Common Mistakes with Best Shrimp for Planted Tanks and How to Avoid Them

Freshwater shrimp, like Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp, are among the most popular choices for planted tanks. Their fascinating behaviors, algae-eating capabilities, and vibrant colors make them a favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts. However, even experienced hobbyists encounter issues when keeping the best shrimp for planted tanks. In this post, we’ll cover the most common mistakes aquarists make and how you can avoid them to keep your aquascape thriving.

1. Choosing Incompatible Tankmates

One of the top mistakes is adding shrimp to a community tank without considering compatibility. Most shrimp species are peaceful, but certain fish see them as food. Even the best shrimp for planted tanks can quickly dwindle in number if predators are present.

How to Avoid It

• Avoid keeping shrimp with aggressive or large fish like cichlids or bettas.
• Select peaceful species such as small tetras, rasboras, or otocinclus as tankmates.
• Use plenty of hiding spots like driftwood, caves, and dense plants to offer safe havens.

2. Neglecting Water Parameters

Shrimp are more sensitive to water quality changes than most freshwater fish. Even hardy species like Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp) and Caridina (Crystal Red Shrimp) require stable, clean water conditions to thrive.

How to Avoid It

• Regularly monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature levels.
• Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm and ammonia/nitrite at 0 ppm.
• Perform frequent, small water changes rather than large, sudden ones to avoid shock.

For a detailed guide, see our resource on ideal water parameters for aquascaping.

3. Overfeeding or Improper Diet

Overfeeding shrimp is a surprisingly common issue that leads to poor water quality and health problems. Some aquarists also feed only one type of food, resulting in nutritional deficiencies.

How to Avoid It

• Feed shrimp in small amounts 2-3 times per week; remove uneaten food after a few hours.
• Offer a variety of foods: high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional treats like algae wafers.
• Let natural biofilm develop, as it’s a staple in shrimp diets.

4. Skipping the Cycling Process

Introducing the best shrimp for planted tanks into an uncycled aquarium is a recipe for disaster. Shrimp are intolerant of fluctuating or toxic nitrogen compounds that spike in uncycled tanks.

How to Avoid It

• Always cycle your planted tank before adding shrimp. Use a reliable test kit to confirm ammonia and nitrite are zero.
• Consider using established filter media or hardy plants to jumpstart the nitrogen cycle.
• Read our beginner’s guide to cycling an aquarium for shrimp for step-by-step instructions.

5. Ignoring Remineralization Needs

Many tap waters lack essential minerals needed for shrimp health and molting, especially for sensitive species like Caridina. Using only RO (reverse osmosis) or distilled water without remineralization can lead to molting issues and death.

How to Avoid It

• If using RO/distilled water, add shrimp-safe mineral supplements to achieve ideal GH/KH levels.
• Test water hardness regularly and adjust as needed per the shrimp species’ requirements.
• For more information, see our article on remineralization for shrimp tanks.

6. Inadequate Plant and Moss Coverage

Shrimp feel safest and healthiest with plenty of plants and mosses in their tank. These not only offer shelter but also encourage biofilm growth – a natural food source for shrimp.

How to Avoid It

• Include lush plants like java moss, hornwort, and anubias.
• Arrange hardscape to provide several sheltered areas.
• Consider adding different moss types to maximize grazing areas and hiding spots.

7. Using Copper or Harmful Chemicals

Copper is highly toxic to freshwater shrimp and is commonly found in some fish medications and water conditioners.

How to Avoid It

• Always check the ingredient list for copper sulfate or any copper compounds.
• Choose shrimp-safe fertilizers and treatments specifically labeled as invertebrate-safe.
• Quarantine new plants to ensure they aren’t coated in pesticides or fertilizers containing copper.

Conclusion: Achieve Shrimp Success in Your Planted Tank

Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure that the best shrimp for planted tanks not only survive, but thrive in your aquascape. From proper tankmate selection and water quality management to providing a varied diet and ample plant coverage, attention to detail pays off with vibrant, active shrimp colonies.

If you’re ready to elevate your aquascaping skills, explore more aquascaping guides on our site. Have questions or want to share your shrimp tank successes? Contact us or join the conversation in our community forum!

Start your shrimp aquascape off right by avoiding these pitfalls, and enjoy a lively, healthy planted tank for years to come!