The cherry shrimp colony finally took off
I bought twelve cherry shrimp a year ago and for months nothing happened. The colony only took off when I stopped fiddling: fewer water changes, no new decorations, a big clump of java moss left alone.
Now there are well over a hundred, in every shade from almost clear to deep red. I give the extras to a friend who keeps a nano tank.
What helped most: a sponge filter (no baby shrimp in the intake), blanched spinach once a week and patience.