My betta has a three gallon, and I'm going to get a little filter for it soon. After I have the whole thing cycled, I might get a few ghost shrimp too I searched the forum and found the answers to most of my questions already, but I've still got a few left. So here we go:

How many should I keep in the tank, 3?
Will my betta eat the adults?
I have a tree stump cave in the tank that takes up most of the space. Is this enough hiding spots or should I throw in a few plants first?
The top of the tank has a 2" diameter hole in it. Will they escape?
I know they don't live really long, but how long do they live? More info on iodine?
Should I put gravel in the tank? If I get them I'll probably need to do waterchanges with a syphon instead of dumping out the water, How can I be sure I don't accidentally suck the little see-thru guys up? Uhmmm I think thats it for now

How many should I keep in the tank, 3? sounds about good.

Will my betta eat the adults? probably not, they are good hiders.

I have a tree stump cave in the tank that takes up most of the space. Is this enough hiding spots or should I throw in a few plants first? should be good, although a plant or 2 might make it a lil more 'homey'

The top of the tank has a 2" diameter hole in it. Will they escape? no, most likely not.

I know they don't live really long, but how long do they live? no clue. a few months?

More info on iodine? huh? dunno anything about iodine

Should I put gravel in the tank? its up to you, really. i personally like the look of gravel.

If I get them I'll probably need to do waterchanges with a syphon instead of dumping out the water, How can I be sure I don't accidentally suck the little see-thru guys up? diistrub the ornaments and plants real well before you syphon, then theyll be moving around. then be careful.

hope ya like em, i think theyre really cute! (although not when you get zillions of them )

Lol Well if they make too many babies I can probably control the numbers at least a little with the betta, the tropical tank, and the goldie tank(s?) I have about 5 pounds of leftover black and neon gravel from a really long time ago. I knew I'd need it one day! I think I'll be able to spot them better with that gravel, opposed to a see-thru shrimp and a see-thru bottom

I heard you can add iodine or something to the water to keep them alive longer.

Lol Well if they make too many babies I can probably control the numbers at least a little with the betta, the tropical tank, and the goldie tank(s?) I have about 5 pounds of leftover black and neon gravel from a really long time ago. I knew I'd need it one day! I think I'll be able to spot them better with that gravel, opposed to a see-thru shrimp and a see-thru bottom

I heard you can add iodine or something to the water to keep them alive longer.

A couple more questions:

What is the recomended water hardness level? My water is extremly soft, but I can get some really hard water and come up with a mixture if I need (just gotta go kill the black widows that live under the hose faucet!!!) What about pH? Mine is around 8.2-3ish. Could this cause any bad effects on my shrimpies?

as far as i know, shrimpies are pretty tolarent to any ph/hardness as long as its constant. 8 may be a touch high, but im sure theyll be alright.

okay