Keeping freshwater shrimp has become a popular part of the aquarium hobby. They are small, colorful, and easy to care for when started properly. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, it is important to create stable conditions from the start so that you can build a long-term sustainable shrimp colony.
Aquarium
A good starting point is to choose an aquarium of about 50 liters. This provides more stable water values and makes mistakes less sensitive. Smaller tanks also work, but they react more quickly to changes. In a 50-liter aquarium, there is plenty of room for shrimp, plants and filtration.
Sand or soil?
The choice of bottom substrate depends on the species you want to keep. Neocaridina, such as Cherry, Blue Dream and Yellow, thrive best in neutral water. Therefore, sand is the best choice. It does not affect the pH or hardness, is easy to keep clean and gives the shrimp good surfaces to graze biofilm from. Caridina, such as Crystal Red, Crystal Black, Blue Bolt and Taiwan Bee, require completely different conditions. They do best in soft and slightly acidic water, and active soil is necessary there. Soil helps to lower and stabilize the pH and provides an environment in which Caridina can thrive. For soil to function optimally, osmosis water is usually used that is mineralized to the right level, since hard tap water shortens the life of the soil.
Filter
Filtration is also important. A sponge filter is the best choice because it is gentle, produces a lot of biofilm and does not pose any risk of sucking in small fry. Together with plants, moss, roots and leaves, the shrimp get natural hiding places and more surfaces to graze on. It is important that the aquarium is given time to stabilize before shrimp are added. A newly started aquarium should run for three to six weeks so that the bacterial cultures have time to establish themselves. The values should be stable and nitrite should be at zero before shrimp are moved in. Since shrimp are sensitive to nitrite and ammonium, patience in this phase is absolutely crucial.
Lining
When it comes to feeding, shrimp need far less than you think. They mainly eat biofilm and algae that are naturally found in the aquarium. Supplementary food is good, but in small amounts, a few times a week. Food that is not eaten should be removed. Leaves and mineral stones can be used as a supplement. Common mistakes in the beginning are starting too quickly, feeding too much, using the wrong substrate or having fish that eat shrimp. When everything is right from the start, the hobby becomes much easier and more enjoyable.
Summary
- Aquariums around 30-50 liters provide stable water values.
- Sand suits Neocaridina.
- Active soil is needed for Caridina.
- Sponge filters are the safest filter.
- Let the aquarium run for 3–6 weeks before adding shrimp.
- Feed sparingly and remove leftover food.
- Avoid fish that eat shrimp.
- Neocaridina works in regular tap water, Caridina works best with osmosis water and minerals.
