Starting your first shrimp tank can feel overwhelming, but with the right setup, freshwater shrimps are one of the easiest and most rewarding aquarium pets to keep. At Aushrimphome.com, we’ve helped hundreds of hobbyists across Australia start their shrimp-keeping journey. This guide will walk you through the essentials for creating a healthy and thriving shrimp tank.
Step 1: Choose the Right Tank Size
Shrimps don’t need a huge aquarium, but stability is important. A 20–30 litre tank is ideal for beginners. Larger tanks are more forgiving of water parameter changes, making it easier to keep shrimps healthy.
Step 2: Pick the Right Substrate
Shrimps love fine-grained substrates where they can graze for biofilm. For Neocaridina shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp), an inert substrate works well. For Caridina shrimp (like Crystal Red or Blue Bolt), an active soil substrate is recommended to maintain slightly acidic conditions.
Step 3: Add Filtration & Cycling
A sponge filter is the best choice for shrimp tanks. It provides gentle filtration, prevents baby shrimp from being sucked in, and grows biofilm for shrimps to feed on. Always cycle your tank for at least 4 weeks before adding shrimp.
Step 4: Aquascaping with Plants & Hiding Spots
Shrimps thrive in planted tanks. Mosses, ferns, and floating plants not only look great but also provide natural cover. Driftwood and rocks also encourage biofilm growth, which is a natural food source for shrimps.
Step 5: Stable Water Parameters
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Temperature: 22–26°C
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pH: 6.5–7.5 (depending on species)
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GH/KH: Adjust to match the shrimp variety
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Regular water changes: 10–20% weekly with dechlorinated water
Step 6: Introduce Your Shrimp Carefully
Always acclimate your shrimp slowly to avoid shock. Drip acclimation is the safest method—adding small amounts of tank water into their bag over 1–2 hours before release.
Step 7: Feeding & Maintenance
Feed sparingly with high-quality shrimp food. Supplement with blanched spinach, zucchini, or kale. Remember: shrimps will happily graze on biofilm and algae, so don’t overfeed.
Why Buy Shrimps from Aushrimphome?
At Aushrimphome.com, we provide:
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Healthy, hand-selected shrimps
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Australia-wide shipping with live arrival guarantee
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Wide range of species for beginners and advanced keepers
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Expert advice to help you succeed with your shrimp tank