Keeping aquarium shrimp, like the popular and colorful cherry shrimp, is a rewarding and fascinating hobby. Not only are these tiny creatures fun to watch as they explore and scavenge in your aquarium, but they also provide a valuable ecological function by helping to keep your tank clean and balanced. However, like any aquarium species, shrimp require proper care and attention to thrive. In this article, we'll go over some basic tips for keeping cherry shrimp, including tank size, water parameters, substrate, plants and hiding places, food, water changes, and tank mates. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or a beginner, these tips will help you create a healthy and beautiful shrimp tank.
-
Tank size: cherry shrimp can be kept in small aquariums, but a larger tank is recommended. A bigger tank will provide more space for the shrimp to explore and breed, and also help maintain stable water conditions. The ideal tank size for a colony of cherry shrimp is around 10 gallons (38 liters) or larger.
-
Water parameters: Cherry shrimp are adaptable to a wide range of water parameters, but it's important to maintain stable conditions. pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0, and temperature should be between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Cherry shrimps are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so it's important to cycle the tank before adding shrimp and do regular water changes to keep the water clean.
-
Substrate: A fine-grained substrate is best for cherry shrimp, as they like to burrow and forage for food. A planted substrate like Fluval Stratum or ADA Amazonia is ideal, but sand or gravel can also work. Avoid using sharp or rough substrates that may damage the shrimp's delicate exoskeleton.
-
Plants and hiding places: Cherry shrimp like to have plenty of hiding places in the tank, especially when they are molting or feeling threatened. Live or artificial plants like java moss, java fern, and anubias are great for creating hiding places and providing food for the shrimp. Caves, driftwood, and decorations can also be used for hiding places.
-
Food: Cherry shrimp are omnivores and will eat algae, biofilm, and other organic matter in the tank. However, it's important to supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets or flakes that are specifically formulated for shrimp. You can also offer blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or kale, and occasionally live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. Be careful not to overfeed the shrimp, as excess food can lead to poor water quality.
-
Water changes: Do regular partial water changes (10-20% every 1-2 weeks) to maintain good water quality. Use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramine from tap water before adding it to the tank.
-
Tank mates: Cherry shrimp are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. Good tank mates for cherry shrimp include small tetras, rasboras, guppies, and other small fish that won't harm or prey on them. Avoid keeping them with larger fish or aggressive species that may see them as food.
By following these tips, you can keep a happy and healthy colony of cherry shrimp in your aquarium.