Shrimp and bettas

[RackinRocky]

I have a ghost shrimp that gets along very well with my betta. Valentino is a very laid back, sweet betta. I'd like to get some red cherry shrimp. I'm hoping the betta won't eat them, but am also worried about the ghost shrimp attacking the RCS. Does anyone keep ghosts and red cherries together successfully?

[Bombalurina]

Usually it is not recommended. Unlike the peaceful cherry shrimp, ghost shrimp have claws, and may make a meal of smaller shrimp in the tank.

[RackinRocky]

I got another tank today (actually a Sterilite container that equals about 7 gallons) and filter. I just have to get a heater for it and substrate and plants. I think I'll just put the cherry shrimp in there. Will they be all right in there before it is cycled? I don't want them to die because of stress. The shrimp will be shipped to be on the 8th. I have an API Master Test kit and will do as many water changes as necessary until its cycled.

[Bombalurina]

Shrimp are pretty sensitive to nitrates, so no, I wouldn't put them in there until after it is cycled.

[RackinRocky]

Then I have a big problem, Bombalurina--the only tanks I have are the new uncycled one, and my almost cycled 10 gallon that harbors a betta as well as a ghost shrimp. So I don't see how I can solve this problem. Just got an email that they were shipped today, and its one-day shipping, so they'll be here tomorrow! The seller assured me they'd be all right in an uncycled tank because of their small bio-load. Now I really don't know what to do.