200 - 02/04/2021, 9:33

How to set up a planted aquarium for shrimp for beginners

Currently, in addition to keeping ornamental fish, shrimp aquarists are also favored and chosen by many aquascaping enthusiasts. For those who have spent time in aquascaping, it can be understood that setting up a shrimp aquarium is similar to creating a regular aquascape, except for some specific factors that need attention. In this article, Aqua Plants Hub will guide you on how to set up a simple shrimp aquarium as well as the things to keep in mind when raising ornamental shrimp.

Why are ornamental shrimp popular for aquascaping?

In fact, ornamental shrimp are not easy to care for, and they are more expensive than ornamental fish, so why have they become a passion and favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts? It is because of their charming and attractive beauty, their species characteristics such as diligence and liveliness in the aquatic ecosystem. Another reason is their small size along with unique colors and features that make them popular.

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One special thing is that since ornamental shrimp appeared, they were very limited in number with few players and were not popular, not widely traded. Until they were named as a species that could eliminate and limit harmful algae in aquascapes. Thus, the first ornamental shrimp raised for the purpose of algae control gradually became known to many people until now.

Setting up a shrimp aquascape

Preparing equipment:

– Glass tank: 60x40x40 is the standard size for a shrimp tank. You can choose different sizes depending on the needs of each aquarist.
– Lighting: A type used for regular aquascapes or homemade.
– Filter: Similar to a regular aquascape, filter materials can be cotton, ceramic, pumice… as long as they do not change the pH unsuitable for shrimp tanks.
– Substrate : Depending on the type of shrimp living at which pH, choose the substrate with the appropriate pH. Except for RC shrimp that can thrive in mixed substrate, other types should use industrial substrate.
– Aquatic plants: Types of moss (usually moss and ferns, pothos, willow…)
– Cooling fan
– Thermometer
– pH measuring tool

Proceed to set up the shrimp aquascape

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– Place the tank in a suitable and fixed position, then spread a layer of substrate evenly, avoiding unevenness. After spreading the substrate, fill it with water, add moss and aquatic plants, the simpler the better. Start the lighting and filtration system. Run the cooling fan, attach the thermometer.
– Then fill the tank with water, add moss and aquatic plants as simply as possible. Start the filtration and lighting system for the tank. Attach the thermometer and run the cooling fan to ensure a stable temperature for the shrimp to thrive. Note that bottom filters, mineral blocks, and chillers should not be used for shrimp aquascapes.
– The lights should be on for 8 hours a day.
– When starting the filtration system, it is advisable to add a little beneficial bacteria to help the microbial community develop better; after one day, change half of the tank’s water, and repeat the water change after 3 days. On the 6th day, change 30% of the water in the tank, and on the 7th day, check and measure the pH; if it meets the requirements for the shrimp aquascape, then proceed to introduce the shrimp.
For bee shrimp tanks, the setup is the same as above but with the addition of a chiller, and shrimp should only be added after the setup has been completed for 2 weeks.

Instructions for introducing shrimp into the tank

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Keep the ornamental shrimp in the bag after purchase and place the bag in the tank for 15 minutes to stabilize the temperature. After that, let the shrimp swim out into the tank and turn off the lights to allow the shrimp to rest and recover. After 4 hours, feed the shrimp for the first time. Be sure to regularly remove leftover food to keep the shrimp healthy and the tank cleaner.

Change the water regularly once a week, each time 20% of the water in the tank. After changing the water, add minerals and nutrients to replace what has been lost. When changing the water, be careful to gently vacuum near the bottom of the tank to remove excess waste and dirt from the shrimp under the substrate.

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