Best Shrimp Mineral Supplements Compared: Salty Shrimp and Alternatives
Getting mineralisation right is the single biggest variable in shrimp breeding success — more influential than substrate, more influential than filtration, and far more important than the brand of food you use. The best shrimp mineral supplements allow you to hit precise GH and TDS targets regardless of your source water, which in Singapore means remineralising the very soft PUB tap water that naturally runs at GH 2–4 and near-zero KH. At Gensou Aquascaping in Everton Park, we work with both Caridina and Neocaridina keepers, and the right mineraliser depends entirely on which genus you’re keeping.
Why Singapore’s Tap Water Needs Remineralising
PUB water is soft and slightly acidic — excellent for Caridina shrimp like Crystal Reds and Blue Bolts when used with RO as a base, but too soft for Neocaridina (cherries, blue velvets, chocolate) that thrive in moderately hard water. Without added minerals, Neocaridina shrimp cannot properly form their exoskeleton or successfully moult, leading to the dreaded “failed moult” where a shrimp becomes trapped in its own shell. Even Caridina tanks require precise remineralisation after RO filtration to hit the target GH of 4–6 and TDS of 100–150 ppm.
Salty Shrimp GH+ and GH/KH+: The Industry Standard
Salty Shrimp Bee Shrimp Mineral GH+ is the benchmark product for Caridina tanks. It raises GH without affecting KH, which is critical because Caridina species — particularly Taiwan Bee variants — require KH as close to 0 as possible to maintain the acidic pH that their active substrate provides. One level teaspoon raises approximately 100 litres of RO water to GH 6. The companion product, Salty Shrimp GH/KH+, is designed for Neocaridina and raises both GH (to 8–12) and KH (to 3–5), creating the slightly alkaline, moderately hard conditions that cherries and painted fire reds prefer. Salty Shrimp products are available locally via Carousell resellers and some specialist shops for $15–$30 per 200 g, or imported direct for better pricing.
SL-Aqua and Mosura Alternatives
SL-Aqua Mineral Plus is a popular alternative among Caridina breeders who find Salty Shrimp too concentrated for very small (15–30 litre) breeding tanks where precision matters. SL-Aqua dissolves cleanly, doesn’t leave residue, and produces a stable TDS that’s easier to dial in for Taiwan Bee shrimp. Mosura Mineral Plus is another option, formulated specifically for high-grade Caridina, and it includes trace elements beyond calcium and magnesium that some breeders believe improve colouration and moulting success. Both products cost $20–$40 per 200 g and represent a premium over Salty Shrimp’s base products.
Brightwell Aquatics Remineraliz-P and Bulk Options
For hobbyists with multiple tanks or larger breeding operations, Brightwell Aquatics Remineraliz-P offers a cost-effective powder format designed for planted shrimp tanks. It’s a balanced mineral blend suited to Neocaridina and can be calibrated accurately with a TDS meter. Purchasing mineral supplements in 500 g or 1 kg quantities via Shopee imports saves significantly compared to buying 200 g bottles repeatedly — a worthwhile calculation if you’re doing weekly water changes across four or more tanks.
Using a TDS Meter Alongside Mineral Supplements
A TDS meter is non-negotiable when using mineral supplements — it’s the fastest way to verify you’ve hit your target. For Caridina, target TDS 100–150 ppm (check your specific species requirements); for Neocaridina, 200–300 ppm is the typical range. A quality TDS pen costs $10–$20 at aquarium shops or on Lazada. Note that TDS alone doesn’t tell you the mineral ratio — a GH test kit is still needed to confirm calcium and magnesium levels, particularly when switching between mineral products, as different formulations deliver different GH per unit of TDS.
Calcium and Magnesium Ratio Matters
The ideal calcium-to-magnesium ratio for shrimp is roughly 3:1 to 4:1 (calcium to magnesium by weight). Some budget mineral supplements skew too far towards magnesium, which can cause shrimp to appear lethargic and reduce moulting success even when TDS appears correct. Salty Shrimp and Mosura both publish their mineral ratios; less established products often do not, which makes quality verification impossible. When in doubt, stick with brands that provide full mineral composition disclosure.
Dosing During Water Changes
Always remineralise your top-up or change water before adding it to the tank — adding dry mineral powder directly into the shrimp tank can create localised concentration spikes that harm or kill shrimp. Prepare your RO water in a separate container, add the measured mineral supplement, stir well, confirm TDS with your meter, then add slowly to the tank. A drip acclimation line — or at minimum a slow pour over several minutes — minimises the osmotic shock from even small water changes. In Singapore’s climate, prepare water changes the same day you use them; warm water sitting in a bucket overnight can develop bacterial growth.
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