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Shrimp Tank Guide

  1. Setting up a Neocaridinia, Amano & Ghost shrimp tank can be an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. Neocaridinia are a genus of freshwater shrimp commonly kept in aquariums.

  2. Setting up an Amano shrimp tank requires attention to their specific needs. Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata), also known as Yamato shrimp, are popular freshwater aquarium shrimp known for their algae-eating habits.

  3. Setting up a ghost shrimp tank is relatively simple, as these are hardy and adaptable freshwater shrimp. Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus) are often used as feeders or as clean-up crew members in aquariums.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you set up a various shrimp tank:

1) Tank Selection

Neocaridinia

  • Choose a tank with a minimum size of 5 gallons (19 liters). Larger tanks are generally more stable and easier to maintain.

  • Be mindful of the temperature spike as glass tops will increase your water temperature. Rimless tanks are a good option.

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Amano Shrimp

  • Choose a tank with a minimum size of 10 gallons (38 liters) to provide ample space for these active shrimp.

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Ghost Shrimp

  • A 5-gallon (19 liters) tank or larger is suitable for a small colony of ghost shrimp.

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  • ​NOTE: The general rule is 3 to 5 shrimps per gallon.

2) Substrate

  • Use a fine-grained substrate, such as inert aquarium sand or specialized shrimp substrate, to provide a good environment for the shrimp and allow them to sift through it easily. Amano shrimp do not require a substrate, but it can enhance the overall aesthetics of the tank.

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  • Inert substrates (substrates that do not alter your pH or gH) such as gravel, sand, or basalt rock (Lava Rock) type work well with shrimps. If you have the budget, put some lava rock, like Caribsea Eco-Complete Black Planted Aquarium Substrate, as the base layer and top it off with slightly coarse sand that's not too fine. If you do not want to hassle with all that work and want to keep some nice-looking plants, you can use an active substrate such as Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum. While this substrate does lower the pH slightly, they are very popularly used for planted shrimp tanks. 

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  • NOTE 1: Neocaridina's ideal water parameter: 65F-82F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 4-8dGH & KH (Carbonate hardness) 3-15.

  • NOTE 2: We recommend weekly 20% water change.

Seiryu Stones
Pagoda Stones
Redwood Petrified Stone
Dragon Stones (Ohko)

3) Decorations & Hiding Places

  • Again, inert stones would work best with neocaridina shrimps. Pagoda stones are generally inert as well as Dragon OHKO stones, and Petrified Wood stones. Stones like Seiryu will affect pH. Because Seiryu contains calcium carbonate, the GH (Calcium/Magnesium concentration) and KH (Carbonate concentration) will be impacted. To fight the rising pH, you can add driftwood, almond leaves, and/or peat moss to combat the pH from rising.

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  • NOTE 1: You can also use lava stones, shale, manten stones, and maple rock.

  • NOTE 2: Acid tests are done to see if the stones fizz, when a reaction occurs then the stones will affect your pH.

  • NOTE 3: You can get good deals for Lifegard Aquatic stones at Lowe's or HomeDepot. They sell bulk boxes very cheap once in a while.

  • NOTE 4: Provide hiding places such as driftwood, rocks, plants, or decorations to give shrimps a sense of security.

4) Plants

  • You can use just about any type of plant for shrimp tanks so we will only cover the most popular ones that will help hide baby shrimps for the best survival rate. Carpeting plants such as Monte Carlo, Dwarf Baby Tears, Dwarf Hairgrass, Dwarf Sagittaria, and micro or chain swords provide ample room for hiding to keep baby shrimps safe.​

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  • Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweedei) - Excellent beginner plant that looks similar to Dwarf Baby Tears. Light green when healthy, dark green when water parameters are off. Grows to about 1 to 2 inches.​​

    • Temperature: 68 - 78 °F (20 - 25,5 °C)

    • Water Hardness: All range

    • pH 5.5 - 7.5

    • Lighting: Medium to High

    • CO2: Yes and No.

    • Substrate: High nutrient​

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  • Dwarf Baby Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides - Cuba) - Looks similar to Monte Carlo, but not as easy. Ideally for more experienced aquarist as CO2 is required and cannot handle hard water. Grows about the same size as Monte Carlo, 1-2 inches.

    • Temperature: 68 - 82 °F (20 - 28 °C)

    • Water Hardness: Soft to Medium

    • pH: 6.0 - 7.5

    • Lighting: Medium to High

    • CO2: Yes

    • Substrate: High nutrient​

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  • Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis accicularis or Eleocharis parvula) - E. parvula grows shorter than accicularis and they are easier to keep​

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  • Pearl Weed (Hemianthus Micranthemoides) - Great plant for beginners, but needs constant pruning as they will grow in almost any water conditions or light requirements. Pearl Weed can be for foreground, midground, or background because it will depend on what height you want it. Since this plant grows very dense, it's perfect for shrimps to hide in.

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5) Filters

  • If you have an all-in-one tank you won't need a filter. Those who do not have a filter built-in, you can buy an air pump, air stone and a sponge filter to complete your shrimp filtration. All three should cost no more than $20 online or at local pet stores. If you don't want to go with the sponge filter route, you can get an AquaClear 20, but make sure you get a pre-filter adapter on the bottom inlet so that baby fries do not get sucked into the filter. 

    • Neocaridinia shrimp prefer slow to moderate water flow.​

    • Amano shrimp prefer slow to moderate water flow, and a sponge filter will not harm their delicate bodies.

    • Ghost shrimp prefer slow to moderate water flow, and a sponge filter won't harm their delicate bodies.

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6) Water Parameters

Neocaridinia

  • Neocaridinia shrimp prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5.

  • Aim for a water hardness (GH) of 6-8 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) of 2-4 dKH.

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Amano Shrimp

  • Aim for slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0-8.0.

  • Provide a water hardness (GH) of 6-12 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) of 2-8 dKH.

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Ghost Shrimps

  • Ghost shrimp are adaptable but prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0-8.0.

  • Aim for a water hardness (GH) of 4-8 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) of 2-5 dKH.

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  • NOTE 1: Regular water changes of 10-20% per week help maintain stable water parameters for all shrimps.

  • NOTE 2: Regularly test water parameters and adjust as needed.

  • NOTE 3: Keep an eye on the shrimp behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy.

Fluval Plant Nano
Fluval Plant 3.0
Aquaneat LED
Finnex Planted+
Finnex 24/7 Planted+
Fluval Aquasky 2.0

7) Lights

  • For shrimp tanks, there are many options to choose from, depending on the type of plants. If you are on a budget and want a cheap but efficient light, an Aquaneat will do more than enough. A level above a cheap brand would be with an American brand like Finnex Planted+ 24/7 or Fluval Plant Nano. We've  tried the Finnex Planted+ Ultra Slim LED Cliplight for our tiny tanks, and aside from not having controllable bluetooth, they were great. The high-end brands are Kessil A160we, Aqua Illumination Prime 16HD, or an EcoTech XR15 Freshwater version. Our personal favorite for price and function is the Fluval Plant 3.0. The option to control the lights on your phone at this price range is a huge plus.​ You can click the images above for a more detailed picture.​​​​​​

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  • NOTE 1: Low to moderate lighting. Live plants like moss, Java fern, and Anubias can be added to the tank to enhance the environment and provide hiding places for the shrimp.

  • NOTE 2: Moderate to high-intensity lighting to encourage the growth of algae, which is a crucial part of the Amano shrimp diet.

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8) Heater

  • A heater is not required as the shrimps can survive in a fairly wide temperature range, between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're in a colder region than this temperature, we recommend getting an Eheim Jager.

    • Keep the ideal temperature in the range of 70-78°F (21-26°C). A heater with a built-in thermostat can help maintain a stable temperature.

9) Surge Protector / Timer

  • You can use timed outlets to control your lights. Any outlet with a timer function will do which you can get at Lowe's or on Amazon for about $22.

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10) Cycling the Tank​

  • Cycle the tank before adding shrimp. Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine.

  • Beneficial bacteria will establish the nitrogen cycle, converting ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate. This process may take a few weeks.​​

 

  • NOTE: Water that goes into the shrimp tank needs to be dechlorinated before adding shrimps. Chlorine is harmful to shrimps and plants so purchase  API Tap Water Conditioner (or API Stress Coat+ if you have fish with your shrimps) or Prime Concentrated Conditioner for Marine & Freshwater by Seachem,  to dechlorinate your tap water.

11) Feeding

  • When it comes to shrimp food, we feed our shrimp Hikari Shrimp Cuisine, but you can buy any major brand food like Aqueon Herbivore Shrimp Food or Dennerle's Shrimp King Yummy Gum.

    • NOTE 1: Feed a variety of high-quality shrimp foods, including specialized shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or kale.

    • NOTE 2: Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can lead to water quality issues.

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12) Tankmates

  • Most fish will eat shrimps if they can fit in their mouth. Tankmates for shrimps are limited, but you can try bottom dwellers like pygmy corydoras, octocinclus catfish (dwarf suckers), or small species plecos. If you wish to get schooling fish, try small ember or neon tetras or rasboras (as long as they are small). Getting invertebrates are a good choice as tankmates as they will leave shrimps alone.

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  • NOTE: Avoid all aggressive or predatory fish.

shrimps.jpg

13) Picking Your Neocaridinia

  • There are many different types of grades and colors to choose from when it comes to neocaridina shrimps. We currently have the Sunkist Orange, Ultra Blue Dream, and Sakura shrimps. They all breed incredibly well in the right conditions as long as your water parameters are good. You can purchase them online from reputable sellers or at local pet stores. These shrimps are native to Asia and will grow to about 1.5" in length. To understand the grade chart and which color/grade your might be interested, click here.

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  • NOTE 1: Their lifespan is about one to two years.
    NOTE 2: Females have a rounder abdominal region than males.

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