Top Fin Shrimp And Plant Oasis

As an avid aquarium hobbyist and shrimp keeper, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the new Top Fin Shrimp and Plant Oasis kit. This all-in-one nano aquarium seems like the perfect way to showcase a thriving colony of dwarf shrimp alongside lush aquatic plants. However, I still had some questions about how user-friendly this kit really is. Here’s what I’ve uncovered after extensive research into the key details of the Top Fin Shrimp and Plant Oasis.

Setting Up the Shrimp Oasis

Luckily, getting the Top Fin Shrimp and Plant Oasis running takes minimal effort. The 5.5 gallon tank comes pre-assembled with silicone seals and rimless open-concept design. The lighting system and filtration are built into the tank. All you need to do is rinse the decorations and plants and add them to the tank, then fill it up with dechlorinated water!

The kit also includes substrate formulated specifically for planted aquariums. I recommend washing the substrate before adding water to avoid cloudiness. Take time to carefully plant each aquarium plant before introducing any shrimp.

What’s Included in the Kit

This nano kit comes with everything you need for a thriving shrimp colony. It includes a hinged glass canopy with an attached 8-watt LED light to support plant growth. The internal filter provides gentle water circulation and biological filtration. You also get a sample packet of water conditioner and 5 pounds of plant and shrimp substrate.

Ideal Shrimp Population

The 5.5 gallon tank can comfortably house 20-30 small shrimp. I recommend starting with 10-15 juveniles and allowing the colony to grow. Choose docile species like Red Cherry, Blue Velvet, or Bee shrimp. Make sure not to overstock to prevent issues with water quality.

Live Aquarium Plants

One of the best parts of the Top Fin Oasis is that it comes pre-planted! It includes several easy, low-light species perfect for shrimp tanks: Java moss, Amazon sword, and Anubias barteri. These resilient plants help maintain water parameters and give shrimp plenty of hiding spots.

Caring for the Plants

The LED light allows the plants to thrive without complex fertilization. Just use aquarium plant supplements or root tabs if you notice any deficiency. Prune any dying leaves or overgrown stems as needed. Clean the glass and trim plants before they reach the water’s surface to allow light to penetrate.

Is This Kit Beginner-Friendly?

With its simple setup process and inclusion of all necessary equipment, the Top Fin Oasis is ideal for beginners. The built-in filter and LED light reduce the need for external devices. Shrimp and plants were chosen for hardiness and compatibility. As long as you follow the care guidelines, this kit makes shrimp-keeping easy!

Included Lighting System

The LED light bar provides vibrant illumination perfect for the plants and shrimp. It produces a natural shimmering effect in the water. The LEDs emit moderate intensity light ideal for low-tech planted tanks. The light conveniently turns on and off with the hinged glass canopy.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I recommend performing partial water changes of 20-30% weekly or biweekly to replenish minerals and prevent nitrate buildup. Use an aquarium gravel vacuum to remove waste without uprooting plants. Every 2-3 months, do a more thorough cleaning by temporarily removing decor. Wipe the glass with an algae scraper to allow optimal light penetration.

Adding Tank Mates

Small, peaceful fish can be added but increase the bioload. Endler’s livebearers, chili rasboras, or guppies are good options. Avoid fish that may snack on adult shrimp like bettas. Never add tank mates directly to the Oasis without quarantine to prevent disease transmission.

Maintaining Water Quality

Test water parameters like ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, and KH weekly. Ideal levels for shrimp are 0 ammonia and nitrites with <20 ppm nitrates. For pH, 6.5-7.5 is best. Use Seachem supplements like Stability, Prime, and Equilibrium as needed to optimize water quality.

Built-in Mechanical Filtration

The integrated filter provides both mechanical and biological filtration. Activated carbon in the cartridge removes discoloration and odors for crystal clear water. The chamber also allows colonization of beneficial bacteria to process waste. Replace the cartridge monthly for optimal performance.

Preventing Algae Growth

To discourage algae, ensure lights are on for only 6-8 hours per day. Avoid placing the tank in direct sunlight. Reduce feeding to prevent excess nutrients that can cause algae blooms. Consider adding Amano shrimp or nerite snails which consume algae. Do manual removal and tank cleanings whenever needed.

Potential Issues to Watch For

The main problems to look out for are algae overgrowth, low pH, and territorial aggression. Closely monitor water parameters and make adjustments as needed. Remove aggressive shrimp. Supplementing minerals through water changes, substrate, and diet can prevent complications.

Heater

A heater is not included with the kit. Shrimp prefer water temperatures between 70-80°F. I recommend using a 25-50 watt adjustable aquarium heater with manual temperature control. Place the heater horizontally near the filter output to evenly distribute warmth.

Acclimating Shrimp

Use a drip acclimation kit to safely introduce shrimp to the new tank parameters. Let the bag float for 30 minutes to equalize temperatures. Mix small amounts of tank water into the bag over several hours until fully acclimated. Then gently net shrimp into the Oasis. Observe closely after adding.

Customization Options

This versatile shrimp kit leaves room for personalization. You can swap out the included plants and decor for your favorite aquascape look. Supplement with minerals like cuttlebone for shrimp. Adjustable lighting allows custom light duration. Use aquatic plant fertilizer to populate the tank with your chosen plants.

Positive Reviews

The Top Fin Shrimp and Plant Oasis is highly rated online for its simple setup, compact size, and inclusion of necessary equipment. Reviewers praise the pre-planted design and built-in features that streamline maintenance. Even beginners report great success keeping shrimp alive and content in this nano habitat.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Issues like cloudy water, dying plants, or shrimp deaths can arise but are easily correctable. Test water parameters to isolate causes. rule out disease, improve plant care, increase water changes, or upgrade filtration to get your oasis thriving again. Seek advice from your local fish store for quick solutions.

Ideal Planted Aquarium Substrate

The included substrate contains laterite clay and essential minerals to support healthy plant growth. It allows development of beneficial bacteria vital to the nitrogen cycle. The smooth gravel-like grains won’t trap waste or harm foraging shrimp. This formula was specially designed for low-tech planted shrimp tanks.

Keeping Shrimp Healthy

Supplement their diet with calcium-rich foods like spinach or blanched vegetables. Use mineral supplements to replenish electrolytes. Maintain stable, pristine water conditions. Provide plenty of hiding spots and vegetation. Quarantine new shrimp for at least 30 days before adding to prevent disease transmission. Remove any dead shrimp immediately.

The Top Fin Shrimp and Plant Oasis offers the perfect ready-made habitat for both thriving plants and active dwarf shrimp. This DIY nano aquarium kit simplifies the setup process so even beginners can enjoy a miniature underwater ecosystem right on their desktop. With its built-in features and inclusion of all essential elements, the Oasis allows you to successfully keep shrimp with minimal maintenance required. This kit has gotten rave reviews online from shrimp enthusiasts, and I can see why – it really takes the guesswork out of keeping these delicate creatures. After closely evaluating the key details of the Shrimp and Plant Oasis, I’m convinced it’s the best all-inclusive option for anyone looking to get started in the rewarding hobby of nano planted shrimp tanks.