfuls, and it's just a 5 gallon. I'm planning on letting it grow out for a bit, and I'll keep the light on for 8-10 hours. I'll also be using some fertilizers like you suggested, Avalon.

[jink]

I've worked with moss before, but not susswassertang specifically. One thing I've found is that moss tends to grow alongside algae, so make sure you're regularly cleaning out the algae to give the moss room to thrive. Also, don't forget to dose enough minerals and maintain a decent amount of biomass in the tank.

I'd recommend adding some pest snails - they're clean, small, and have a similar biomass to shrimp, which can help.
Also, consider laying out some rocks for the moss to anchor to - it'll give them a solid base to start growing out from.

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it

[jink]

I'm a big fan of susswassertang, personally. I got a small amount with a shrimp shipment and initially, it was slow going, but now it's picking up pace. Not as fast as some mosses, but I find it way easier to manage - I've got it in three tanks now. Took around 4 weeks to really take off.

I'm glad you mentioned that, I'm actually looking for some recommendations on lights and ferts to help my susswassertang and java moss grow out, do you have any experience with anything that works well?

[brayk]

I just set up a 5 gallon tank and I'm planning on making it an all-moss setup for my shrimp. I've got susswassertag and java moss in there. How long do you think it'll take for the moss to grow out and look beautiful and lush, like my inspiration photo?

Requirements for subwassertang are pretty standard, similar to moss actually.

[FishQueen]

I just set up a 5 gallon tank and I'm planning on making it an all-moss setup for my shrimp. I've got susswassertag and java moss in there. How long do you think it'll take for the moss to grow out and look beautiful and lush, like my inspiration photo?

I've had great results with Aqueon's liquid plant fertilizer - it's safe for both shrimp and snails, and it's super affordable.