Caridina shrimp are beloved inhabitants of freshwater aquariums worldwide. Their stunning colors, intricate patterns, and engaging behaviors make them popular among aquarists of all levels. However, to ensure the health and vitality of these wonderful creatures, it is crucial to understand their specific requirements to provide optimal care. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the principles behind Caridina shrimp care and set you up to have a thriving colony of shrimp, covering everything from water parameters to dietary needs.
Habitat Setup
Tank Size: I’d recommend a minimum capacity of 5 gallons for a breeding colony of Caridina shrimp. (5 gallon can successfully house 300+ Cardinia Shrimp)
Substrate: Use fine substrate like specialized plant substrate or fine sand to mimic their natural environment.
Filtration: Use gentle filtration such as sponge filters to prevent shrimp from being pulled into the filter.
Decoration: Incorporate driftwood, rocks, and live plants to create hiding spots and grazing surfaces.
Lighting: Almost any lighting is sufficient so long as their algae growth!
If you want to setup your tank exactly like mine, here are the products you would need:
You also can check out my live plants on this site, if you like the visual appeal of my aquariums:
Water Parameters
IMPORTANT: Use distilled or reverse osmosis water and remineralize it with Shrimp Mineral. Shrimp mineral provides all the required salts for Cardinia shrimp to build their exoskeleton and successfully molt. It is important to have distilled water because Cardinia shrimps are very sensitive to contaminants in tap water such as chlorine. A convenient and cheap tool to get distilled water on demand is Zero Water. The distilled water should have 0 TDS (total dissolved solids). Use shrimp mineral to bring the TDS in the range of 80-200. I prefer to run on the lower end of TDS as TDS creeps up when water evaporates. I recommend this TDS and pH Meter for curating the water. It is important to add 0 TDS water to replenish evaporated water in the aquarium, as the dissolved solids never evaporate from the water.
- For Temperature: keep it stable between 65°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C).
- For pH: aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.5 to 7.5.
- For Hardness: Keep water hardness within the range of 4 to 6 dGH (degree of General Hardness) and 1 to 4 dKH (degree of Carbonate Hardness).
- Ammonia and Nitrites: Ensure undetectable levels of ammonia and nitrites.
- Nitrate Levels: Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm through regular water changes and efficient filtration. Perform regular water tests and water changes to maintain water quality.
Maintain Water Quality
Regular Water Changes: Perform bi-weekly water changes of 10-20% to remove accumulated waste and replenish essential minerals. Water can be drained from the aquarium and replenished with 80-200 TDS water. I recommend mixing the new water to the same TDS as your current water.
Avoid Chemicals: Refrain from using medications or chemicals unless absolutely necessary, as Caridina shrimp are sensitive to many additives.
Feeding
Diet: Offer a varied diet consisting of high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, spinach, or kale), and specialized shrimp food rich in calcium and minerals. My favorite food products are linked below.
Frequency: Feed sparingly, 2-3 times a week, with an amount that shrimp can consume within a few hours.
Supplementation: Occasionally supplement their diet with calcium supplements or mineral-rich foods to support molting and shell health. (Such as sanitized Egg Shells from breakfast)
These are not all required however they are my recommendations:
- Shrimp Snowflake Food
- Hikari Shrimp Cuisine
- BacterAE - Shrimp Bacterial Supplement
- Shrimp Baby - Small Particulate food for Baby Shrimp
BacterAE and Snowflake food are the most vital out of these products.
Behavior and Compatibility
Peaceful Community: Keep Cardinia shrimp in a species-specific or peaceful community aquarium, avoiding aggressive tank mates such as large fish or predatory invertebrates.
Social Behavior: These shrimp thrive in groups, so maintain a small group of at least 6 individuals to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress.
Breeding
Breeding Conditions: Provide optimal water parameters, ample hiding places, and a nutrient-rich diet to encourage breeding behavior.
Nursery Tank: Transfer berried (pregnant) females to a separate nursery tank to prevent predation and ensure the survival of offspring. A nursery tank may be necessary if you have fish in your aquarium that may eat tiny shrimp babies or if you are selectively breeding their patterns.
To stimulate shrimp breeding: Perform water changes, the slight change in water temperature and decrease in TDS simulates rainfall which is a natural breeding cue for Cardinia shrimp.
Conclusion
By adhering to these guidelines of Caridina shrimp care, aquarists can create a thriving habitat that promotes the health, vitality, and natural behaviors of these fascinating crustaceans. Remember to monitor water parameters regularly, provide a balanced diet, and maintain a peaceful environment to enjoy the beauty and charm of Caridina shrimp in your aquarium setup.