Opaeula.co.uk

A dedicated forum and online store for the Opae ula shrimp! 

Having issues with your tank or inhabitants? Need to know what equipment to use or have other questions? Post here!
 #6761  by zlatan2601
 
It's definetely no lava rock, as it looks different. It's called pumice but I am far from an expert.

It's explained that the base material can absorb harmful bacteria and heavy metals, but ot should be conducive for plant grow (so also for algae growing I assume). It also mentions that it can provide fertilizer for the plants. Not sure what to think if it, but if it would work it would definetely look pretty cool...
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 #6762  by zlatan2601
 
Another reference, mentioning that it is porous lightweight glassy acieic volcanic eruption rock.

Acidic, so it might change pH in a wrong way...
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 #6763  by Algae In Space
 
It says "volcanic eruption rock". That's lava rock. Just a different kind.

You could choose the" trial and error path" if you want to try it out and measure the PH to be on the save side? ⚗️
Maybe some else has beneficial wisdom! That's as far as I can take it :grin3:
 #6764  by zlatan2601
 
Yeah i can indeed try it, but for now i have only one tank with max 10 opae. So there is no room for error and I was hoping someone else has experience with it. But good to know that it's at least volcanic rock :smile:
I also found better sources stating pH should be 8, but apparently the stones only float temporary until enough water has infiltrated the stones.

So I guess I need to find another "floating" option in order to attract the shrimps a bit more to the upper volumes... The idea was to have a landing space for the shrimps above the ground :innocent:
 #6765  by Algae In Space
 
It is a nice idea!

Lightweight wood could do the trick? I don't know if it will float forever or sink to the ground after some time. The thing with wood is that it has to be cooked first so it won't change the ph.

You could also use a tiny glass bottle and just install it like a dive bell. The air inside will keep it from sinking!
 #6766  by zlatan2601
 
Yeah, wood can also rot right?

Was also thinking of a kind of glass bottle or tube, but it's difficult to find one with suitable closure.

I have a tube with cork stopper, just need to find with what I can fill it so it looks nice... The one I have is plastic instead of glass, but that should be ok right? Just need to make sure the cork does not get in contact with the water I guess?
 #6767  by Algae In Space
 
Well I wouldn't worry too much about the cork or wood. There are in fact habitats on Hawaii (maybe OURelated can tell you more on that topic?) which have a fair amount of foliage in them! I clearly saw it on a video somewhere.

You could choose a deco made out of resin like these:
Link
 #6768  by opae ula related
 
Algae In Space wrote:Well I wouldn't worry too much about the cork or wood. There are in fact habitats on Hawaii (maybe OURelated can tell you more on that topic?) which have a fair amount of foliage in them! I clearly saw it on a video somewhere.

You could choose a deco made out of resin like these:
Link

At the 40 sec mark is a long piece of wood. (i think). Wish I had a clearer shot of it.