Ghost Shrimp, also called Glass Shrimp are one of the easiest species of freshwater shrimp to keep. They are primarily translucent, small and highly active. Ghost shrimp are extremely popular due to their low price. Ghost shrimp can often be purchased en mass for as little as 20-50 cents each. This price makes them attractive to prospective owners but also as a live feeder for larger carnivorous fish. Ghost Shrimp are scavengers and do an excellent job of cleaning the aquarium of rotting debris and algae. They are effective at actively reducing nitrates within the aquarium and having a very low biomass footprint.
When compared to other types of shrimp, like Crystal Red Shrimp and Red Cherry Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp are very tough and can handle a lot. For this reason they are the best beginner shrimp to trial before moving on to more expensive varieties. They are easy to breed and maintain. Ghost Shrimp will consume almost any type of food. They are also effective scavengers. Ghost shrimp are tolerant but are still sensitive to water fluctuations. Water chemistry should be kept stable when housing Ghost Shrimp. If they begin to look unwell in the aquarium immediately check the water temperature and recent additives.
Ghost shrimp, also known as glass shrimp, are a popular freshwater shrimp choice for aquarium hobbyists. Their translucent bodies and peacefully scavenging nature make them an interesting addition to planted tanks and community aquariums. But setting up the right environment for these tiny creatures does require some special considerations. One question that often comes up is whether or not ghost shrimp need a heater in their tank. Here’s a look at the ins and outs of ghost shrimp temperature requirements.
The Basics on Ghost Shrimp
Before diving into heater needs, let’s review some ghost shrimp basics. Ghost shrimp belong to the genus Palaemonetes, which contains nine species commonly found in fresh and brackish waters across North America. They are small, growing to around 1.5 inches long at maturity. Their bodies are transparent except for some faint stripes and dots. Common color variations include green, blue, and red tints.
Ghost shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers. In the wild they pick at plant matter, biofilm algae, and decaying organic material. They may eat tiny organisms like nematodes and protozoa. In the aquarium, ghost shrimp forage for bits of fish food, algae wafers, blanched veggies, and supplemental shrimp pellets.
These shrimp prefer to live in groups and need plenty of hiding spots. They are peaceful but may become food for larger tank inhabitants. Hardy and adaptable, ghost shrimp can do well in a range of water conditions. But there are some important parameters to get right, including temperature.
Ghost Shrimp Temperature Needs
Ghost shrimp are flexible when it comes to water temperature. They can tolerate a wide range, roughly 60-80°F. But they do best within a narrower optimal range. The ideal temperature for ghost shrimp is between 68-72°F. At lower temperatures, ghost shrimp become less active. They may stop breeding altogether once the water drops below 65°F. At sustained temperatures above 78°F, the shrimp become stressed and prone to disease.
Within the optimal range warmer temps in the low 70s can encourage breeding and speed up growth. Colder temps down to 68°F slow the metabolism, which may extend the lifespan. Most aquarists choose to keep ghost shrimp somewhere in the middle between 70-72°F, to balance health and reproduction.
Do Ghost Shrimp Require a Heater?
Whether or not you need a heater for ghost shrimp depends on the climate and tank location. If room temperature consistently stays within the ideal 68-72°F range year-round, then a separate heater is not essential. But this stable, moderate ambient temperature is not common in most homes.
Fluctuating room temperatures can easily dip too low or high for ghost shrimp. Air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter throws things off. Direct sunlight and drafts also impact the water. And smaller tanks are more vulnerable to rapid temperature changes.
Using an adjustable aquarium heater helps maintain a steady environment in this 68-72°F sweet spot. It prevents chilling if the room gets cool overnight or heats up during the day. A submersible heater also promotes stable temps in nano shrimp tanks. For these reasons, most ghost shrimp keepers do use a heater.
Choosing a Ghost Shrimp Tank Heater
When selecting a heater for ghost shrimp, there are a few key considerations:
Adjustable thermostat: Look for a heater with an adjustable temperature dial. This allows you to set the heater to the optimal 68-72°F range for ghost shrimp. Avoid preset heaters without thermostat controls.
Correct wattage: Choose a heater correctly sized for the tank volume. Underpowered models struggle to heat up larger tanks. Oversized heaters can cook smaller tanks.
Submersible design: Fully submersible heaters are reliable and safe for nano tanks. In-filter and in-line heaters work too. Avoid hang-on designs not fully immersed.
Hideaway placement: Place the heater horizontally near the substrate where shrimp spend most of their time. This prevents temperature layers.
External temperature controller: Use an external controller for more accuracy. The built-in thermostats on heaters are often inaccurate. A separate controller overrides the heater to eliminate temperature swings.
Following these guidelines helps create a stable, comfortable environment for ghost shrimp. Now let’s go over how to use a heater safely with shrimp.
Heater Safety Tips for Ghost Shrimp
It’s important to use aquarium heaters carefully to prevent disaster in shrimp tanks. Here are some heater safety tips:
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Install the heater and external controller (if using) before adding shrimp. This lets you monitor performance.
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Place the heater horizontally near the bottom of the tank. Never fully bury heaters in the substrate.
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Allow time for the heater to gradually warm up the tank over several hours. Do not expose shrimp instantly to high temperatures.
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Keep an eye on the set temperature and monitor with a separate thermometer. Adjust as needed.
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Maintain consistent tank maintenance. Heaters work harder and wear out faster in dirty tanks.
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Inspect heating elements regularly for cracks and replace old heaters. Damaged heaters can overheat, boil, and electrocute inhabitants.
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Use a heater guard or shatterproof heater to protect glass models. This prevents burns if the glass cracks and explodes.
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Install an external temperature controller for redundancy. The controller shuts off the heater if it gets stuck on and overheats.
With proper set up and monitoring, aquarium heaters are safe for shrimp. They provide water temperatures that allow ghost shrimp to thrive.
Final Thoughts on Heating Ghost Shrimp Tanks
Providing the ideal 68-72°F temperature range allows ghost shrimp to remain active, feed enthusiastically, grow faster, and breed readily. An adjustable aquarium heater offers the most consistent results compared to relying on fluctuating room temperatures alone.
Take the time to select a correctly sized heater with precise thermostat controls. Place it securely near the tank bottom and always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. With smart heater usage, you can successfully maintain a healthy environment for raising vibrant ghost shrimp.
Ghost Shrimp as live feeders
- It is possible to breed ghost shrimp to feed aquarium fish. Oscars, Arowanas, Cichlids, Angelfish, Discus, and Trigger Fish, as well as other larger freshwater species, will benefit. Ghost shrimp have a lot of natural fats and oils that help them color and grow.
- Ghost Shrimp are much less likely to spread disease than other species that eat live food. Parasites can be found in feeder fish and blood worms, but not in ghost shrimp because they are invertebrates.
- A separate tank should be set up so the Ghost Shrimp can breed. Ghost Shrimp are easy to breed and can be raised to provide a steady supply of food for the display tank every week. Further reading regarding breeding can be found below.
Adding the Ghost Shrimp
- Ghost Shrimp can live in aquariums that are bigger than 5 gallons. It is best to keep them in an aquarium with only their own kind of fish. Larger fish can easily bother and eat ghost shrimp because they are small and can’t defend themselves. Before you put the shrimp in the aquarium, make sure it has been chemically tested and meets the above requirements.
- Put the Ghost Shrimp in a bowl after taking them out of the bag. Make a siphon from the aquarium with air-line tubing and a rubber band. Wrap the rubber band around a bent part of the tube to kink it. Change the bend so that one drop of water can drip out of the tube slowly every second. For the next 20 to 30 minutes, let this drip into the bowl and keep a close eye on it.
- Use a soft mesh net to move the Ghost Shrimp into the aquarium after 20 to 30 minutes. When moving the shrimp, cover the net with one hand so they can jump out and get away.
- Even though ghost shrimp are tough, bad water can hurt them. If a situation does arise check the water immediately. Perform a water change and try to identify the problem. You should move the Ghost Shrimp to a good temporary home if you have more than one aquarium. Even if the conditions aren’t ideal, is usually much better than leaving them in an aquarium full of poison.
- Here is a link to a full article on how to set up a shrimp tank. More detailed instructions on how to set up, cycle, and choose the right hardscape
- Ghost shrimp eat anything they can find, so they will eat a lot of different things. They eat everything, so brush algae and food that falls to the ground are natural foods for them.
- Ghost Shrimp can eat processed foods like flakes. They are typically unfussy eaters. If you look closely, you can see that the food in a ghost shrimp’s body is very clear. Ghost Shrimp will also eat boiled zucchini and soft vegetables. The shrimp need nutrients, and vegetables are a cheap way to give them those nutrients.
Ghost Shrimp Info And Care | Ghost Shrimp Care Guide!
Do ghost shrimp need a heater?
Although ghost shrimp can handle a relatively wide temperature range it’s a good idea to always use a heater to prevent sudden temperature fluctuations. Like all shrimp, this species can become skittish if the aquarium lacks hiding places.
Are ghost shrimp good for a water tank?
Ghost shrimp are scavengers, which will help keep your tank clean. They feed on detritus and excess food, which helps keep your tank clean and clear. They also help to break down waste materials, further improving the water tank quality in your tank. In addition to their cleaning duties, ghost shrimp are great at aerating the substrate.
How to care for ghost shrimp?
When caring for ghost shrimp, you want to provide them with a healthy and safe tank environment. This means having the proper parameters, like temperature, pH level, and water hardness. Aside from that, you should also include plenty of hiding spots in the tank for your ghost shrimp to feel safe.
What temperature should a ghost shrimp tank be?
Any aquarist looking for ghost shrimps should ensure the first substrate ghost shrimp tank remains warm. Temperatures should range from 72-84°F (22 – 29°C). It is also critical to note that ghost shrimps prefer slightly acidic or neutral water, with a pH of 6.5 to 8.5 and hardness levels of 5-20 dGH.