Keeping live shrimp in the sump

[Ben34105]

Every now and then I like to get some live marine ghost or brine shrimp to treat my fish. The LFS always gives me a plastic bag and tells me to put the unused shrimp in the fridge and they will keep for a few days. I asked them why I couldn't float the bag in my sump and they said the cold slows down their metabolism and keeps them from fouling the water leading to death.

Do you think I could get a small stainless steel mesh strainer like you use in the kitchen and use it as a pen to keep live shrimp in the sump? I'd keep the top edge above the water line so they couldn't escape. Maybe toss in a few fish flakes for food or even gut load them?

[brascal1]

I've got the ghost shrimp before and released the extras right into my refuge (sump). Every now and then I'd see one motoring around up in my display tank - don't know how they made it thru return pump in one piece. They don't last long in display.

I would refrain from using a stainless steel calunder in your sump - you could get a plastic one. But the shrimp I've got would have flipped out of that in a heartbeat. I've had them shoot out of the main tank a good distance when they launch themselves to get away from a fish that was about to make a meal of them.

[smootie]

That's a really good idea. Maybe you can put them in a gladware or ziploc tupperware-style container with holes poked in it? That way you can seal them in so they stay out of trouble.

I'm soooo stealing this idea.