Shrimp & Plant Care Guides

Habitat Requirements

Caridina shrimp require very specific water conditions and appreciate a well-established, mature aquarium. Their natural habitat is typically soft, slightly acidic water with plenty of hiding places.

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters) for stable water parameters
• Substrate: Active buffering substrates like ADA Amazonia or Fluval Stratum strongly recommended
• Plants: Java moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, floating plants for shade
• Hiding Places: Alder cones, Indian almond leaves, cholla wood, dense plant cover
• Filtration: Oversized filtration recommended, preferably with biological media

Water Preparation

Unlike Neocaridina, most Caridina species require very specific water parameters that often can't be achieved with tap water alone.

• RO/DI Water: Highly recommended to start with pure water
• Remineralization: Use specialized shrimp remineralizers (like Salty Shrimp GH+) to achieve target parameters
• Buffer: Active substrate or botanical items (like alder cones) help maintain acidic pH
• Testing: Regular testing of GH, KH, TDS, and pH is essential

Feeding

Caridina shrimp have similar feeding requirements to Neocaridina but are often more sensitive to excess food and the resulting water quality issues.

• Natural Diet: Biofilm, algae, detritus, bacterial colonies
• Supplemental Foods: High-quality shrimp-specific foods, specialized bee shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, leaf litter
• Feeding Schedule: Small amounts every 2-3 days; remove any uneaten food after 2 hours
• Protein: Occasional protein supplements help with molting and breeding

Breeding

Caridina shrimp breeding is similar to Neocaridina but often requires more precise water conditions to be successful.

• Sexual Maturity: Reached at approximately 5-6 months of age
• Breeding Trigger: Very stable water parameters, slight temperature fluctuations, protein-rich diet
• Pregnancy Duration: 4-5 weeks from eggs appearing to hatching
• Brood Size: 15-25 baby shrimp per female
• Baby Care: Babies are more sensitive than adults; biofilm-rich environment is crucial

Plant Categories for Shrimp Tanks

Plant Care Essentials

• Lighting: 6-8 hours daily for most plants; adjustable intensity based on plant needs
• Fertilization: Use shrimp-safe fertilizers at reduced dosages for most plants; root tabs for heavy root feeders
• Trimming: Regular maintenance prevents overgrowth and stimulates new growth
• Planting: Ensure proper planting depth; don't bury rhizomes of Anubias or Java Fern
• Quarantine: Always quarantine new plants to prevent introducing pests

Equipment Checklist

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Clean Equipment

   Rinse all equipment with water only (no soap). For used equipment, consider a diluted bleach rinse (1:20) followed by thorough rinsing and dechlorination.

2. Install Substrate

   For Neocaridina: Add 1-2 inches of inert substrate (sand or fine gravel)
   For Caridina: Add 1.5-2.5 inches of active buffering substrate

3. Install Filtration

   Set up sponge filter or HOB with pre-filter sponge. Position for good water circulation without excessive flow.

4. Add Hardscape

   Arrange rocks, driftwood, cholla wood, and other decorations. Create caves and hiding spaces for shrimp.

5. Add Plants

   Plant rooted plants in substrate. Attach moss and epiphytes to hardscape using cotton thread or super glue gel.

6. Fill Tank

   For Neocaridina: Treated tap water (if parameters suitable)
   For Caridina: RO/DI water remineralized with shrimp-specific minerals

   Place a plate or plastic bag on substrate while filling to prevent disruption.

7. Install Equipment

   Set up heater, thermometer, and install light fixture. Don't turn on heater until it's fully submerged.

8. Start Cycling

   Begin fishless cycling by adding ammonia source (fish food, pure ammonia, or commercial bacteria starter). This process typically takes 4-6 weeks.

9. Monitor Parameters

   Test water regularly during cycling. Wait for ammonia and nitrite to read 0 ppm and nitrates to be present before adding shrimp.

10. Add Botanicals

    Add Indian almond leaves, alder cones, or other botanicals to enhance biofilm and provide beneficial compounds.

Cycling Your Shrimp Tank

A properly cycled tank is non-negotiable for keeping shrimp. The nitrogen cycle establishes beneficial bacteria that process toxic waste compounds.

Introducing Shrimp to Your Tank

Proper acclimation is crucial for shrimp survival, as they are highly sensitive to changes in water parameters.