How to Set Up a Shrimp Tank for Beginners
This shrimp tank setup beginners guide covers everything you need to know to start a thriving freshwater shrimp colony in Singapore’s tropical climate. At Gensou Aquascaping, 5 Everton Park, we have helped hundreds of hobbyists set up their first shrimp tank, and the hobby is more accessible than most people expect.
Choosing the Right Tank Size
A 20 to 40-litre tank is ideal for a beginner shrimp colony. Smaller volumes are harder to keep stable, while larger tanks are unnecessary for a starter colony of 10 to 20 shrimp. Rimless glass cubes measuring 30 by 30 by 30 centimetres are popular and widely available at Singapore aquarium shops for SGD 20 to SGD 40. Low-iron glass offers better clarity for viewing small shrimp, though it costs slightly more. Place the tank on a level, sturdy surface away from direct sunlight and air-conditioning vents to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Substrate and Hardscape
For Neocaridina shrimp such as cherry shrimp, an inert substrate like fine gravel or sand works well, as these shrimp tolerate a wide pH range. For Caridina species like Crystal Red Shrimp, an active buffering substrate such as ADA Amazonia or Tropica Aquarium Soil is recommended to lower and stabilise pH. Layer the substrate 3 to 4 centimetres deep. Add a few pieces of driftwood and smooth stones to create hiding spots. Cholla wood is particularly good for shrimp tanks because its hollow structure provides shelter and grows biofilm that shrimp graze on. A piece of cholla wood costs SGD 3 to SGD 8 at local shops.
Filtration for Shrimp Safety
Baby shrimp, called shrimplets, are tiny enough to be sucked into filter intakes. A sponge filter is the safest and most popular choice for shrimp tanks. It provides biological filtration, gentle water movement and a surface for biofilm growth that shrimp feed on. An air pump and sponge filter set costs around SGD 15 to SGD 25. If you prefer a hang-on-back or internal filter, cover the intake with a fine stainless-steel mesh or pre-filter sponge to protect shrimplets. Avoid strong currents, as shrimp prefer calm water.
Cycling the Tank Before Adding Shrimp
Shrimp are more sensitive to ammonia and nitrite than most fish, so a fully cycled tank is non-negotiable. Set up the tank with substrate, hardscape, filter and dechlorinated water. Add a source of ammonia, either a few drops of pure ammonia solution or a pinch of fish food left to decompose. Test daily with a liquid test kit. The cycle is complete when ammonia and nitrite both read zero and nitrate begins to register. In Singapore’s warm climate, cycling typically takes two to four weeks. Adding established filter media or a small amount of substrate from an existing tank can speed the process significantly.
Selecting Your First Shrimp Species
For beginners, Neocaridina davidi, commonly sold as cherry shrimp, is the best starting point. They tolerate a wide range of water parameters, breed readily and come in colour varieties including red, orange, yellow, blue and black. A starter colony of 10 cherry shrimp costs SGD 10 to SGD 20 at most Singapore aquarium shops. Purchase from a reputable breeder or shop to ensure healthy stock. Avoid mixing colour varieties in the same tank, as crossbreeding produces dull brown offspring over generations.
Water Parameters and Singapore Tap Water
Singapore tap water suits Neocaridina shrimp reasonably well after dechlorination. PUB water typically has a TDS of 50 to 120 ppm, GH of 1 to 4 dGH and pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Cherry shrimp prefer a GH of 4 to 8 dGH, so adding a small amount of remineraliser such as SaltyShrimp GH/KH+ brings the water into the ideal range. Caridina species require softer, more acidic water and typically need remineralised reverse osmosis water to thrive. A TDS meter, essential for shrimp keeping, costs around SGD 10 to SGD 15 online.
Planting for a Healthy Shrimp Tank
Live plants are highly beneficial in a shrimp tank. They absorb nitrate, provide grazing surfaces and offer shelter for shrimplets. Java moss is the quintessential shrimp tank plant: it grows in almost any conditions, harbours microorganisms that shrimp eat and provides dense cover for babies. Attach it to driftwood or stones with fishing line or super glue. Other excellent choices include Anubias nana petite, Java fern, Bucephalandra and floating plants like Salvinia or frogbit. Avoid plants that require heavy fertilisation, as shrimp are sensitive to copper found in some liquid fertilisers.
Feeding and Ongoing Care
Shrimp are efficient scavengers and require less feeding than fish. Offer a small amount of specialised shrimp food two to three times per week. Blanched vegetables such as spinach, courgette and cucumber make excellent supplementary feeds. Remove uneaten food after two hours to prevent water quality issues. Perform weekly water changes of 10 to 20 per cent using water matched to the tank’s temperature and TDS. Avoid large water changes, as shrimp are sensitive to sudden parameter shifts. With consistent care, your colony will begin breeding within weeks, and you will soon have more shrimp than you started with. For ongoing advice and supplies, the Gensou Aquascaping team is always ready to help.
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5 Everton Park #01-34B, Singapore 080005 · Open daily 11am – 8pm
