Did you know that there is one fantastic way to add more diversity to your tiny aquatic world? That is, adding freshwater shrimp to it. These tiny sociable creatures give that thrill and it is enjoyable to look at when added to your tropical fish tank.

Taking a closer look at your tiny underwater world and watching these freshwater shrimp doing their daily life is such a fun thing to do especially when you are an aquarium hobbyist.

Freshwater Shrimps are stunning, fascinating creatures that blend well with other creatures within your aquarium. Apart from that little joy it gives, it also keeps your aquarium clean since these creatures love to consume any sort of algae and other waste products.

These shrimps are so delicate that they need thorough guidance and care from a keen aquarist to ensure that they live happily. However, most newbies have no idea how to raise these shrimps, and how to let them thrive in the environment they need to dwell in.

In this blog post, we will share with you the 4 ways to keep your Freshwater Shrimps. 

4 Ways to Keep Your Freshwater Shrimp

Choose a Proper Substrate

The substrate covers the bottom of your fish tank. This is what freshwater shrimps cling to firmly. If your tank does not have a substrate, your shrimps will not be able to move around freely. They will struggle in moving around your slippery aquarium. Also, shrimps are considered prey, so they will naturally try not to stand out and instead blend into the environment.

There are many different shrimp species and these species need different pH levels of substrates. When raising a freshwater shrimp, you need to put a neutral substrate that is safe for chemical-sensitive shrimp species. 

There are different kinds of substrates such as inert substrates and active soil substrates. The most popular and commonly used substrate is a dark substrate which is black gravel and dark brown Amazonia Soil. Others also use live plant substrates, baked clay substrates, crushed lava rocks, or fine gravel.

Have Plenty of Plants and Places For Them To Hide

Freshwater Shrimps love to walk around with many ornaments, rocks, and aquatic plants surrounding them. Their main role in your tiny underwater world is to consume all the algae and waste products. And these algae flourish on your aquarium surface, so the more stuff you add to your aquarium, the more waste products they can eat, and the more places they can hide. They are adorable, and they love hiding and crawling around. They keep your tanks clean, so they love the presence of any aquatic greenery you will decorate in your aquarium.

Java Moss is the most preferred refuge for the shrimps because it is a good choice of breeding ground that helps the baby shrimps to survive. This moss also helps to increase the surface area of your aquarium so the freshwater shrimps love to graze on. It is easy to propagate, affordable, and easy to care for. This moss is the perfect plant for shrimp aquariums, and the shrimps can't really get enough of this. You can purchase java moss here at Aquafy.

Water Quality and Level

Another thing to consider in keeping your freshwater shrimp is the required water level. Water level and quality are crucial because they are more sensitive to it than fish. Ensure to establish your tank has a good quality and proper water level before introducing your shrimps. 

The recommended amount of water for regular-size aquariums is 10 gallons, while for small-size aquariums is 5 gallons. Before putting in your shrimp, have a test on your water with the help of a test kit. These water test kits measure the ammonia, NH, GH, KH, Nitrate, and Nitrite levels. These are the parameters to test when you cycle your tank.

As we mentioned, shrimps are sensitive to water compared to fish. They show signs of whether or not they are happy and healthy. You will notice that these creatures are uncomfortable with your water supply if they swim around as fish do. To prevent a waste buildup and to keep the shrimps from adjusting to new water, keep a minimal water change for once or twice a week.  

One Tank = One Species of Shrimp

For a shrimp-keeper, crossbreeding is a common practice. But, if you are just starting out, this is not recommended. If you intend to crossbreed these shrimps like other animals, shrimps just don't simply adapt to the traits of different species.

If crossbreeding is done in the wrong way, (for example, you want to breed two same genus of different colors to result in a new color), this will result in a weak shrimp or worst, no color at all.

Let's talk about the shrimp genus. This is the detail you must look out for and this is the first word in the shrimp's scientific name. Let's take the Red Cherry Shrimp as an example. Its scientific name is Neocaridina Heteropoda.

The Genus is Neocaridina, and its species is Heteropoda. With the help of this information, you will then easily identify the genus of the shrimp you want to keep.

Do not keep the two shrimps from the same genus in one shrimp tank. These creatures love to propagate, and it is inevitable for them to produce a weak, inferior generation of breeds when this happens.

If you wish to have a successful shrimp crossbreed, keep different shrimp genus in the same tank, but never keep two shrimps of the same genus in one tank.  

Even though shrimps are more sensitive compared to fish, these freshwater shrimps are much easier to take care of than fish. Freshwater shrimps are considered one good choice when looking for aquatic pets and it is becoming more popular nowadays.

If you have decided to start your journey in raising one, you can begin your search for freshwater shrimps and aquarium plants here at Aquafy!