Looking to add some ghost shrimp to your aquarium? I’ve kept these fascinating little creatures for years, and I’ll share everything you need to know about stocking them properly in a 10-gallon tank.
Quick Answer: For a shrimp-only tank, you can keep up to 50 ghost shrimp in a 10-gallon tank (roughly 5 shrimp per gallon). However, this number changes based on your setup type.
Different Tank Setups and Their Ideal Ghost Shrimp Numbers
1. Community Tank Setup
When keeping ghost shrimp with other fish, follow these guidelines:
- 2-3 ghost shrimp per gallon (20-30 total)
- Reduce numbers if you have other fish
- Provide plenty of hiding spots
- Monitor aggression levels
2. Breeding Tank Setup
For breeding purposes:
- 3-4 ghost shrimp per gallon (30-40 total)
- Square-profile tanks work best
- Maintain balanced male-to-female ratio
- Reduce to 2-3 per gallon with other fish
3. Planted vs. Non-Planted Tanks
Heavily Planted Tank
- 2 shrimp per gallon (20 total)
- Consider plant density
- Choose hardy plants like:
- Java moss
- Hornwort
- Cabomba
Lightly Planted/Non-Planted Tank
- 3-4 shrimp per gallon (30-40 total)
- More swimming space available
- Less competition for resources
Important Factors to Consider
Bioload and Tank Maintenance
Ghost shrimp are pretty awesome tank inhabitants because:
- Low bioload
- Minimal waste production
- Help clean the tank
- Short lifespan (about 1 year)
Tank Mates
When choosing tank mates, remember:
- Avoid aggressive fish
- Consider fish size
- Provide enough hiding spots
- Monitor feeding competition
Tips for Success
- Start Small
- Begin with 10-15 shrimp
- Monitor water parameters
- Add more gradually
- Regular Maintenance
- Weekly water changes
- Check filter function
- Monitor ammonia levels
- Proper Feeding
- Don’t overfeed
- Provide varied diet
- Watch for leftover food
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding
Even though ghost shrimp are small, don’t push the limits:
- Stick to recommended numbers
- Consider tank decorations
- Account for growth
- Poor Tank Setup
Make sure you have:
- Proper filtration
- Adequate hiding spots
- Stable water parameters
FAQs
Q: Can I keep ghost shrimp with guppies?
A: Yes! Just ensure plenty of hiding spots for baby shrimp and maintain proper numbers.
Q: Do ghost shrimp need special care?
A: Nah, they’re pretty easy! Just keep water clean and provide basic care.
Q: What’s the minimum tank size?
A: 5 gallons minimum, but 10 gallons is way better for a stable environment.
Final Thoughts
After keeping ghost shrimp for years, I’ve found that success comes from finding the right balance. While you could technically fit up to 100 shrimp in a 10-gallon tank, it’s better to stay conservative with numbers. Start small, monitor your tank, and adjust based on your specific setup.
Remember, these guidelines aren’t set in stone – they’re more like a starting point. Every tank is unique, and what works in one setup might not work in another. Trust your instincts and keep an eye on your shrimp’s behavior to find the perfect balance for your aquarium.
Would you like me to break down any specific aspect of ghost shrimp care in more detail? I’m always happy to share more from my experience!
Do ghost shrimp make good “janitors”?
Yes. One of the reasons people keep ghost shrimp with Betta fish is that they can help maintain a healthy, tidy aquarium. Shrimp are detrivores, so your ghost will feed on things like leftover food, dead plant bits, algae, and micro-organisms. It might even pick at Betta poop!
Of course, you shouldnt rely on a shrimp to do your aquarium maintenance for you. Thats your job. Still, given their low bioload, a ghost shrimp can at least help you out.
Can ghost shrimp and Betta fish live together?
The short answer to this question is yes, ghost shrimp and Bettas can live together. However, pay attention, because things are a little more complicated in practice…
The long answer is that TRUE ghost shrimp and Betta fish can live together. However, not all shrimp sold as “ghost shrimp” in pet stores are actually true ghost shrimp. The term is a bit of a catch-all for transparent freshwater shrimp, not all of which are docile.
What youre after are freshwater species of the genus Palaemonetes. These are ACTUAL ghost shrimp, also called American glass shrimp or grass shrimp. What youre NOT after are species of the genus Macrobrachium, like Macrobrachium lanchesteri. These grow much too large and can attack your Betta fish.
True Palaemonetes ghost shrimp can co-exist peacefully with Betta fish. Your mileage may vary depending on your Bettas hunting instincts—some cant be kept with any tankmates, while others make great neighbors—but with the right measures, the combo could work well.