Colourful shrimps in the aquarium

There are just a few basic things to consider so that shrimps feel at home in the aquarium. Dwarf shrimps only need a small amount of space due to their small size; a nano aquarium with a water volume of less than 54 litres is sufficient for them. The height and depth of the aquarium should be balanced. Some of the larger shrimps need more space; as a rule of thumb, the aquarium should be at least five times as wide and twice as high as the length of the shrimp. It is important to ensure that the substrate does not affect the water quality. Natural gravel, natural sand and coloured gravel intended for shrimps are suitable. Plastic-coated gravel does not belong in a shrimp aquarium, as there is a risk of toxic substances diffusing into the water.

Shrimps need places to hide, especially if they live together with fish in the aquarium. Hiding places made of natural clay are ideal. Small caves are perfect for dwarf shrimps. You can find out more about our clay shrimp caves, which are available in a wide variety of shapes and colours, here. A particularly decorative element in the shrimp aquarium is a mossy trunk. Our handmade clay shrimp trunks offer you a wide range of individual design options.

Not only the attractiveness of the aquarium can be increased with plants, but also the well-being of the inhabitants. In addition to algae, aquatic plants are another natural food source for shrimps in the aquarium, and mosses in particular are readily grazed on. Plants also have a positive influence on the water quality. Java moss, moss balls and coral moss are ideal for shrimp aquariums. It is also advisable to plant low-growing plants such as Java fern, nixwort, freshwater kelp, Cuban pearlwort or small water star in the foreground so that you can keep a close eye on the shrimps.

To ensure that the aquarium is always at the right temperature for the shrimps, a heater is required depending on the environment and the temperature prevailing there. You will also need a filter in the shrimp aquarium. However, both commercially available internal filters and external filters have the disadvantage that they have a suction nozzle that can suck in dwarf shrimps and injure them or even pull them into the filter. With these filters, safety precautions must be taken in the aquarium to protect the shrimps. Instead, you can also introduce a bottom filter into the shrimp aquarium. In this case, the entire bottom serves as the filter medium and there is no danger to the shrimps. The disadvantage is that both installation and cleaning are time-consuming, but the bottom filter requires little maintenance. A hamburger mat filter, which basically consists of an airlift or a centrifugal pump and a filter mat, is also well suited for shrimp aquariums. The filter works biologically and is placed inside the aquarium.

Shrimps in the aquarium need additional food, algae and moss alone are not enough. Ready-made shrimp food such as SAK Caridina is available commercially. Another option is to scald vegetables with hot water and feed them to the shrimps, such as spinach leaves, peeled peppers or Rapunzel. Foliage is also suitable as food for shrimps, for example dried leaves from fruit trees, oaks, birches, copper beeches or chestnuts. More exotic types of leaves such as mulberry, guava or black guava also provide plenty of minerals and trace elements. Mulberry also has a remarkably high protein content.

It is possible for shrimps and fish to live together in an aquarium if the water quality and temperature requirements are similar and the inhabitants are all peaceful. Guppies and platies, as well as mollies, are fish that can usually be socialised well with shrimps.

It makes sense to set up an aquarium for breeding shrimps, as different dwarf shrimp species can interbreed and fish can endanger the offspring. Water values and water temperature should be adapted to the respective species. If the conditions are optimised for successful breeding, some shrimps such as the Red Fire or Blue Pearl will quickly produce offspring. When caring for the shrimp offspring, it is advisable to feed spirulina powder or powdered food. It is always a fascinating experience to watch the tiny shrimps grow in the aquarium!

Shrimps are gregarious animals and should never be kept individually. Introduce at least ten dwarf or fan shrimps of one species into the aquarium. Several different shrimp species can be socialised if the water hardness and water temperature requirements are the same and the aquarium is large enough. The following species are easy to keep and therefore suitable for beginners: