[odin]

I wouldn’t bother, leave the lid off a bit and let the algae grow, once it’s ready put your shrimp in and put the lid back on. If you get worried about contamination you can add activated carbon along the way but it’s really not needed unless things start to go wrong.

[Naz]

Okay, thank you.
If there is a quicker way of getting algae to form would appreciate it

[Naz]

@odin
Would it be okay to add the shrimps to the jar before any algae has formed? I have been told with opeas thete is actually no need to wait for the tank to be cycled. I set up my jar 2 weeks ago today

[odin]

You can try, just keep an eye on ammonia, nitrite and nitrates.

[Naz]

Should the water they come in not help with that? As in since they would be in well established water adding that into the jar also help cycle the tank a lot quicker?
If not then I rather wait it out since this was the only seller I could find in England and he is selling me his last lot

[odin]

Yes use the whole lot.

[Naz]

Before I jump for joy, am I seeing algae forming on the lava rock?
Sorry not the best of pics
@odin
@opaeforever

[odin]

You should do with the tank being infront of the window like that

It may get over run with Algae so keep an eye on it.

[Naz]

Yaaayyy!! I am so excited.
I have just ordered my shrimps which will be posted tomorrow and arrive for Saturday.

@odin took your advice with leaving the lid off and I think that's what did it. I also attached a LED light to the lid which I left on at night with the lid half off, to help getting algae to grow quicker. I will leave the jar where it is for now and then move to a north facing window (which will be there home) so not in any direct light and keep the lod on once the opeas are in. Hopefully will get some more algae to grow in that way but not over take.

Next pics or vids you shall be getting from me will be me showing off my little adopted opeas
Thank you for all your help and guidance, it has been much appreciated 🫡

[odin]

No worries, you will get a lot of brown Algae to start with on the glass and rocks, I’d scrape it back from the glass if it annoys you but don’t worry about removing it all as it won’t hurt the shrimp and that will fall away and you will get green algae growing steadily.

If you get issues with algae taking over you can always look at light cycles and introducing a nerite snail.

Good luck