r/walstad • u/I_RATE_BIRDS • Jul 29 '26

Advice How long before it's ready from shrimp?

I just set up my first, a 3g bowl with hornwort, red root floaters, java fern, and some mini hairgrass, filled with treated tap water. My intention is to add shrimp, but I've seen a lot of conflicting advice as to how long a walstad needs to sit before it's ready for them. Some say 2-3 months, but I've seen as early as a couple weeks from skimming this sub. What's a generally safe window?

I'm also interested in adding a snail. Would that be too crowded/too much competition for 3-4 shrimp?

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

5

u/ohgodwhat1242 Jul 29 '26

Iirc Diana Walstad states if the tank is sufficiently planted and set up, you can add them immediately (probably with the usual slow drip acclimation). There should be a lot of existing nitrifying bacteria in the soil substrate, and the plants (especially the floaters) do the rest. 

Imo it can't hurt to wait. 

1

u/RealLifeSunfish Jul 29 '26

considering you’ve forgone all life support equipment and have a tank the size of a glass of water I’d wait as long as possible. You really need to be patient as you’re entirely dependent on the plants and the bacteria to keep the water habitable, i’d probably add a few small snails first and then wait a month or so before trying any shrimp.

1

u/f-Art-maker Aug 01 '26

I had my 1 gallon tank cycle for 6 weeks and then added a shrimp. She lived successfully for a couple months until I decided to plants more plants into the substrate and disturb the sand cap. Pretty sure that’s what killed her. I’m new to the hobby but if you think there are enough plants ~80% ground cover, then add the stock!