How to Properly Acclimate Cherry Shrimp to a New Aquarium

Getting new cherry shrimp for your aquarium can be an exciting experience. Their bright red coloration and active nature make them a popular choice among freshwater aquarists. However, improperly acclimating cherry shrimp to their new home can cause serious stress, illness, or even death. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to safely and effectively acclimate cherry shrimp to a new tank.

Why Acclimating Cherry Shrimp is Essential

Cherry shrimp are sensitive to rapid changes in water parameters like temperature, pH, hardness, and more. When shrimp are moved from one aquarium to another, the water conditions can be quite different. This sudden change shocks their system and they cannot adjust quickly enough.

Acclimating the shrimp slowly over time allows their bodies to gradually get accustomed to the new water parameters This prevents undue stress on their physiological systems

Some of the risks of not acclimating cherry shrimp properly include:

• Thermal shock from temperature changes
• pH shock from rapid pH fluctuations
• Osmoregulatory failure from drastic shifts in water hardness or salinity
• Toxicity from exposure to high ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates
• General stress, making them prone to illnesses

Following proper acclimation techniques allows shrimp to regulate these physiological processes safely This gives them the best chance of thriving in their new home

Step-by-Step Guide to Acclimating Cherry Shrimp

1. Set Up the Aquarium in Advance

First, make sure the new aquarium is fully cycled, stable, and ready for the shrimp. Ideal water parameters for cherry shrimp are:

• Temperature between 65-75°F
• pH between 6.2-8.0
• KH between 3-15 dKH
• GH between 4-8 dGH
• Ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm
• Nitrates less than 20 ppm

Allow the tank to run for at least 1 week to make sure conditions are stable before adding the shrimp. Perform water tests to check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, KH, and GH levels.

2. Prepare Equipment Needed for Acclimation

Gather the following supplies before starting the acclimation process:

• Airstone and air pump
• Airline tubing
• Small container or bucket
• Aquarium water conditioner
• Net

Optional items include drip acclimation kits, gang valves, control valves, or plastic clips to control flow rate.

3. Dim Aquarium Lights

Before adding the shrimp, dim the aquarium lights and room lights. This reduces stress from sudden bright light exposure.

4. Float Sealed Bag for 15-30 Minutes

Once home, float the sealed shrimp bag in the aquarium for 15-30 minutes. This allows the bag water to adjust to the aquarium’s temperature.

5. Pour Shrimp Into Container

Next, carefully pour the shrimp into the small container along with some of the water from their bag.

6. Add Aquarium Water Slowly

Begin dripping or siphoning aquarium water into the container with the shrimp. Use airline tubing and a control valve to regulate a very slow flow of 2-3 drops per second.

Alternatively, you can add small amounts of aquarium water by the cupful every 10-15 minutes. Just avoid large water changes.

Aim to fully replace the bag water with tank water over 1-2 hours. Use the airstone to oxygenate the container during this process.

7. Release Shrimp into Aquarium

Once acclimation is complete, gently net shrimp from the container and release them into the aquarium. Do not pour container water back into the tank, as it may still have ammonia or toxins.

8. Turn Off Lights for Several Hours

Give the shrimp time to destress by leaving the tank lights off for 4-6 hours after introduction.

9. Offer Small Amounts of Food After 24 Hours

Wait about 24 hours before offering a conservative amount of shrimp-safe food, such as blanched veggies, algae wafers, or shrimp pellets.

Alternative Acclimation Options

The drip acclimation method described above is ideal for sensitive shrimp. However, there are a few other options:

• Float method: Float sealed bag for 30-60 minutes to equalize temperature, then net shrimp into the tank.

• Drip acclimation kits: Allow tank water to drip into the bag before releasing shrimp.

• Quick drip method: Dripping tank water into shrimp bag for 15-20 minutes before release.

For hardy shrimp, these abbreviated methods may work. But drip acclimating over 1-2 hours is safest for sensitive cherry shrimp.

Things to Avoid When Acclimating Shrimp

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Adding shrimp directly from the bag to the new tank

• Allowing large, rapid water parameter changes

• Forgetting to dechlorinate and check water parameters

• Exposing shrimp to bright lights during acclimation

• Releasing shipping water into the aquarium

• Adding all new shrimp at once without quarantining

Acclimation Tips and Tricks

• Test pH, GH, KH of shipping water to better gauge required acclimation time.

• Use blackwater extract or almond leaves to match natural acidic parameters.

• Add floating plants or decor so shrimp have places to hide and feel secure.

• Always wash hands thoroughly and disinfect equipment between tanks.

• Quarantine new shrimp for 30-60 days before adding to a main community tank.

Acclimating shrimp properly takes patience and care. But following these best practices helps your cherry shrimp successfully transition into their new home. Gradually allowing the shrimp to adjust to the water conditions prevents shock and distress. With time and the right techniques, your new shrimp will thrive in their aquarium.