thanks everyone! im still excited about this.
so it's been a couple weeks at least since i first noticed.. the shrimp still has the eggs. I think this time i'm going to let it disperse them into the water column, and in 3 weeks move the shrimp to a little 5 gallon tank to eject the second batch of eggs (hopefully) and then see if i can raise them. i've been reading a lot online, but there arent many resources on this topic.. apparently most people dont bother with it and just use it to feed the fish. cleaner shrimp are just too awesome tho!
if i'm successful (i've read it can take up to 6 months++ to get to the point where they drop to the sand bed and have their first molt) then any one that wants a cleaner shrimp or two can have one, or at least for a very small fee i.e. a couple bucks.
the plan is:
5 gallon tank with a bit of live rock, a large air pump for water circulation, the proper food, and very strict water changes. it will be interesting to see how this turns out, and hopefully eventually i will be able to raise even a small number to adolescence!
i'm also thinking of trying to do the same with peppermint shrimp, as it's apparently easier and there are many more resources available online for this particular shrimp... and as before, if i do this and succeed, then free shrimp!