Keeping shrimps in the aquarium: what you need to know
For those interested in setting up an aquarium, they are likely to first think of fish like guppies or tetras. However, only a few aspiring aquarium enthusiasts may consider shrimp. Nevertheless, shrimp have also gained great popularity in recent years and are captivating more and more people with their variety.
In the following, you will learn what you need to consider when keeping shrimp in the aquarium and how to provide them with proper care.
Types of shrimp that can be kept in the aquarium
There is a wide range of shrimp suitable for aquarium keeping. Breeding efforts have contributed to the availability of shrimp in numerous different colors and patterns, making them not just inconspicuous tankmates but often the main attraction in the aquarium.
Especially dwarf shrimp, which reach a body length of approximately two to four centimeters, are well-suited for aquarium keeping. There are various species of dwarf shrimp that differ particularly in color. They are available in vibrant colors such as red, yellow, and blue, as well as striped variations, making them eye-catching additions to any aquarium.
Shrimp tanks are suitable for beginners too
One of the significant advantages of shrimp is that most species do not have high demands and are generally well-suited for beginners.
In many cases, a so-called nano aquarium is sufficient to keep a few shrimp. Nano aquariums, often offered as complete sets by many manufacturers, are particularly small aquariums, sometimes with a volume of only 10 liters. However, it is recommended to use an aquarium with a capacity of approximately 20 liters for optimal conditions.
Setting up an aquarium for shrimp
In general, most shrimp are undemanding. Therefore, there is not much to consider when setting up the aquarium, and personal preferences can play a significant role.
It is advisable to choose a fine substrate so that shrimp can easily pick up leftover food from the bottom. Additionally, it is important to provide enough hiding places for the small tank inhabitants. For this purpose, items such as driftwood, rocks, dried leaves, and small caves can be suitable for shrimp to retreat into.
Furthermore, the aquarium should be furnished with suitable aquatic plants. Besides mosses, fine-leaved plants such as pearl grass can be used. Some shrimp species even use the plants as a food source, while most species mainly feed on algae, contributing to maintaining a clean aquarium.
Caring for a shrimp aquarium
Although some shrimp species have slightly higher requirements regarding their living conditions, most are remarkably uncomplicated. The water temperature should be around 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, performing three to four water changes per month is recommended to maintain adequate water quality.
Shrimp in the aquarium: Group size and tankmates
Shrimp should never be kept alone in the aquarium. To ensure the well-being of the small creatures, shrimp should be kept in groups of at least five to ten individuals.
Furthermore, shrimp can coexist with other fish in the aquarium. However, certain factors need to be considered. Tankmates should be calmer fish species, and they should not consider the shrimp as food. Otherwise, you can expect a rapid decline in your shrimp population.
Can shrimp be bred in the aquarium?
The ease of breeding shrimp in the aquarium primarily depends on the species. Some shrimp species give birth to fully developed juveniles, making their rearing in the tank relatively successful.
However, some shrimp species release their offspring into the water as tiny larvae. In the wild, these larvae are carried into the sea, where they go through various stages and eventually return to freshwater rivers. These shrimp species are not suitable for breeding in the aquarium.
What do shrimp eat?
Shrimp are classic omnivores that will consume practically anything they find. In addition to algae in the aquarium, their food sources include dead plant matter and microorganisms found in the substrate.
Additionally, shrimp also eat the food provided by their keeper or the tankmates. This can be specialized shrimp food or regular fish food.
To avoid unnecessarily burdening the water quality in the aquarium, shrimp should be fed in moderation. Small amounts of high-quality fish food, such as those found in the Aquaris product range, are suitable for feeding shrimp in your aquarium.
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