Care Guide for Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp

• Temperature: 64–76°F, but ideally below 76°F
• pH: 6.5–8.0
• General hardness (GH): 4–8 dGH
• Carbonate hardness (KH): 3–15 dKH
• Total dissolved solids (TDS): 200–400 ppm
• Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: below 10 ppm 

Substrate:  

Neocaridina shrimp do not require buffering (active) substrate. They do fine with inert substrates like pool sand, gravel, black diamond blasting sand, crushed lava rock, clay substrates, Seachem black flourite, Fluval Stratum, and many others.  Inert substrates do not alter the chemistry of your water and will not break down over time. 

• Temperature: 64–76°F, but ideally below 74°F
• pH: 6.0–6.9
• GH: 3–5 dGH, but ideally 4–5
• KH: 0–2 dKH
• Total dissolved solids (TDS): 100–150 ppm
• Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: below 10 ppm

* To achieve these specific parameters, it is often recommended to use RO-filtered (RODi) water, then remineralize to achieve exact parameters. 

Substrate

As Caridinas require softer, more acidic water, active soil substrates that buffer the water are often chosen.  Some examples include UNS Controsoil, Tropica Aquarium Soil, Aquario Neo Shrimp Soil, SL-Aqua Nature Soil, and many more.  Active soils are rich in trace minerals and nutrients that aquatic plants and shrimp need. Many brands of active soil contain humic substances that buffer water below a pH of 7, as well as slightly acidifying it, which is the preferable range for Caridina shrimp species.  The longevity of available nutrients and buffering capacity of active substrate is limited to about two years, so it will have to be replaced.

Water Changes

To keep your shrimp thriving, regular water changes are essential:

• Perform 10-20% water changes weekly to biweekly.
• After your tank is cycled, you can reduce the frequency of water changes, but still aim to change some water or "top off" regularly.
• When changing water, take care to:
  • Avoid disturbing the substrate and decorations
  • Maintain stable water temperature and parameters

  *By following these guidelines, you'll create a healthy and stable environment for your shrimp to flourish.   

Maintenance

· Monitor water parameters regularly.

· Clean the aquarium and decorations regularly, but avoid disturbing the substrate, temperature, and water parameters. 

· Avoid over-feeding and remove uneaten food. 

· Avoid overcrowding the tank, as this can lead to stress and health issues.

· Avoid disturbing the substrate, temperature, and water parameters. 

· Weekly to biweekly 10-20% water changes, with attention paid to maintaining stability of water temperature and parameters. 

· Occasionally look for dead shrimp, snails, other aquatic animals, or bugs (for tanks without lids), as decomposition can lead to ammonia spikes. 

Freshwater shrimp are omnivores and require a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. To provide a well-rounded diet:

• Use high-quality commercial shrimp food as the main staple
• Supplement with:
  • Algae pellets
  • Fish flakes
  • Frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, kale)
  • Fruit (berries, melon) as an occasional snack
• Aim for a mix of:
  • 70-80% plant-based foods
  • 20-30% protein-rich foods
• Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to health and water parameter issues
• Feed 1-2 times a day, only as much as they can consume within a few hours
• Consider fasting your shrimp on certain days to maintain a balanced diet and healthy tank.

Shrimply Aquatics’ Suggested Foods:

• Frozen bloodworms. (such as  Omega One Frozen Bloodworms) 
• Pellets. (such as  Fluval Bug Bites Shrimp Formula or Shrimp King Snow Pops 
• Algae wafers. (such as  Sungrow Algae Wafers) 
• Powered foods. (such as  Shrimp Baby by GlasGarten)
• Shrimp lollipops. (such as  ShrimpinAintEZ’s Shrimp Lollies)
• Gel foods. (such as Repashy Super Food Gel)
• Protein-based foods. (such as Protein Food Shrimp Sticks by Shrimp King)
• Fruits and vegetables (such as zucchini, spinach, kale, berries, or melon) 

 When keeping cherry shrimp, consider the following tank recommendations: 

Tank Size:

• Minimum 5 gallons (20 liters) recommended. 
• Larger tanks (e.g., 75 gallons) can lead to more stable environments and exponential population growth. 

Heating: 

• Cherry shrimp are native to tropical regions, but they are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. In fact, they can thrive in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C), making heaters unnecessary for most cherry shrimp tanks.  
• Stability is most important. Shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature or water parameters, so using a heater can actually be more harmful than beneficial. 
• By maintaining a stable room temperature, you can create a comfortable environment for your cherry shrimp without the need for a heater. This also reduces the risk of overheating, which can be detrimental to the health of your shrimp. 

Filtration: 

• Sponge filters: Gentle and effective, great for smaller tanks or breeder tanks.
• Hang-on-back (HOB) filters: Easy to install and maintain, suitable for larger tanks.
• Canister filters: Provide excellent mechanical and biological filtration, ideal for planted tanks. Intake sponges are recommended. 
• Internal filters: Compact and energy-efficient, suitable for smaller tanks.
• Oase Biomaster filters: Designed to collect shrimp safely, ideal for tanks with cherry shrimp.

*Be cautious of filter intakes and consider adding a sponge to prevent shrimp from getting sucked in.

Some filters, like the Oase Biomaster, are designed to collect shrimp safely.

Plants:

• Provide excellent coverage and hiding spots for shrimp.
• Act as a breeding ground for biofilm and organic debris, which shrimp love to eat.

 Here are some popular plants that thrive in cherry shrimp tanks:

• Java Moss: Low-maintenance, easy to care for, and provides excellent hiding spots. 
• Anacharis: Fast-growing, helps keep water clean, and provides food for shrimp.
• Water Wisteria: Beautiful, flowing plant that provides coverage and hiding spots.
• Dwarf Hairgrass: Low-growing, creates a lush carpet, and provides shelter for shrimp.
• Amazon Swords: Easy to care for, provides hiding spots, and comes in a variety of species.
• Frogbit: Grows quickly and provides ample coverage and hiding spots. Absorbs high amounts of nitrates. 
• Hornwort: Low maintenance, easy to plant, provides excellent hiding spots, and gives off a beautiful green hue. 
• Cattapa/Indian Almond Leaves: Provides shelter, food, and habitat for shrimp, and helps maintain a natural ecosystem. Popular with baby shrimp. Can assist in pH buffering. 

Decorations:

• If not using plants or in combination with plants- add plastic decor, aquarium-safe rocks (such as crushed lava rock), or other shrimp hides and decor to provide hiding spaces.
• Ensure adequate hiding spaces for baby shrimp. 

Substrate:

• Choose the recommended substrate for the species of shrimp you are keeping. Avoid unnatural dyes and colors, as some research suggests dyes leech into the water over time.
• Look for natural substrates. 
• Some breeders suggest darker substrates may enhance coloration. 

Lighting:

• Maintain a 24-hour night and day simulation for your shrimp with lighting. 
• Choose lighting that suits your personal preference and the needs of your aquarium (such as planted aquariums).  

Here are some popular options for shrimp aquarium lights:

• Fluval: Offers a range of aquarium lights, including LED and T5 options, suitable for shrimp tanks.
• Tropica: Specializes in aquarium lighting for planted tanks, which are perfect for cherry shrimp.
• Eheim: Provides high-quality aquarium lights, including LED and T5 options, suitable for shrimp tanks.
• Aquatic Life: Offers energy-efficient LED aquarium lights that are suitable for shrimp tanks.

*Remember to research and choose lights that are suitable for your tank size and shrimp needs. 

 Life Cycle:

• Egg stage: 1-2 weeks
• Hatching: Shrimp larvae emerge from eggs
• Larval stage: 1-2 weeks, larvae molt several times
• Juvenile stage: 1-2 months, young shrimp develop color and mature
• Adult stage: 4-6 months, shrimp reach full size and color

Breeding Habits:

• Mating: Adult males mate with multiple females
• Egg laying: Females lay eggs in hiding places, like plants or substrate
• Egg care: Females care for eggs until hatching
• Larval care: Adults do not care for larvae, which drift in the water column

Tips for Breeding:

• Provide plenty of hiding places and plants for females to lay eggs.
• Maintain stable water parameters and a healthy diet (protein!).
• Separate males and females to encourage breeding. A good rule of thumb is for every 3 females, 1 male. 
• Monitor water quality and perform regular water changes.

*By understanding the life cycle and habits of Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, you can create a thriving breeding environment and enjoy the rewards of raising these beautiful creatures! 

Here are the main differences between Neocaridina and Caridina freshwater aquarium shrimp:

Neocaridina Shrimp:

• Smaller size (about 1-2 inches)
• More colorful and varied patterns
• Easier to care for and breed
• Tolerant of smaller tanks (5 gallons or more)
• Prefer cooler temperatures (65-75°F)
• Native to Asia

Caridina Shrimp:

• Larger size (about 2-3 inches)
• Less colorful, but still attractive and have varying and unlimited patterns
• More sensitive to water parameters
• Typically require larger tanks (10 gallons or more)
• Prefer warmer temperatures (75-85°F)
• Native to Australia and New Guinea

Keeping Differences:

• Neocaridina shrimp are more forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations.
• Caridina shrimp require more precise water parameters and temperature control.
• Neocaridina shrimp can thrive in smaller tanks, while Caridina shrimp need more space, as they are considered less "social" and more "aggressive" than Neocaridinas. 
• Both Neocaridina and Caridina are extremely peaceful creatures.