Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shrimp keeping — water, food, breeding, tankmates, and more.
What's the difference between Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp?
Neocaridina (e.g. Red Cherry, Blue Velvet) tolerate a wide pH (6.5–8) and neutral-to-hard water, making them hardy beginner shrimp. Caridina (e.g. CRS, Pinto, Sulawesi) demand specific water — most need soft, acidic water with active soil, while Sulawesi species need alkaline hard water at high temperatures. Caridina also typically cost 5–50x more.
What's the easiest shrimp to start with?
Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi). Tolerates 18–28°C, pH 6.5–8, GH 6–10, and breeds prolifically in mature tanks. Most importantly, they're cheap enough that a small loss isn't catastrophic while you learn — typical retail is ¥200–500/individual in Japan.
Do I need aquasoil for a shrimp tank?
Depends on the species. Caridina lines (CRS, Pinto, Taiwan Bee) require active soil like ADA Amazonia to lower pH and soften the water — without it, breeding is unreliable. Neocaridina (Cherry, Blue Velvet) thrive on inert sand or gravel and don't need soil at all. Sulawesi species need fine-grain inert sand plus high-pH stable water — soil would crash their pH.
What are TDS, GH, and KH?
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is the rough sum of all minerals in the water, measured in ppm. GH (General Hardness) is calcium + magnesium ions, which shrimp need for shell formation. KH (Carbonate Hardness) is the buffering capacity that resists pH swings. Caridina soft-water lines target TDS 100–160, GH 4–6, KH 0–2; Neocaridina target TDS 150–250, GH 6–10, KH 2–8.
What temperature should I keep dwarf shrimp at?
20–24°C is the sweet spot for most Caridina (CRS, Pinto, Tiger). Neocaridina handle 18–28°C without issue. Sulawesi species (Cardinal, Harlequin) need 27–30°C — they're tropical lake endemics. Stability matters more than the exact number: keep temperature within ±1°C day-to-night.
Why aren't my shrimp breeding?
Most common causes: (1) tank too new — wait 2+ months for biofilm to mature; (2) parameters out of range — check TDS, GH, KH match the species' needs; (3) no males or all the same gender; (4) stress from over-cleaning or frequent water changes >20%; (5) tankmates eating shrimplets — even small tetras pick off newborns.
Why do my shrimp die after molting?
Usually 'White Ring of Death' — a stuck molt where the shrimp can't fully shed its exoskeleton. The cause is almost always sudden GH/TDS shifts during water changes. Always pre-mineralize replacement water to match tank parameters, and limit changes to 10–15% per week.
Can shrimp live with fish?
Adult shrimp are usually fine with peaceful nano fish (Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, Endler's Livebearer). But shrimplets are food to almost every fish — even neon tetras. If you want shrimp to breed and increase population, run a shrimp-only tank. Mixed tanks work for keeping a stable adult population without offspring survival.
How long do dwarf shrimp live?
Neocaridina (Cherry, Blue Velvet) live 1.5–2 years. Caridina (CRS, Pinto) typically 1.5–2 years as well. Larger filter feeders like Bamboo Shrimp and Vampire Shrimp can live 5+ years. Lifespan drops sharply with poor water quality or temperature instability.
Why is my shrimp tank getting algae?
Algae loves nutrients + light. Common triggers: (1) over-feeding (uneaten food fuels algae); (2) too much light (8+ hours/day with high intensity); (3) tank still cycling and nutrients aren't being processed; (4) low CO2 with high light creates an imbalance. Nerite snails and Amano Shrimp consume most algae types and won't reproduce in freshwater.