Caridina shrimp prefer soft water at cooler temperature ranges. This helps with their gills and overall health.
Adding decorative rock caves or bonsai driftwood to your shrimp tank provides hiding places and sites for them to chill and graze. Mosses and leaves also add hiding places, a biofilm surface and help reduce nitrates in the water.
Size
Caridina shrimps require a tank of at least 10 gallons to thrive. This size allows the water to remain stable and it provides enough space for a natural looking aquascape. The extra room also provides plenty of hiding spots for newly molted shrimp, especially the females. During the molting process, females release a pheromone that attracts males for breeding purposes. Having lots of hiding places in the tank will make the breeding process less stressful for both the shrimp and the males.
In addition to having a large tank, a good aquarium substrate is also important. A substrate like UNS Controsoil is ideal because it helps to keep the PH of the water below 7.0, important according to this crystal red shrimp grading guide. It also provides a surface for bacteria to grow, which will reduce ammonia levels in the aquarium.
A water filtration system that produces RO (Reverse Osmosis) is a necessity, as it will provide water with a lower GH and KH value, which is what Caridina shrimps prefer. Water with low GH and KH will need to be “mineralized” using powdered or liquid GH+ Remineralizer to help it reach the preferred level for Caridina shrimps.
Once a tank is set up with a suitable substrate and a water filtration system, the next step is adding live plants to the tank. Adding a variety of plants to the tank will provide the shrimp with additional hiding places and sites for grazing. Having these plant species in the tank will also reduce the amount of organic waste that is produced in the aquarium, which will decrease the need for frequent water changes.
When it comes to selecting tank mates, Caridina shrimp are non-aggressive and can be kept with other types of freshwater fish and inverts. However, due to their small size and shy temperament, they do not fare well with aggressive or territorial fish.
When introducing new fish to the tank, it is best to do so with caution. It is recommended to wait a few weeks before introducing any fish that will be more than 10 centimeters in length, as they may outgrow their aquarium.
Substrate
Caridina Shrimp thrive in a slightly acidic environment (pH range of 5.4-6.2) that mimics their natural habitat. A fully established nitrogen cycle is also essential to their health and well-being, as toxic ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are converted into less harmful forms through the microbial activity of beneficial bacteria.
The best way to achieve and maintain these conditions is with a buffering substrate like Amazonia soil or Brightwell Aquatics Rio Escuro, which helps keep the water pH low. These types of substrates are available in a variety of textures and colors. I personally like the dark, organic look of the ADA Amazonia Soil, but some aquarists prefer a lighter substrate such as the Seachem Flourite Dark or Fluval Stratum.
It’s important to note that these substrates lose their buffering abilities after 1 to 2 years, so they must be replaced to ensure stable water parameters. When using these substrates, it is also recommended to add a layer of gravel or large stones to increase the volume and help reduce the surface area where anaerobic bubbles can form. These anaerobic gases can be very dangerous to shrimp and are the cause of many deaths. They are also a source of ammonia, which can build up in the tank if not properly decomposed by the microbial community.
In order to prevent this, it is important to bury some Cryptocorynes or other plants in the substrate to absorb the excess nutrients and nitrates from the substrate. You can also reduce the nitrate levels by regularly performing water changes and/or adding remineralized RO water to increase GH and KH.
In addition to a well-cycled substrate and the proper water parameters, it is also recommended to have driftwood and other decorations in the tank for hiding places if they are feeling stressed or sites for them to chill in. These decorations will also provide the microbial community with more surfaces to grow on, helping to break down organic waste and controlling pathogens.
Lighting
Caridina shrimp are more sensitive to water chemistry than fish are. They require specific pH, GH, and TDS levels that mimic their natural habitats. They also respond more negatively to copper and other metals. Therefore, their tank environment must be well-controlled, necessitating a more precise cycling process. The best approach is to use a buffering substrate, such as Black Beauty, in conjunction with a filter and live plants. Buffering substrates release substances that naturally lower pH, create a softwater environment, and can help to prevent toxic ammonia spikes.
The optimum size of a tank for Caridina shrimp is 10 gallons or larger. Smaller tanks often experience temperature fluctuations, a higher percentage of water evaporation than tank volume, and less space for the shrimp to hide. These conditions stress the shrimp and lead to a reduced lifespan.
In addition to a large tank, it is important to use freshwater that is aged. Many homes have hard water that is not suitable for freshwater aquariums. A quality remineralizer, such as SL-Aqua Blue Wizard or SaltyBee Premium GH+, can make the job of aging your water much easier.
Once your tank is cycled and prepared with a buffering substrate, it’s time to add the shrimp! However, before you do, be sure to test your water. Using a kit that includes Ammonia, PH, Nitrite, and Nitrate tests, check your water to ensure it is ready for your shrimp.
After the testing, slowly add the shrimp to the tank. If you add them too soon, they may be shocked by the abrupt change in water parameters and die. It is important to be patient and slowly introduce the shrimp to their new home, even if it is just for a few days. This is the best way to keep them healthy and happy for a long time.
Water
Caridina shrimp are more sensitive to water quality parameters than most fish and require specific GH, pH and TDS levels that mimic their natural habitats. They also need a more controlled and precise cycling process than that used for fish tanks.
A shrimp tank should have a substrate such as sand, gravel or a more active amorphous earth like UNS Controsoil. It is best to use a soil that is actively absorbing and softening as this helps to keep the pH level low, which is necessary for Caridina. It also aides in the establishment of a healthy nitrogen cycle by converting toxic ammonia into less harmful nitrates.
In their natural habitat, Caridina shrimp live in ponds, streams and ditches with moderate current and stoney substrate. They are a freshwater species that should not be housed with saltwater aquariums. Their small size and shy nature make them susceptible to being startled by larger sized fish or predatory invertebrates and can be killed by such occurrences.
Shrimp prefer stable water temperatures in the range of 68-75F. A good thermometer is essential for maintaining the proper temperature. Regularly testing the dissolved solids (TDS) is another important step to keeping a balanced system. TDS is an indication of the amount of minerals, vitamins and other chemicals that are in the aquarium water and affects a shrimp’s health and vitality.
Having plants and other decorations in your shrimp tank is a great idea. They provide hiding places in case they feel threatened and also help reduce nitrate levels by breaking down organic matter and providing surfaces for the shrimp to graze on. Mosses, cholla logs and driftwood are a few examples of items that can be added to a shrimp tank to provide these benefits.
While many aquarists enjoy adding a variety of fish to their freshwater tank, this is not recommended for the newbie. Large or aggressive fish like bettas, severums and barbs can bully or harass the shrimp and even eat them! The ideal tank mates for shrimp are smaller, peaceful fish such as ember tetras and corydoras.