If you’re new to the world of aquarium keeping and looking for a hardy yet captivating addition to your tank,Neocaridina shrimpare an excellent choice. Known for their vibrant and diverse colors—ranging from striking reds and blues to subtle greens and yellows—these freshwater shrimp bring both beauty and functionality to your aquatic setup. 

Their hardy nature makes them an ideal choice for beginners, as they are more tolerant of minor fluctuations in water parameters compared to other species. Neocaridinashrimp not only enhance the visual appeal of your tank but also can play a big role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. They are excellent at controlling algae making them a valuable addition to any aquarium. Setting up a Neocaridina shrimp tank involves a few key steps, but with some basic knowledge and preparation, you can create a thriving habitat that both you and your shrimp will enjoy. 

Choosing the Right Tank

For Neocaridina shrimp, a tank size of 5 to 10 gallons is often recommended, but we prefer at least a10-gallon tank for added ease of maintenance. For beginners we recommend a slightly larger 20-gallon tank offers even greater stability and flexibility in managing water parameters, which can fluctuate more in smaller tanks. This extra space helps buffer against changes in water quality and provides a more stable environment for shrimp. Additionally, choosing a tank with a lid is crucial, as shrimp are notorious escape artists and can easily find their way out of uncovered tanks. Starting with a larger tank not only simplifies the care routine but also creates a more forgiving and comfortable habitat for your Neocaridina shrimp.

Selecting Substrate

Not all shrimpsubstrate is created equally, any buffering shrimp substrate should not be used in Neocaridina tanks and is made for Caridina species only. A lot of shrimp specific soil is for aquariums that require an acidic environment (pH of less than 7.0) and a low GH. We useBrightwell substratein all of our Caridina aquariums that require a pH of less than 7.0. However,Neocaridina shrimp need an inert substrate which means it doesn’t affect the chemistry of the water in any way, a good example of an inert substrate good for neocaridina would be pool filter sand orCaribSea Super Naturals Substrate. 

Filtration

A Matten filter is an excellent choice for shrimp tanks due to its many benefits. Its large sponge surface area maximizes space for beneficial bacteria, crucial for maintaining water quality. This design also promotes biofilm growth, providing a natural and nutritious food source for baby shrimp. The filter creates gentle, even water circulation, ensuring a stable and comfortable environment throughout the tank. Additionally,Matten filters are low maintenance and easy to clean, while their affordability makes them a cost-effective option for both new and experienced aquarists. Overall, the Matten filter combines efficiency and practicality, making it a top pick for maintaining a healthy shrimp habitat.

Botanicals

When asked about the most essential elements for a successful shrimp tank, we emphasize three key factors: leaf matter, Java Moss, and driftwood. Each plays a crucial role in creating an optimal environment for shrimp.

 

Alder Conesare particularly valuable as they release tannins into the water, which not only provide a natural food source but also contribute to keeping the pH in check without affecting the KH

 

 

Malaysian Driftwoodits density ensures it sinks immediately, eliminating the need for anchoring or waiting for it to waterlog. It also significantly increases the tank’s surface area, providing ample hiding, grazing, and resting spots for shrimp. Its dark color also masks unsightly algae, which naturally provides additional food for shrimp without requiring frequent cleaning. Additionally, the tannins released from Malaysian driftwood have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which are beneficial for shrimp health. While the slight water discoloration from tannins might not appeal to everyone, it adds character to the tank and helps the shrimp feel more secure.

 

 

Java Moss like many aquarium plants, transforms your tank into a thriving ecosystem. It plays a key role in reducing ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites, but its most significant benefit is improving baby shrimp survival rates. The moss provides excellent hiding spots and protection for young shrimp, while also increasing the surface area available for grazing. Additionally, Java Moss fosters a habitat for microorganisms that are crucial for the nutrition and growth of baby shrimp. Despite its slow growth, Java Moss is incredibly easy to care for and propagate. Once established, it is resilient and hard to kill, making it an ideal choice for those who may not have a green thumb.

 

 

Indian Almond Leavesare popular for simulating black water conditions in shrimp tanks, mimicking their natural habitat. They lower pH and release tannins with anti-fungal properties, helping to prevent infections and maintain water quality. Additionally, they may provide calcium and support shrimp fertility. At Flip Aquatics, we use Indian Almond Leaves as an essential part of breeding shrimp. Known by various names like Ketapang Leaves and Catappa Leaves, they enhance both the health and appearance of your Neocaridina shrimp tank.

 

Botanicals like these provide natural food sources by fostering biofilm growth, which is important for juvenile shrimp. They also release tannins that contribute to water health by offering healing properties, slightly lowering pH, and promoting a more suitable environment for Neocaridina shrimp. Their anti-fungal properties help prevent infections, and they create additional hiding spots to reduce stress for baby shrimp. Overall, incorporating these botanicals into your tank enhances both its physical and biological environment, supporting the well-being of your shrimp.

Water Conditions

While some tap water may be suitable for aquarium use, it can vary significantly in quality and may contain impurities or contaminants that could harm your shrimp. To ensure a consistently safe and stable environment, many hobbyists prefer using reverse osmosis (RO) water. RO water is purified through a filtration process that removes most impurities, chemicals, and minerals, providing a clean slate for remineralization and precise control over water parameters. This approach minimizes the risk of introducing harmful substances and offers greater reliability in maintaining optimal conditions for your Neocaridina shrimp.

To properly remineralize water for Neocaridina shrimp, use Shrimply GH and Shrimply KH to maintain optimal water hardness and stability.

Shrimply GH is designed to regulate General Hardness (GH) in freshwater aquariums, which is crucial for shrimp health and other aquatic life. It supports essential processes like shrimp molting and shell formation, and helps in the development of fish and plants. For Neocaridina shrimp, aim for a GH of 10-16 dGH. A 2:1 ratio of GH to KH is recommended to maintain a pH above 7. Dose 1 pump (2ml) per 10 gallons to increase GH by 1 dGH. The product contains 2.9% Magnesium and 9.3% Calcium.

Shrimply KH is used to stabilize Carbonate Hardness (KH), which helps to keep pH levels steady. Maintaining a KH between 4 to 8 dKH is ideal for Neocaridina shrimp to prevent pH fluctuations. Dose 1 pump (2ml) per 10 gallons to raise KH by 1 dKH. For Neocaridina shrimp, use a 2:1 ratio of GH to KH to ensure pH stability above 7. Avoid using Shrimply KH if you need to maintain a pH below 7.

Regular monitoring and adjustment of GH and KH will ensure a healthy and balanced environment for your shrimp.

Setting up a Neocaridina shrimp tank is a rewarding experience that offers both beauty and fascination. By following these steps, you’ll create a thriving environment for your shrimp and enjoy the many benefits they bring to your aquarium. Happy shrimp-keeping!