Adding vibrant, active shrimp to your fish tank can take it to the next level visually and functionally. With proper acclimation, shrimp thrive in community tanks and are exceptional clean-up crew members that will eat debris, algae and microorganisms. Their small size and low bioload make shrimp ideal for nano aquariums as well.
However, haphazardly dumping new shrimp into your established tank can shock and potentially kill them. It is essential to first acclimate shrimp to the new water conditions to avoid disaster. Follow this simple 8-step process to safely introduce shrimp to your aquarium.
Step 1: Empty the Bag of Shrimps into a Container
Once you bring your new shrimp home, open the bag and gently empty the shrimp into a clean container or small holding tank. Make sure not to expose them to air for more than a few seconds.
Using a plastic cup or small net transfer as much of the water as possible from the bag to the holding tank as well. Avoid pouring water over the shrimp or jostling them around.
Step 2: Tie a Knot or Attach a Control Nozzle to an Airline Tubing
For the best control over the acclimation process, use an airline tubing to slowly add water to the holding container. Tie a loose knot in the tubing or attach a control valve to restrict flow to a trickle.
Make sure to use tubing designated only for aquarium use rather than standard hardware store air tubing, which could leach chemicals.
Step 3: Start Syphoning
Place the airline tubing into the display tank and start a siphon. The other end goes into the holding container with the new shrimp and original water.
Position the tubing so the new water trickles in slowly. Avoid pouring water directly onto the shrimp.
Step 4: Control the Dripping
Adjust the knot or valve on the airline tubing so new water is added at a rate of one to two drops per second. Go slowly to allow the shrimp time to adjust.
Watch the shrimp closely for signs of stress, such as darting movements or clinging to the container walls. Slow the water flow if they seem agitated.
Step 5: Wait for At Least 3 Hours
In most cases, acclimate shrimp to the new tank parameters for a minimum of 3 hours before release. Longer acclimation up to 6 hours is recommended for sensitive species like crystal shrimp.
Test the water parameters if you are unsure how significantly they differ. Drastic changes in pH, hardness and temperature make slow acclimation essential.
Step 6: Net Them Out
After the lengthy drip acclimation process, use a small net to transfer the shrimp from the holding container to the display tank. Scoop them out gently to avoid injury.
Alternatively, simply remove the airline tubing and let the shrimp swim out on their own. This less stressful method works for calm species like ghost or cherry shrimp.
Step 7: Turn Off the Lights
Keeping the tank lights off for the first day eases the transition for new shrimp. This gives them time to explore their new home without disruption.
Their instinct will be to find hiding spots and get comfortable. Turn lights and pumps off if possible.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Shrimp
Once the shrimp have had a full day to settle in, return the aquarium to normal operation. Sit back and enjoy watching their antics! With a proper acclimation, shrimp readily adapt and thrive.
Observe their behavior to ensure the colony is eating and active. Gradually introduce tankmates as well. Within a week, your new shrimp should be fully integrated into the aquascape.
Key Tips for Shrimp Acclimation
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Go slowly – shrimp need time to adjust to new water parameters to avoid osmotic shock. Wait at least 3 hours before release.
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Use an airline tubing for controlled water flow. Aim for a drip rate of 1-2 drops per second.
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Carefully monitor water parameters of the bag and tank to determine how significantly they differ. The greater the change, the slower the acclimation should be.
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Look for signs of stress like darting movements or odd positions. Slow or stop the water flow if they seem agitated.
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Turn off lights and pumps during the first day to allow shrimp to explore calmly and find hiding spots.
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Quarantine new shrimp before adding to a display tank to protect existing livestock.
With some patience and a proper acclimation process, shrimp readily thrive in established freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Follow these steps and soon your new shrimp will be happily cleaning up and adding dynamic activity to any tank.
Plan your day of purchase:
When buying shrimp online this step counts, make sure your home when they arrive. Plan your day ahead of time! If you’re going to a store to buy something, schedule your day around it so you have plenty of time before, after, and on the way home. It costs a lot of money to buy shrimp. Don’t waste this money by not planning your day so that you have enough time for your little shrimpies!
Research your type of shrimp that you plan to purchase. Find out the recommend pH, GH, KH, and temp for your type. Have the tank set to these levels at least 3-7 days before you get your shrimp. This lets your tank settle in and gives you time to fix anything that went wrong before the shrimp came. Have a TDS reading that fits your shrimp as well (See “Understanding Total Dissolved Solids” for information).
Plan how to transport the shrimp:
The key is to not stress out your shrimp. How far is your drive home? Will the temperature in the bag change by more than 5 degrees? Bring a small cooler or insulated box to keep the shrimp at the right temperature.
If you can, buy Kordon Breather Bags and tell your LFS to use those instead of their own bags for the shrimp. Kordon Breather Bags allow oxygen to exchange into the bag while letting co2 out of the box. This is another step in helping your shrimp be less stressed!.
Also, ask the LFS to add a small piece of moss or filter floss to the bag. This is to help the shrimp as it gives them something to hold onto.
How to Acclimate Freshwater Shrimp [Beginner Shrimp Keeping]
How do you add water to a shrimp tank?
With the drip method the idea is to add water into from your aquarium into the container that your shrimp are in to get them acclimated to the new water parameters of your tank. Take container that will hold twice as much water as the what is in the bag that the shrimp came in and add the shrimp and the water to the container.
When should I add shrimp to my fish tank?
The fish tank water cycle can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks and once you see an ammonia spike and it goes back down to zero it is safe to add your shrimp. If you are using aged aquarium water or aged filter media in your new aquarium you can add the shrimp as soon as they are ready and acclimated to the aquarium water. 1.
Should I add shrimp to my Aquarium?
Adding shrimp to an aquarium can be a good way to keep your aquarium clean and add some color and diversity to your tank. I have always added shrimp to my tank to help with the cleaning and have always felt that the tanks with most shrimp in them stayed the cleanest and the water quality was always very good.
How to start a shrimp tank?
Find a sturdy spot to place the aquarium; it’s a hassle to move it later, so choose wisely. Then just follow the steps below to get everything up and running. The tank can look a bit cloudy at first, but don’t worry, it’ll settle. Now sit back and relax, because it will be a few weeks before you can introduce the first shrimp into your aquarium!