Bio Plus And Shrimp Tanks: A Polluting Mix?

Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms that attach to inert or living substrates in shrimp tanks. It is a favourite food for shrimp and is an important part of their diet. However, if you are a fish keeper, it is necessary to remove biofilm from the surface of the aquarium and find the cause of its appearance. While biofilm is harmless, if left for a long time, it can cause damage. It can become a problem for aquariums as it consumes oxygen that would otherwise diffuse into the water. This can lead to an increase in CO2, which can be dangerous for the fish and shrimp in the tank.

What is Biofilm?

Biofilm is a community of microorganisms that attach to surfaces in moist environments by excreting a slimy, glue-like substance. This substance is known as an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. Biofilms can form on a wide variety of surfaces, including living tissues, indwelling medical devices, industrial or potable water system piping, or natural aquatic systems.

Biofilm is a complex, three-dimensional structure that is influenced by a variety of environmental factors. It can be formed by a single bacterial species but, in nature, biofilms consist of a rich mixture of many species of bacteria, as well as fungi, algae, yeasts, protozoa, and other microorganisms.

Biofilms are held together by sugary molecular strands, collectively termed EPS. The cells produce EPS and are held together by these strands, allowing them to develop complex, resilient, attached communities. Biofilms can be as thin as a few cell layers or many inches thick, depending on environmental conditions.

Biofilms are not just bacterial slime layers but biological systems; the bacteria organise themselves into a coordinated functional community. Biofilms can attach to a surface such as a tooth or rock, and may include a single species or a diverse group of microorganisms.

Biofilms are a natural part of a healthy and cycled aquarium. They are a favourite food for shrimp and play an important part in their menu. Biofilm allows shrimp to feed naturally and healthily, providing them with essential nutrients such as sterols, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins.

How does Biofilm benefit shrimp?

Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms that form a slimy layer on the surface of objects in a shrimp tank. This layer is made up of bacteria, diatoms, algae, fungi, and other multi-cellular organisms. While it may not look very pleasant, biofilm is beneficial for shrimp tanks as it provides a natural food source for shrimp and is an indicator of a healthy tank.

Biofilm is an important food source for shrimp, especially for baby shrimp or shrimplets. In the wild, biofilm would make up the majority of a shrimp's diet as it grows on rocks and leaves in natural streams. In a shrimp tank, biofilm allows shrimp to feed naturally and healthily, providing them with essential nutrients such as sterols, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins. It also tides them over between regular feedings.

Biofilm is particularly beneficial for baby shrimp as it provides a source of food for them. It helps to lower the infant mortality rate of shrimplets while improving the survival rate for adults. Additionally, biofilm helps to establish a balanced microbial environment, which is essential for the health of shrimp, other fauna, and flora in the tank.

Furthermore, biofilm can help speed up the maturation process of a new tank. Newly filled aquariums lack the balanced ecosystem that shrimp colonies depend on. By promoting biofilm growth, shrimp keepers can more quickly establish a mature and healthy tank environment for their shrimp.

Biofilm also has some practical benefits for shrimp tank maintenance. For example, biofilm can help to break down physical waste and cause debris to sink to the bottom of the tank, maintaining a healthy substrate. It also reduces the need for frequent vacuuming of the substrate, as the waste resting on the floor will slowly break down and release nutrients that benefit the biofilm.

In conclusion, biofilm plays a crucial role in providing a natural and nutritious food source for shrimp, establishing a healthy tank environment, and facilitating tank maintenance. By understanding the benefits of biofilm, shrimp keepers can create optimal conditions for their shrimp to thrive.

How to encourage Biofilm growth in shrimp tanks?

How to Encourage Biofilm Growth in Shrimp Tanks

Biofilm is a community of microscopic organisms that attach to surfaces, creating a "microbial city". It is an important food source for shrimp and plays a vital role in their diet and growth. Here are some detailed tips to encourage the growth of biofilm in shrimp tanks:

• Add Catappa (Almond) Leaves: Catappa or Almond leaves are beneficial for growing biofilm. These leaves originate from the same geographical areas as cherry shrimp, and shrimp are known to feed on them. Initially, the shrimp may ignore the leaves, but after a week, they will start to feed on them. It is important to replace the leaves before they are completely skeletonized by the shrimp.
• Provide Attachment Sites: Microbial populations require physical attachment sites to settle and form biofilm. In addition to the glass walls of the tank, providing substrate, rocks, and plants will create crevices and increase the surface area for bacteria to attach and grow.
• Plants, Plants, Plants: A planted tank is ideal for a healthy microbial population. Aquatic plants not only provide extra attachment sites but also help remove metals, waste, and other toxic substances from the water while oxygenating it. Faster-growing plant species, such as Riccia, Anacharis, and guppy grass, are recommended for pulling more toxins from the water.
• Use Biological Filtration: Biological filtration, such as sponge filters, provides numerous chambers in the foam for microbial colonisation. The gentle flow of water ensures a constant supply of nutrients for these waste-processing colonies.
• Add Leaf Litter and Alder Cones: Leaf litter, such as Indian Almond leaves, provides a large surface area for biofilm to grow. The leaves will slowly break down, releasing nutrients for the bacteria to thrive. Alder cones, tiny pine cones that are safe for shrimp, also provide additional surface area for bacterial growth.
• Provide More Hardscape: Hardscape elements like driftwood, Cholla wood, and lava rock offer a fibrous structure that bacteria can easily attach to and colonise. They may also release organic materials that serve as food for the bacteria.
• Introduce Moss: Moss is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate low light conditions. Its hairy vines efficiently collect small particles for shrimp to feed on, and the trapped detritus serves as food for the biofilm and similar bacteria.
• Avoid Disturbing the Substrate: Frequent cleaning of the substrate can slow down biofilm growth. Shrimp waste on the substrate breaks down and releases nutrients that bacteria feed on. Vacuuming the substrate can remove this food source and disturb the biofilm. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of vacuuming if you aim to encourage biofilm growth.
• Increase the Temperature: Bacteria thrive and reproduce faster in warmer environments. Increasing the temperature within the recommended range for your shrimp species can promote biofilm growth, especially in a freshly cycled tank.
• Use Powdered Foods: Using more powdered foods in your tank can help spread out the nutrients, making it easier for the biofilm to consume. However, be cautious not to overdose the tank with powdered foods to avoid crashing the tank's cycle or creating oxygen depletion.
• Avoid Overcleaning: Overcleaning your tank can disrupt the development of biofilm. Gentle maintenance is recommended to preserve the microbial balance. Avoid using chlorinated water, as it can kill beneficial microbes. Instead, clean your filter and hardscape during water changes using aged water removed from the tank.

How to remove Biofilm from shrimp tanks?

Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms surrounded by the slime they secrete, which attaches to inert or living substrates in aquariums. It is a common occurrence in shrimp tanks and is one of the shrimp's favourite foods. However, if you are a fish keeper, it is necessary to remove the biofilm from the surface of the aquarium. Here are some ways to do so:

From the Water Surface:

• Add surface agitation with an airstone or a filter like a Hang on Back (HOB). This will help to break down the oily layer of biofilm.
• Scoop out the top layer of water containing the biofilm. However, this is not a long-term solution as you should aim to reduce the amount of biofilm growth.
• Use a paper towel to absorb the oily layer from the water surface. Be sure to dispose of the paper towel afterwards and not reuse it.
• Skim the surface water with biofilm using a large plastic bottle or jug. Angle the bottle and let the water slowly drain into it, then repeat until done.
• Use UV sterilisers with UV light bulbs to eliminate the microscopic organisms in the water column.
• Use chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide (3%) in spray bottles to eliminate biofilm. Warning: Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Use protective gear such as goggles and gloves.

From Under the Water:

• Stop feeding with powdered foods.
• Feed more solid foods, like algae wafers.
• Change the water more often to remove nitrates.
• Remove leaf litter and other waste.
• Gravel vac frequently to clean the substrate and remove biofilm.
• Lower the temperature as bacteria thrive and reproduce faster in warmer environments.

Risks of excess Biofilm

Biofilm is a community of microscopic life forms, including bacteria, algae, and fungi, that attach to surfaces in a slimy layer. While biofilm is an important food source for shrimp, excess biofilm can be detrimental to a shrimp tank.

One of the main risks of excess biofilm is that it can lead to a reduction in oxygen levels in the tank. Biofilm consumes oxygen from the water, and if there is too much of it, it can compete with the shrimp for oxygen, potentially leading to asphyxiation. In addition, excess biofilm can restrict the release of carbon dioxide from the water, leading to a build-up of carbon dioxide that can further contribute to asphyxiation.

Another risk of excess biofilm is that it can promote bacterial contamination in the tank. The dense population of microorganisms in the biofilm can increase the risk of pathogenic bacteria outbreaks, which can be harmful to the shrimp.

Excess biofilm can also reduce the amount of light available for plants in the tank, hindering their growth. In some cases, it may also cause overheating of the aquarium.

Furthermore, an abundance of biofilm can be a sign of an unbalanced tank. Overfeeding, for example, can lead to an excess of biofilm as uneaten food breaks down and provides more nutrients for the microorganisms to grow. This can result in an unhealthy environment for the shrimp and increase the risk of other issues, such as an infestation of Planaria.

Therefore, while biofilm is essential for a healthy shrimp tank, it is important to maintain a balanced amount to avoid these potential risks and create a safe and thriving environment for the shrimp.

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