Caridina
Water Parameters
Quick Summary
Our Temperature - Room
Our TDS - 150
GH KH and PH - 4/0/6-6.5
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Caridina Shrimp are sensitive to water quality and require specific parameters for optimal health:
Temperature: Ideal temperature ranges from 68°F to 76°F. Aim for consistency to avoid stress. Our tanks are at room temperature and can at times go down to mid sixties with no issues
pH: Slightly acidic, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5. I do not check this often but if PH is consistently high it's a sign the substrate may need to change.
General Hardness (GH): Our tanks are at 4 GH but the best range is 4-6 dGH. I never check this.
Carbonate Hardness (KH): Our tanks are 0 dKH but can tolerate 0-2 dKH.
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): Best between 100-200 ppm. When we remineralize our R/O with SL-Aqua Black MORE GH Conditioner for Bee Shrimp we build it to 150 ppm. This is the main parameter we use to monitor caridina tanks.
Ammonia and Nitrites: 0 ppm (toxic to shrimp).
Nitrates: Below 20 ppm; regular water changes help control nitrate levels.
Caridina
Tank Setup
Quick Summary
Our Tank Size - 10 gallon
Our Substrate - ADA Amazonia
Our Filtration - Duel Sponge filter
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Size: All our tanks for caridina shrimp are 10 gallon. A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for better stability in water parameters.
Substrate: We've tried a lot but have had the most success with ADA Amazonia. Using an active substrate designed to lower and buffer pH, is a must in our opinion for success with caridina shrimp.
Filtration: A sponge filter is ideal as it provides gentle filtration and prevents shrimp from being sucked in. We use duel sponge filters.
Lighting: Moderate lighting supports plant growth and encourages biofilm development.
Aquatic Plants: Include low tech plants to provide hiding spots and surfaces for biofilm growth.
Hiding Places: Add driftwood and shrimp caves to offer security and encourage natural behaviors.
Caridina
Tank Maintenance
Water Changes: Replace 10%-20% of the water weekly using remineralized reverse osmosis (RO) water.
Cleaning: Avoid disturbing the substrate too much; let natural processes handle waste breakdown.
Monitoring: Test water parameters, mainly TDS, regularly and observe shrimp for signs of stress or illness.
Caridina Diet
Caridina are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet:
Staples: High-quality shrimp-specific pellets or granules.
Natural Foods: Algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter in the tank.
Supplements: Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, or kale) and occasional protein sources like freeze-dried bloodworms.
Calcium: Essential for molting and shell health. Supplement with cuttlebone or specialized calcium additives if needed.
Feeding Tips: Feed sparingly to avoid overfeeding. Remove uneaten food within a few hours to maintain water quality.
How to Breed Caridina Shrimp
Maturity: Shrimp reach breeding age at about 4-6 months.
Female Behavior: Females carry eggs (berried) for about 30 days before releasing fully formed shrimplets.
Conditions: Stable water parameters and plenty of hiding spots encourage breeding.
Food for Shrimplets: Baby shrimp feed on biofilm and powdered shrimp food.
Caridina Tank Mates
Caridina are peaceful and best kept with:
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Other dwarf shrimp species (avoid those that interbreed)
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Small, non-aggressive fish such as Chili Rasboras or Neon Tetras.
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Snails like Nerite or Mystery Snails. Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may prey on shrimp.
Common Issues with Caridina Shrimp
Molting Problems: Caused by inadequate calcium or poor water quality.
Disease: Quarantine new additions and avoid overstocking to prevent disease outbreaks.
Parameter Swings: Sudden changes in temperature, pH, or other parameters can be fatal.