{"id":102,"date":"2021-04-28T11:44:47","date_gmt":"2021-04-28T11:44:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaponicseasy.com\/?p=102"},"modified":"2022-03-04T21:04:09","modified_gmt":"2022-03-04T21:04:09","slug":"shrimp-and-prawn-aquaponics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaponicseasy.com\/shrimp-and-prawn-aquaponics\/","title":{"rendered":"Shrimp And Prawn Aquaponics – The Basics That You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Shrimp<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is true that fish are the most preferred species to have for gaining nutrients for the plants in an aquaponics system. However, this does not convey that fish is the only option. There are other creatures that can benefit your setup. Two such popular creatures are shrimps and prawns, as they not only add to a stunning look but also act as efficient cleaners for your tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Above all, the biggest benefit of a shrimp and prawn aquaponics system is easy maintenance. It does not take much effort to care for these creatures, as they are easy to nurture and hardy. Let\u2019s find out more about such a system in this post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shrimps and Prawns: Do They Differ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both these terms are repeatedly used interchangeably. Although both are decapods that belong to a group of crustaceans having five pairs of legs, they differ in two main ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The major differentiation is in terms of their anatomies. Prawns feature claws on the initial three pairs<\/a>; whereas, shrimps feature them on the initial two pairs. At the time of breeding, prawns release the eggs. On the other hand, shrimps carry them beneath their belly<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the difference is quite negligible, as they will not differ in terms of preferred environments or care required. Thus, using shrimps or prawns is your choice and is likely to be affected by availability in your locality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Possible to Have Shrimps or Prawns with Fish in Aquaponics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay, you already have a tank filled with fish and are now willing to have shrimps or prawns. So, is it possible to do so? Yes! Freshwater shrimps or prawns can be a beneficial addition to an existing tank of fish. You can easily add them to the tank having tilapia fish. Prawns are bottom feeders that eat whatever they find, ranging right from fish waste to snails to organic matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there is a big risk here. Your existing fish can easily eat small shrimps. Thus, you are required to keep them separate. To do so, you need 0.25-inches bird mesh that any hardware store in your locality will have and support it using PVC pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These creatures are also territorial, which means that they eat each other when hungry. This is why you also have to ensure that they are not visible to each other. For creating such a place to hide, birds mesh, and PVP pipe can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Shrimps to Consider for Your Aquaponics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a couple of shrimp varieties to add to your water tank in your aquaponics system. They have pretty and bright hues, due to which it becomes interesting for anyone to look at your tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most popular variety used in home aquaponics systems is red cherry shrimp<\/a>. They are not only bright in color but also are easy to care for. For beginners, ghost shrimps are perhaps the easiest to manage species. Even snowball shrimps are easy to take care of and act as high-volume breeders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some more shrimp varieties to consider, which are available in more distinct colors. These are panda shrimps, blue tiger shrimp, blue bolt shrimps, and green babaulti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ghost shrimp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Incorporating Prawns or Shrimps into an Aquaponics Farm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two main ways to add shrimps or prawns to your aquaponics system. You can either put them in the fish tank or beneath the floating rafts. It is also possible to add them to both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do not have rafts, the only option left with you is to add them to your fish tank. However, this should be done such that the small ones do not become the food of big fish. When added safely, prawns will consume the fish waste. This is how it aids in keeping a clean bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putting them beneath the floating rafts is also beneficial. This is because the underneath area of these rafts has abundant organic waste such as dead roots on which shrimps can easily thrive. Interestingly, shrimps love organic waste. However, if you are thinking of adding prawns, the output is a bit different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a fact that prawns will not eat these roots. However, when they are too many and are hungry, they are likely to chew the existing roots. This is when you come to know that there are too many prawns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many aquaponic practitioners, having the combination of the two is likely to be the best option. This is because they can keep both the tank and rafts clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Rearing Facts to Know about Shrimps and Prawns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n