Care Guide - Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Freshwater Shrimp

Freshwater shrimp are prized in the aquarium hobby for their vibrant colors, algae-eating ability, and fascinating behaviors. Two of the most popular strains are Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp) and Caridina (Crystal & Bee Shrimp). While both can thrive in home aquariums, they have different requirements for water chemistry and care.

Tank Setup & Substrate

• Tank Size: Minimum 20L is recommended for a stable shrimp colony. Larger tanks allow for more consistent parameters.

• Substrate: Active buffering substrates (e.g. Aquario Shrimp Soil, Mastersoil, Fluval Stratum) are ideal for Caridina shrimp, as they help maintain softer, acidic water. Inert substrates (sand, gravel, crushed scoria) work well for Neocaridina shrimp, which are more tolerant of harder water.

• Filtration: A sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back filter with a pre-filter sponge is recommended. Shrimp are sensitive to strong currents and can be sucked into filter intakes without protection. Sponge filters also provide a grazing surface for biofilm.

Water Chemistry

Shrimps are extremely sensitive to water parameters. Stability is key.

Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp & Variants)

• pH: 6.5 – 7.8

• kH: 2 – 6

• gH/TDS: 6 – 12 dGH (TDS 200–300)

• Water Source: Tap water may be acceptable if free from heavy metals, but testing is essential.

Caridina (Crystal & Bee Shrimp)

• pH: 5.5 – 6.8

• kH: 0 – 2

• gH/TDS: 4 – 6 dGH (TDS 100–160)

• Water Source: RO (Reverse Osmosis) water is strongly recommended. It provides a pure base and must be remineralized with shrimp-specific mineral salts (GH+). This ensures optimal mineral content without harmful contaminants.

👉 Key Warning: Shrimps are highly sensitive to metals, especially copper, which can be present in tap water and fertilizers. Always treat water and avoid fertilizers that contain copper.

Temperature & Equipment

• Neocaridina: Tolerant of 18 – 28°C, ideal range 22 – 26°C.

• Caridina: Prefer cooler, stable conditions, 20 – 24°C. Avoid swings above 26°C.

• Heater/Chiller: Depending on your local climate, a heater may be necessary for Neocaridina. For Caridina, a cooling solution (fan or chiller) may be required in summer.

Feeding

• Staple Diet: High-quality shrimp-specific granules or wafers.

• Supplementary Foods: Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), Indian almond or mulberry leaves, and biofilm.

• Feeding Frequency: Small portions 3–4 times per week. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues. Uneaten food should be removed within 2–3 hours.

• Biofilm: The most important natural food source for shrimp; encourage biofilm growth by using driftwood, cholla wood, or alder cones.

Fertilizers & Plant Care

• Shrimp tanks often contain live plants. However, many commercial plant fertilizers contain copper, which is toxic to shrimp.

• Use shrimp-safe fertilizers or dose only products that specifically state they are copper-free.

• Alternatively, rely on root tabs placed under substrate where shrimp cannot directly graze.

Pests in Shrimp Tanks

Shrimp colonies can sometimes be threatened by unwanted organisms:

• Planaria: Flatworms that can prey on baby shrimp. Treat with planaria-specific shrimp-safe treatments if necessary.

• Hydra: Tiny stinging organisms harmful to shrimplets. Reduce feedings and treat if infestation persists.

• Dragonfly/Damselfly Nymphs: Introduced through plants; predators of shrimp. Inspect and quarantine plants before adding to tanks.

Health & Maintenance

• Water Changes: 10–20% weekly with remineralized RO water for Caridina; tap water (if safe) or conditioned water for Neocaridina.

• Filter Care: Rinse filter sponges in aquarium water (never tap water) to preserve beneficial bacteria.

• Colony Growth: Provide mosses, driftwood, and leaf litter for grazing surfaces and shelter for shrimplets.

• Observation: Healthy shrimp are active, grazing constantly, and molting regularly. Sudden deaths often indicate parameter instability.

Key Takeaways

• Neocaridina shrimp are hardy, beginner-friendly, and tolerate harder water.

• Caridina shrimp are delicate, require soft water, and thrive best with remineralized RO water.

• Both species benefit from stable temperatures, gentle filtration, and access to biofilm.

• Avoid copper, heavy metals, and excess fertilizer.

• Consistency in care ensures thriving, colorful shrimp colonies.