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.
As a proud ghost shrimp owner you want to give your little crustacean buddies the best possible care. And that means providing them with an optimal tank environment. One of the most hotly debated shrimp tank topics is whether a filter is truly necessary for ghost shrimp.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig into the pros and cons, examine expert opinions, and outline exactly what happens with and without a filter. Armed with all the facts, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the great shrimp tank filter debate. Let’s dive in!
Before we tackle the filter question, let’s start with a quick overview of ghost shrimp themselves
- Scientific name: Palaemonetes paludosus
- Native to: Fresh and brackish waters of the Americas
- Size: Up to 2 inches
- Lifespan: 1-2 years with proper care
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Care level: Easy
- Diet: Omnivorous – algae, biofilm, debris, pellets
Ghost shrimp are a popular choice for desktop shrimp tanks and nano aquariums. Their see-through bodies make them fascinating to watch. They come in a range of colors like green, yellow, and red.
While extremely hardy, ghost shrimp do require certain tank conditions to thrive. Stable water parameters are especially crucial. So how does a filter play into this?
The Case for Using a Filter
Many aquarists insist that a filter is mandatory in a ghost shrimp tank. Here are some key benefits filters provide:
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Prevents waste buildup: Ghost shrimp are prolific poopers! A filter eliminates toxic ammonia and nitrites from their waste.
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Oxygenates water: Filters agitate the water surface, increasing oxygenation. This is vital for shrimp respiration.
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Promotes growth: Clean, oxygen-rich water helps shrimp molt and grow properly.
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Lowers stress: Shrimp are less stressed in filtered, pristine water conditions.
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Extends time between water changes: With a filter, water changes are only needed every 2-4 weeks instead of weekly.
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Provides surface area for beneficial bacteria: These bacteria keep the nitrogen cycle running smoothly.
Reasons Some Skip the Filter
On the other side of the debate, some shrimp owners successfully keep ghost shrimp without a filter. Here’s their reasoning:
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Ghost shrimp are low-waste producers: With a small bioload, waste can be managed through plants and water changes.
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Filters cause water flow: Excess flow can stress delicate shrimp, especially babies.
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Risk of shrimp getting trapped or sucked in: Uncovered filters pose a hazard.
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Sponge filters take up space: In small tanks, a bulky sponge filter crowds the shrimp.
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Changes water parameters: Removing all waste can alter ideal shrimp water conditions.
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Can be maintained through manual water changes: Weekly 50% changes remove waste without a filter.
So for some, the risks and drawbacks of filters outweigh the benefits in a ghost shrimp habitat.
Consequences of Not Using a Filter
While valid points are made on both sides, not using a filter does come with consequences. Here’s what can happen in an unfiltered ghost shrimp tank:
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Ammonia and nitrite can rapidly accumulate to toxic levels between water changes. This chemically burns and poisons shrimp.
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Lack of water circulation causes areas of low oxygen. Shrimp become stressed and lethargic.
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Waste debris starts collecting on plants, tank walls and decor. This fouls the water.
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With no filter media, beneficial bacteria cannot colonize to process waste.
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More frequent and larger water changes must be done to dilute waste. This increases the risk of shrimp-shocking parameter swings.
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Cloudy, green water usually develops, indicating an imbalance and lack of filtration.
So while ghost shrimp may survive without a filter, they certainly won’t thrive. Filtration is required to maintain a safe, healthy tank environment.
Best Filtration Options for Ghost Shrimp
If you choose to use a filter with ghost shrimp, which type is best? Here are top choices:
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Sponge filters: Affordable and provide gentle water movement. Ensure the intake is covered.
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Undergravel filters: Sit at the bottom underneath substrate. Effective and unobtrusive.
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Corner box filters: Take up minimal space. Use low-flow models and prevent shrimp from entering.
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Air-driven canister filters: These provide chemical, mechanical and biological filtration with a gentle outflow perfect for shrimp.
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Matten filters: Made of porous foam that houses beneficial bacteria. Very effective and gentle.
Aim for lower flow filters with grids, sponges or foam covering intakes. This prevents baby shrimp from being sucked in.
Place filters strategically to minimize water disruption. Added plants and decor can buffer any currents.
Ideal Tank Setup for Ghost Shrimp
To create the perfect environment for your ghost shrimp, here are some key tank recommendations:
- Tank size: 2-5 gallons
- Substrate: Fine gravel or sand
- Plants: Moss, java fern, anubias, floating plants
- Decor: Cholla wood, rocks, coconut caves
- Filter: Yes, sponge or canister filter
- Heater: Optional unless tank is vulnerable to temperature swings
- Lid: Recommended to prevent shrimp from escaping
Target water parameters should be:
- Temperature: 65-80°F
- pH: 7.0-7.8
- GH: 3-12 dGH
- KH: 3-10 dKH
- TDS: 150-300 ppm
- Ammonia and nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: Under 20 ppm
Weekly 10-25% water changes will be needed with filtration to maintain pristine water quality.
FAQs About Ghost Shrimp and Filtration
Can you keep ghost shrimp without a filter?
It is possible but not ideal. Their health and lifespan will be shortened without filtration. Manual water changes can help but are labor intensive.
What if my tank has a lot of plants? Do I still need a filter?
Yes. While plants help uptake some waste, they are not a substitute for mechanical and chemical filtration. A filter is still required.
Can sponge filters work in a 1-2 gallon ghost shrimp tank?
Yes. Small sponge filters work well in nano tanks. Get one rated for your tank size and use an air pump to power it. Keep the flow low.
How often should I change the filter media?
Rinse foam/sponges in old tank water during water changes. Only replace when falling apart. This preserves the beneficial bacteria. Change chemical media per instructions.
Can I use a hang on back or canister filter for ghost shrimp?
Only if the flow can be turned down very low. Make sure intakes are completely covered to prevent shrimp from entering and being harmed.
The Verdict: Yes, Ghost Shrimp Need Filters!
While both sides make compelling arguments in the great shrimp filter debate, the evidence strongly favors using a filter in ghost shrimp tanks.
Filters are needed to:
- Eliminate toxic waste between water changes
- Circulate and oxygenate the water
- Provide surface area for nitrogen-cycling bacteria
- Create the clean conditions shrimp need to thrive
By setting up an appropriately-sized, low-flow filter with protected intakes, you can enjoy all the benefits of filtration while keeping your shrimp safe. Plants and decor can help buffer any current.
So be sure to include a sponge, corner, undergravel or canister filter in your next ghost shrimp habitat! Your shrimp will be healthier, more active, and have brighter colors when provided with properly filtered water.
Give Your Ghost Shrimp the Best – Add a Filter Today!
Now that you’re armed with all the facts, you can make an informed decision about using a filter in your ghost shrimp tank. While filters aren’t “mandatory,” they certainly are highly recommended for creating ideal water conditions.
Be sure to follow the tank setup, water parameter and filtration tips outlined above. This will allow your ghost shrimp to thrive for their full 1-2 year lifespans.
And don’t forget – weekly partial water changes are still a must, even with a filter! Proper tank maintenance and filtration is the best way to keep ghost shrimp happy and healthy in their glass shrimp mansion.
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 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.