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Shrimp keeping is a rewarding hobby, but it comes with its challenges, particularly when you’re first beginning your journey and you’re trying to maintain optimal water parameters. The health and longevity of shrimp in your aquarium largely depend on the conditions they're kept in. Understanding and managing these parameters can make all the difference in ensuring the well-being of your aquatic pets. In this guide, we'll delve into the primary factors affecting shrimp health regarding water parameters.
One of the most common reasons for shrimp death is due to water parameters. Now there are 4 main parts to this though
Always check with whoever you’re receiving your shrimp from and ask them what parameters they keep their shrimp at. This way you know the exact shrimp you’re getting will continue to thrive in the same parameters. You’ll want to try to match those parameters to the best of your ability.
It's important to know the type of shrimp that you have because that’s going to determine your whole setup. It may seem like all shrimp are similar other than their colors and patterns however they differ in a lot of ways. The first would be to determine if you have neocaridinaor caridina shrimp. There are major parameter differences when it comes to neo’s verse caridina. Neo’s prefer harder water with a pH above 7 however caridina often perfer softer water and they have more specific parameters they thrive in. Some caridina need very specific parameters.
Shrimp soil isn’t always good for every type of shrimp. Neo’s prefers harder water. We typically use Bright Well Shrimp soilin our caridina tanks, however, it might not work for neos because it’ll keep your pH below 7.
Shrimp-specific substrates aren’t always good for every type of shrimp. Buffering substrates like Brightwells substrate are suitable for Caridina species but not recommended for Neocaridina tanks. Neo’s require inert substrates that don’t influence the pH of KH of the water like pool-filtered sand, freshwater aquarium sand, gravel, etc.
We’re not saying that all tap water is bad, however, tap water can be inconsistent. Tap water can vary from town to town, state to state, etc. Often tap water needs to be treated for different bacteria and the treatment is often perfectly fine for humans and pets it might not be shrimp safe. We think the safest option is using RO water or distilled water and remineralizing it with a shrimp-safe remineralizer.
As caretakers of these fascinating creatures, it's our responsibility to provide them with the best possible conditions for growth and longevity. Through diligent research, thoughtful selection of equipment, and regular monitoring, we can minimize the risks associated with water parameter fluctuations and foster a thriving aquatic ecosystem.
Remember, each shrimp species has its own set of requirements, and attention to detail is key to their well-being. By implementing the knowledge shared in this guide, shrimp enthusiasts can embark on a journey of discovery, enjoying the beauty and diversity of these captivating creatures while nurturing a vibrant aquatic habitat for generations to come.
