Shrimp keeping has been revolutionized by advancements in science. About 18 years ago, when I first embarked on this hobby, the process was much more challenging. We used to cycle our tanks with soil and water for nearly two months before introducing any shrimp. Back then, Caridina shrimp varieties were limited to Pure Red Lines (PRL), which were notoriously difficult to care for due to their thick shells and delicate requirements.

Today we have two key products that makes shrimp keeping easy.

• Nitrifying Bacteria
• Minerals

Nitrifying bacteria are essential for creating a healthy environment for your shrimp. During tank cycling, I always recommend dosing four times the standard amount to rapidly establish a strong beneficial bacteria colony.

I avoid using powdered bacteria for two key reasons. First, live cultures are not stored in a dry form, which means powdered bacteria take longer to activate and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Second, due to this delayed activation, the yeast often included in powdered bacteria mixes remains uneaten in your tank, leading to issues like the growth of pests such as detritus worms.

Liquid bacteria are simple to use and can be added directly to your tank at any time. MADFU Nitrifying Bacteria is packed with millions of live cultures in every bottle. A dosage of just 5ml per 20 liters can bring noticeable improvements to the health and balance of your aquarium.

Beneficial minerals are essential for shrimp, supporting the growth of strong and healthy shells. The shell, acting as an exoskeleton, protects shrimp from harm and facilitates proper molting. Ensuring that the shell develops correctly helps shrimp molt with ease.

I recommend conducting a gH (general hardness) test before introducing shrimp to a new tank. Regular gH testing can also provide valuable insights into your tank’s condition, helping you identify and address any potential issues.

Once you’ve adjusted your gH to the ideal range, use a TDS pen to measure the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in your tank. Maintaining a consistent TDS level during water changes is crucial for shrimp health.

It’s important to note that there isn’t a universally ‘correct’ TDS level for shrimp keeping, as TDS measures all dissolved substances in the water. For instance, adding coffee powder could raise the TDS, but it wouldn’t be beneficial for your shrimp.

To learn more about properly dosing minerals, check out the link here.

Some hobbyists choose not to use dosing solutions, but I am a firm believer in their benefits. Professional breeders have consistently demonstrated their effectiveness in promoting shrimp health and growth.

Think of it this way: before modern medicine like Panadol existed, our ancestors would simply sleep off a headache. While rest could eventually help, taking Panadol speeds up the healing process. Similarly, dosing solutions can accelerate and optimize conditions in your tank, giving your shrimp the best environment to thrive.

Whether its for Neocaridina, Caridina or even Sulawesi shrimps, these simple methods could really make your hobby a lot easier.