Care Guides
Everything you need to know to keep your shrimp and guppies happy and healthy. These guides are based on years of hands-on experience.
Water parameters are crucial for shrimp health. While Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp) are quite adaptable, Caridina (Crystal Shrimp) require more specific conditions.
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 | Neocaridina are flexible; Caridina prefer lower pH |
| GH (General Hardness) | 4 - 14 dGH | Essential for shell development |
| KH (Carbonate Hardness) | 3 - 10 dKH | Stabilizes pH |
| TDS | 150 - 300 ppm | Total Dissolved Solids |
| Temperature | 68 - 78°F | Stable temperature is key |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm | Must be zero in cycled tanks |
Pro Tip
Always drip acclimate new shrimp slowly — 1-3 drops per second for 1-2 hours. Sudden parameter changes are the #1 cause of shrimp death.
Shrimp are omnivores and scavengers. They'll eat algae, biofilm, and leftover food, but supplemental feeding ensures proper nutrition and color development.
Recommended Foods
• High-quality shrimp pellets
• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)
• Algae wafers
• Frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia)
• Natural biofilm and algae
Feeding Schedule
• Feed small amounts every 2-3 days
• Remove uneaten food after 2-3 hours
• Skip feeding if water looks cloudy
• Reduce feeding in colder months
Overfeeding Warning
This is the most common mistake. Shrimp eat very little — a pinch of food is enough for 20-30 shrimp. Uneaten food pollutes water quickly.
Temperature stability is more important than the exact number. Rapid fluctuations stress shrimp and can trigger molting problems.
68-72°F
Cool
Slower metabolism, longer lifespan
72-76°F
Optimal
Best balance of health and activity
76-78°F
Warm
Faster breeding, more active
Tank Setup Tips
- Use a reliable heater with thermostat
- Place tank away from direct sunlight and drafts
- Consider a fan for summer cooling in warm climates
- Larger tanks (10+ gallons) maintain temperature better
Shrimp breed readily in good conditions. With proper care, you'll see berried (pregnant) females and baby shrimp (shrimplets) in no time.
Breeding Conditions
• Stable water parameters
• Temperature 72-76°F
• Plenty of hiding places (moss, plants)
• Good food supply
• No predators in tank
What to Expect
• Females carry 20-30 eggs for 3-4 weeks
• Shrimplets are miniature versions of adults
• No special care needed for babies
• Population doubles every 2-3 months
Color Enhancement
Selective breeding can improve and maintain bright coloration. Cull (remove) less colorful shrimp to maintain color quality. A dark substrate also helps shrimp display brighter colors.