Interesting types of shrimp for the aquarium
Freshwater shrimp are unusual aquarium inhabitants that have won the hearts of seasoned aquarists. Increasingly, you can meet connoisseurs who prefer to start a separate shrimp aquarium for shrimp. Experts conduct master classes where they talk about the correct breeding of shrimp. We have collected useful recommendations for those who decide to understand the topic and learn more about the types of aquarium shrimp.
What do shrimp need?
The most important question is the choice of food for shrimp. They are ready to eat algae and bacteria, eat their own old shells during molting, ready-made fish food can also be to their taste. There are also special foods for shrimp. You can try to give the shrimp different foods, watch their reaction and stop at the diet that will cause the most enthusiasm among the wards. Shrimp should be fed once every two days, in moderation. Diversify the diet will help lettuce, slices of cucumber.
The most difficult issue is water parameters and conditions of detention. Representatives of various types of aquarium shrimp live within four years. In the shrimp, it is recommended to use special soil. Pay special attention to water parameters. Nitrogen compounds are detrimental to shrimp. Stock up on drip tests to help you monitor your water quality. Shrimps don’t need a lot of light, so make sure you provide them with hiding places, aquarium plants and decorations are great. The shrimp tank should have good filtration and aeration, but be sure to use extra fine mesh on the equipment, otherwise the shrimp may be drawn in.
A few more words about water quality. For a shrimp, not ordinary water, but osmosis is suitable. Special salts for shrimp aquariums will help to enrich the osmosis with minerals.
Variety of shrimp
Be sure to study the information about the required water parameters for the type of shrimp you like. It is better to start shrimps in flocks of 10 individuals. However, keep in mind that they reproduce quickly enough, so an overly small aquarium is not suitable for the shrimp family. It is better to immediately take on growth.
- If you are an experienced aquarist, you will be up to the task of caring for red crystal shrimp. The breeders managed to achieve a delightful appearance of shrimp: the white body is decorated with red stripes. These shrimp will rid the aquarium of bacterial growths on decorative elements. They require a water temperature of 18 to 24 degrees. A zero water hardness index is desirable, and an acidity index of 6 to 7.
- A popular choice among beginner aquarists is cherry shrimp in a small aquarium. This is one of the most unpretentious types of aquarium shrimp. Cherry reds look very impressive in an aquarium, especially if you have chosen dark soil. Less picky in terms of temperature, water can be from +16 to +28 degrees. Suitable for cherry water acidity – from 6,5 to 8, hardness – from 3 to 10.
- Amano shrimp in the aquarium will serve well for lovers of underwater flora. Famous aquascaper Takashi Amano has used thousands of these shrimp to clear algae from large herbal aquariums. For effective cleaning, you need to take one Amano shrimp per five liters of water in the aquarium. Amano shrimp look unusual, but modest, their transparent body can be lost in the foliage of the herbalist. Amano shrimp are considered long-lived, with good care they live five to six years. They are suitable for water temperatures in the range from +22 to +28. Acidity – from 6,2 to 7,5, and hardness – from three to eight.
- Sulawesi shrimp or cardinals are distinguished by a bright spotted color, white speckles on a dark red or cherry body, front legs are white. They especially love the abundance of aquarium plants, stones, snags in the aquarium, because it is so convenient to eat algae from them. It is necessary to strive to match the conditions in the aquarium with the conditions in the natural habitat of these shrimp, the lakes of Indonesia. The temperature is around +28-29 degrees, acidity is 8,5-8,6, the water hardness index is 5. Aquarists believe that it is not easy to keep them, the cardinals will suit an experienced owner.
We have listed some of the most beautiful varieties of shrimp that are suitable for home keeping, there are many more. Try to learn as much as you can about shrimp care. Many aquarists share their experiences on social networks, record demonstration and training videos about starting and keeping a shrimp. The experience of like-minded people will help you quickly understand everything and avoid mistakes. We are sure that you will be able to equip the most comfortable and beautiful shrimp farm for your wards!