Hey there, fellow shrimp enthusiasts! I’ve been keeping cherry shrimp for years, and one of the most common questions I get is about heaters. Let me cut straight to the chase – cherry shrimp don’t always need a heater, but sometimes they do. Confusing, right? Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you in simple terms.
Quick Answer
Cherry shrimp can survive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). You’ll need a heater if:
- Your room temperature drops below 65°F (18°C)
- You experience frequent temperature fluctuations
- You want to optimize breeding
Understanding Cherry Shrimp Temperature Needs
Optimal Temperature Range
Our little red friends prefer temperatures between
- Ideal range: 72-78°F (22-25°C)
- Survivable range: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
Why Temperature Matters
Here’s the thing – cherry shrimp are cold-blooded creatures. This means they can’t regulate their body temperature like we do. Temperature affects:
- Growth rate
- Breeding success
- Immune system strength
- Overall activity levels
When You DON’T Need a Heater
-
Stable Room TemperatureIf your room consistently stays between 68-78°F (20-25°C) you’re probably good to go without a heater.
-
Large Tanks
Bigger tanks (20+ gallons) tend to maintain stable temperatures better than smaller ones. -
Well-Insulated RoomsRooms without drafts or frequent temperature changes usually provide stable environments
When You DEFINITELY Need a Heater
1. Cold Rooms
Listen up – if your room temperature regularly drops below 65°F (18°C), you’ll need a heater. This often happens:
- During winter
- In basement tanks
- In rooms with poor insulation
2. Breeding Purposes
Here’s something interesting I’ve learned – warmer temperatures (around 78-82°F) can:
- Speed up egg development
- Increase breeding frequency
- Boost growth rates
But remember, higher temps also mean:
- Faster metabolism
- More frequent molting
- Need for more frequent water changes
Choosing the Right Heater
Types of Heaters
- Submersible Heaters
- Most common
- Fully underwater
- Built-in thermostat
- My personal favorite for most setups
- Substrate Heaters
- Hidden under substrate
- Great for planted tanks
- More expensive option
- Immersible Heaters
- Partially submerged
- Less common nowadays
- Usually cheaper
Heater Size Guide
Here’s a quick guide I use:
Tank Size | Recommended Wattage-------------|-------------------5 gallons | 25W10 gallons | 50W20 gallons | 100WPro Tips from My Experience
-
Always Use a Thermometer
Don’t just trust your heater’s settings. I learned this the hard way! -
Backup Plans
Keep a spare heater handy. Trust me, they always seem to fail at the worst times. -
Gradual Changes
If you need to adjust temperature, do it slowly (1-2°F per day max).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Oversized Heaters
Using too powerful a heater can cook your shrimp – definitely not what we want! -
No Temperature Monitoring
Don’t just set it and forget it. Check your temp regularly. -
Sudden Changes
Quick temperature swings stress shrimp more than slightly wrong but stable temps.
Final Thoughts
From my years of experience, I’ve found that while cherry shrimp can survive without a heater in many cases, having one gives you better control and peace of mind. If you’re serious about breeding or live in an area with temperature fluctuations, invest in a good heater.
Remember, every tank is unique, and what works for me might not work for you. The key is monitoring your specific situation and adjusting accordingly.
Got questions about heating your shrimp tank? Drop them in the comments below – I love helping fellow shrimp keepers!
Would you like me to explain any part of this in more detail? I’m happy to share more specific experiences or dive deeper into any aspect you’re curious about!
#1 – Do You Need a Heater For Your Shrimp Tank?
Neocaridina are tough shrimp – some of the hardiest in the aquarium hobby, in fact. They can be shipped cross-country in freezing or scorching conditions (in an insulated container), be stuck at the post office for 5-8 days, then still arrive alive and well at your door. They have been known to survive at temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C).
The key word in that last sentence is survive, though, because those extremes are not ideal. You certainly won’t see them posing with a Live ~ Laugh ~ Love sign at 90°F. They’ll be sweating their butts off, metaphorically speaking.
To keep your shrimp stress-free, it’s best to have your tank between the range of 65-85°F (18-29°C). Outside of those ranges, their growth rate, breeding rate, and immune system are all affected. Again, they may be able to survive, but they will not thrive.
In addition to maintaining a temperature within the stated range, it is also important to prevent rapid fluctuations. By rapid, I mean roughly a 5-8°F change in less than an hour. Stressful temperature fluctuations are more common in smaller tanks (5 gallons (19L) or less) and in rooms that are poorly insulated. That means you absolutely should not keep your shrimp in a cup of water in your garage—I will find you and make you re-read this article.
In summary, your shrimp need a heater if the room where the tank is kept goes outside of the recommended temperature range (65-85°F (18-30°C)) for extended periods of time. They also need a heater if rapid temperature changes are possible (e.g. by a window that gets opened frequently). If neither of those are possibilities, then you are free to save your money.
Now, is there a reason you may still want a heater in your tank?
Yes—depending on your goals as a shrimp keeper, a heater may be very beneficial.
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Do Red Cherry Shrimp Need A Heater?
FAQ
Can cherry shrimp live in a cold water tank?
Neocaridina species are often fairly tolerant and can handle a wide range of water parameters. Although they can tolerate cooler temperatures down to about 65F and heated temps up to 84F, it has been said they do better in warm temperatures around the mid to upper 70s.
What temperature is too cold for cherry shrimp?
In summary, your shrimp need a heater if the room where the tank is kept goes outside of the recommended temperature range (65-85°F (18-30°C)) for extended periods of time. They also need a heater if rapid temperature changes are possible (e.g. by a window that gets opened frequently).May 16, 2022
What do cherry shrimp need in their tank?
- Water Temperature: 72 – 78 Degrees Fahrenheit, with a wider range possible.
- Aquarium pH: 7.0 – 7.8, although some suggest a wider range is acceptable.
- Aquarium Lighting: Standard community tank lighting works.
Do shrimp need a heater and filter?
Do you need a heater in a shrimp tank?
To summarize, you need a heater in your shrimp tank if the tank frequently gets below 65°F (18°C). for long periods of time or if the temperature fluctuates widely throughout the day. If, however, the tank stays stable and in the acceptable range, then you can have a perfectly healthy and stable colony without a heater.
Do Caridina shrimp need a heater?
Caridina shrimp, also known as Bee shrimp, are more sensitive. You should try to keep their water temperature in a tighter range than you would for Neocaridinas. Although using a heater is optional most of the time, there are a few reasons having one can be helpful. You may find that your shrimp breed more often in warmer water, above about 23 °C.
Where should a shrimp heater be placed?
Try and place the heater somewhere near the water flow, if you have a Hang on Back (HOB) filter or similar. The movement helps to spread the warm water evenly around the aquarium, keeping your shrimp stable and content. Using a timer plug for your heater might sound like a good idea, but should be avoided.
Should you use a timer plug for a shrimp heater?
The movement helps to spread the warm water evenly around the aquarium, keeping your shrimp stable and content. Using a timer plug for your heater might sound like a good idea, but should be avoided. It can lead to even more temperature fluctuations than not having a heater in the first place.
What temperature should a shrimp tank be?
To keep your shrimp stress-free, it’s best to have your tank between the range of 65-85°F (18-29°C). Outside of those ranges, their growth rate, breeding rate, and immune system are all affected. Again, they may be able to survive, but they will not thrive.
Are Neocaridina cherry shrimp any good?
The aquarium hobby is crazy about Neocaridina cherry shrimp and for good reason too. Not only are they excellent clean-up crew members that eat algae and leftover fish food, but they come in almost every color of the rainbow and are tiny enough to fit in a 2-gallon nano tank.