Start with stability
Shrimp are small, sensitive livestock. Before adding them, establish a cycled aquarium and confirm that ammonia and nitrite are zero. Test the aquarium and replacement water, keep temperature steady, and avoid making several large changes at once.
Use the local aquarium water guide to build a repeatable source-water routine.
Make the scape work for shrimp
Prioritize surface area and shelter. Fine-leaved plants, moss, wood, leaf litter, and textured stone create places for biofilm to grow and give shrimp cover when they molt.
- Use moss and fine roots on wood or stone for grazing surfaces.
- Leave open areas where you can observe and feed the colony.
- Avoid unstable rock stacks and sharp gaps that can trap livestock.
- Choose plants that fit the tank’s light and maintenance rhythm.
Good starting choices include Java moss, Anubias, Java fern, Cryptocoryne, and other forgiving plants from the plant library.
Filtration and flow
Shrimp need clean, oxygenated water, but strong unprotected intakes can be dangerous. Use an intake guard or sponge pre-filter and distribute flow so there are calmer areas throughout the aquarium. Keep filter maintenance gentle; beneficial biology lives on the media and surfaces.
Acclimation matters
- Dim the aquarium lights before arrival.
- Float or otherwise equalize temperature according to the seller’s instructions.
- Use a slow acclimation method when the source water differs from the aquarium.
- Transfer shrimp carefully and avoid adding shipping water when practical.
- Keep the tank calm and observe rather than feeding immediately.
Minerals, GH, and KH
Many freshwater shrimp need appropriate mineral availability for molting. The right target depends on the species and source water. Test GH and KH before adding remineralizer, and do not chase a number without knowing which shrimp you are keeping. Stable, species-appropriate water is the goal.
Feeding and maintenance
Shrimp graze throughout the day, but supplemental food should be small and removed if it is not being eaten. Overfeeding can degrade water quality quickly in a small tank. Watch the colony, remove decaying leaves, test when behavior changes, and keep water changes consistent.
Plan for the colony
A shrimp aquarium can become a living population rather than a static display. Provide hiding places for young shrimp, keep stocking appropriate for the tank volume, and avoid adding fish that will treat shrimplets as food.
Bring your setup questions to Convoy
Bring your tank size, shrimp species, GH/KH results, substrate, filter, and a photo to the PetZoneSD / Hakkai team at the Convoy flagship. This makes it easier to match hardscape, plants, minerals, and maintenance to the animals you actually keep.
Compare planted aquarium foundations, review light and fertilizer balance, or browse the reference library.