adding afew pieces of shrimp to substrate for DSM

[beachroadbum]

Hi Guys,

I just picked up 3 pounds of leonardite and 3 bags of onyx sand for my 46bowfront. I will be using the dry start method. Now I do not have any mulm as this is going to be my first planted tank in four years. I know this may be a stupid idea but will it be beneficial in any way to add say a few pieces of shrimp in the soaked substrate when doing the dry start method? Would the decaying shrimp add beneficial nutrients in any way?
I know that onyx sand does not contain any macros and it suggested to me to add macros to the water I use to soak the substrate....I wonder if shrimp will release macro nutrients as they decay?

 

[custom240g]

I dont think that would be a wise thing to do. I have done the dry start method. In a humid enviroment the shrimp would grow mold or fungus im pretty sure. If anything add a dusting of peat. I dont know if theres anythin you can use as a substitution for mulm.

 

[r1bill]

It's common in setting up a salt water tank to put in a few small pieces of dead fish or shrimp in the water to cycle the tank (ie create a population of bacteria) but that is with a full tank of water. Much better than stressing out the fish or getting starter fish that you later need to get out. But, I personally wouldn't bury dead stuff in the dirt and not add water to it.

Bill