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Keeping freshwater shrimp may seem like a daunting task at first, but almost anyone can easily set up their own thriving aquarium. Before we get into specifics, let’s discuss a few of the many reasons why someone may want to keep shrimp.

Shrimp add a unique aesthetic to any home. Keeping fish is a relatively common hobby, but not many people know how beautiful a well kept shrimp tank can be! Many people find themselves pushing the boundaries of their creativity to make a perfect home for their shrimp. It’s mentally healthy. Studies have found that watching aquarium activity lowers blood pressure and stress levels, and the satisfaction that comes from caring for your own colony can be very therapeutic. Bonus: Why Red Cherry Shrimp? Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS) are one of the most popular freshwater shrimp, and for a good reason. They are active, they breed easily, and they are very adaptable and hardy – not to mention their vibrant color! Perfect for beginners, Red Cherry Shrimp compliment any tank well.

Shrimp

When purchasing your live shrimp, it is important to go with a reputable source. It’s easy to pick what looks like a cheaper option and wind up with a package holding low quality or even dead shrimp. The smart move here is to decide on a well reviewed product. Aquatic Arts’ Red Cherry Shrimp 10 Pack boasts great reviews from myself and others and offers strong breeding opportunities – note that you should be shooting for 2-5 Red Cherry Shrimp per gallon of water.

Recommended: Red Cherry Shrimp 10 Pack

Tank, Heater, Filter

Of course, an essential part of your aquarium setup is the tank itself. Most hobbyists use a 5-10 gallon tank for getting started with shrimp, however large colonies should be held in 20+ gallon tanks. Your heater will need to be able to maintain a water temperature between 65 – 80°F, although 72 – 76°F is the optimal range for Red Cherry Shrimp. It is essential to use a sponge filter for your tank, as traditional larger filters can trap or kill your shrimp.

Recommended: 10 Gallon Tank, Heater, Sponge Filter

Substrate, Test Kit

The substrate is the material that will line the bottom of your tank, and is an important part of your shrimp tank. An active soil such as Fluval Stratum will do a great job of keeping water parameters ideal for Red Cherry Shrimp and supporting plant growth. To ensure the health and longevity of your new friends, you’ll want to get a test kit for fishless cycling and routine monitoring of your water conditions.

Recommended: Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum Recommended: Freshwater Master Test Kit

Further Reading

Keeping Red Cherry Shrimp can be a very rewarding hobby – following the guide and recommendations above will assure your success. Once you feel like you have a solid understanding of the equipment needed, be sure to check out the other guides on fishless cycling, Red Cherry Shrimp care, and beginner aquarium plants!