Hey aquarium lovers! I’ve been keeping shrimp for over 5 years now, and let me tell you – these little creatures are absolutely fascinating! Today, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about caring for shrimp in your fish tank. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to level up your shrimp-keeping game, this guide’s got you covered.
Quick Summary
- Set up a tank at least 5-10 gallons
- Maintain water temperature between 65-80°F
- Keep water parameters stable (pH 6.8-7.5)
- Provide plenty of hiding spots
- Feed appropriate food in small amounts
- Choose compatible tank mates
Essential Equipment Checklist
Before you start your shrimp-keeping journey, here’s what you’ll need:
Must-Haves:
- Tank (5+ gallons)
- Filter (sponge filter recommended)
- Thermometer
- Water test kit
- Water conditioner
- Substrate (coarse black gravel works great!)
- Plants and decorations
- LED lighting
Nice-to-Haves:
- Heater (for temperature stability)
- Cleaning tools
- Feeding dish
- TDS meter
Setting Up Your Shrimp Tank
1. Tank Preparation
- Choose a stable location
- Rinse substrate thoroughly
- Add substrate (about 1-inch layer)
- Place hardscape (rocks, driftwood)
- Fill with conditioned water
- Install equipment
2. Cycling Your Tank
This is super important guys! Don’t skip this step – I learned it the hard way when I first started. Your tank needs to cycle for about 4-6 weeks before adding shrimp Here’s the process
- Add ammonia source
- Wait for beneficial bacteria to grow
- Test water parameters daily
- Look for:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: <20 ppm
Water Parameters for Happy Shrimp
My shrimp have thrived best with these parameters:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 70-76°F |
| pH | 6.8-7.5 |
| GH | 4-6 |
| KH | 2-5 |
| TDS | 150-250 |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm |
| Nitrites | 0 ppm |
| Nitrates | <20 ppm |
Choosing Your Shrimp
For beginners I totally recommend starting with these hardy species
Best Beginner Shrimp:
- Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
- Blue Dream Shrimp
- Yellow Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
Pro tip: Start with at least 10 shrimp! They’re social creatures and feel more comfortable in groups.
Feeding Your Shrimp
Shrimp aren’t picky eaters, but proper feeding is key
What to Feed:
- Commercial shrimp food
- Blanched vegetables
- Algae wafers
- Biofilm (they’ll eat it naturally)
Feeding Tips:
- Feed small amounts
- Remove uneaten food after 2 hours
- Feed once every 1-2 days
- Watch for overfeeding!
Maintenance Schedule
Here’s my tried-and-true maintenance routine:
Daily:
- Check temperature
- Monitor shrimp behavior
- Remove any dead shrimp/plants
Weekly:
- Test water parameters
- 10-20% water change
- Clean filter (if needed)
- Trim plants
Monthly:
- Deep clean filter
- Check equipment
- Prune plants heavily if needed
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Sudden Deaths
- Cause: Usually water parameter changes
- Solution: Test water immediately, stabilize parameters
Problem 2: Hiding Shrimp
- Cause: Stress or insufficient hiding places
- Solution: Add more plants/decorations
Problem 3: No Breeding
- Cause: Poor water conditions or stress
- Solution: Check parameters, ensure proper feeding
Tips for Success
- Start Slow: Don’t rush adding shrimp
- Be Patient: Let your tank mature
- Keep it Stable: Avoid sudden changes
- Research: Know your specific species
- Observe: Watch for unusual behavior
Final Thoughts
Taking care of shrimp isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail and patience. I remember when I first started – I was so nervous! But honestly, once you get the basics down, these little guys are pretty rewarding to keep.
Remember, every tank is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Don’t be afraid to adjust things based on your observations and experience.
Got questions about keeping shrimp? Drop them in the comments below! I’d love to help out fellow shrimp enthusiasts. Happy shrimping!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
Freshwater Shrimp Water Requirements
Water requirements for dwarf freshwater shrimp vary depending on species, although ammonia and nitrites should always be undetectable, and nitrates should be below 10 ppm. Ghost shrimp, along with Amano and bamboo shrimp are not particular about pH or alkalinity as long as extremes are avoided and can be kept in dechlorinated tap water. The same can be said for red cherry shrimp. Most crystal and bee shrimp require soft, low pH water, while Caridina shrimp from Sulawesi need a higher pH and alkalinity, along with higher temperatures. It is best to research the water requirements of the species you intend to keep before purchasing them. When using plant supplements or medications, avoid products containing copper, as it is toxic to freshwater shrimp. Maintain good filtration and do a 10% to 20% water exchange every week using an Aqueon Aquarium Water Changer or Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner. For soft water species, use reverse osmosis or deionized water supplemented with Aqueon Water Renewal. Dont forget to treat tap water with Aqueon Water Conditioner before refilling your aquarium!
Housing Requirements for Freshwater Shrimp
Larger species such as ghost, Amano and bamboo shrimp can be kept in aquariums of 10 to 55 gallons, while red cherry, crystal and bee shrimp are better suited to aquariums of 10 gallons or less. If using a hang-on (HOB) or canister filter, slide a sponge pre-filter over the intake screen to prevent shrimp from being sucked into the filter. Dedicated shrimp breeders typically use air driven sponge filters. Live plants are recommended, particularly species such as Java moss or Najas. Substrate should be pH neutral (inert) or an aquatic plant medium. There are a number of substrate materials designed specifically for dwarf freshwater shrimp keeping. Mature aquariums are preferred as they are more stable and tend to have natural food sources for shrimp; never place dwarf freshwater shrimp in a newly set up aquarium!
Dwarf freshwater shrimp are active and almost always engaged in harvesting algae or some other food source. Most species stay relatively small, so they are vulnerable to predation by larger fish. Many shrimp enthusiasts set up dedicated shrimp aquariums with no fish at all, however, some species of freshwater shrimp can be kept with small, non-aggressive, non-predatory fish such as:
- Emerald dwarf rasboras
- Boraras rasboras
- Celestial danios
- Ember tetras
- Endlers livebearers
- Sparkling gouramis
- Blue-eyed rainbowfish
- Otocinclus
- Pygmy corydoras catfish
Dwarf freshwater shrimp can also be kept with Nerite and other snail species. Avoid combining different species of the same genus of dwarf freshwater shrimp in the same aquarium to prevent cross-breeding. In other words, dont keep two different species of Neocaridina together, but you can mix a Neocaridina with a Caridina.
7 Tips for Keeping Shrimp in an Aquarium
FAQ
How to take care of shrimp for beginners?
A fully established filtration system in your tank is vital to maintaining high water quality. The ideal temperature for most freshwater shrimp is between 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly acidic water conditions with a pH of 6.5-7.5. They also prefer water that is soft to moderate in hardness.
Are shrimp tanks easy to care for?
Shrimp are easier to keep than fish in many ways, but they are much more sensitive to changes in their water chemistry. Please note that they are very sensitive to copper and many other metals; excessive iron fertilization to achieve red plants or water supplements containing copper can result in swift death.
How often should I change shrimp tank water?
Now days, I am doing 20-30% water change every 2 weeks (give or take) and adding 1ml of APT Complete once a week. You are not looking for 0 nitrates because your plants need that to survive, and so do your shrimp.