Shrimps & Snails

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp?
  Neocaridina shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp and Blue Dream) are hardy, beginner-friendly, and thrive in a wide range of water parameters. Caridina shrimp (like Crystal Red and Taiwan Bee) require softer, more acidic water and are better suited for experienced shrimp keepers. Both make stunning additions to planted tanks.
• What water parameters do freshwater shrimp need?
  Neocaridina shrimp prefer pH 6.8–7.5, TDS 150–250, and temperature 68–78°F. Caridina shrimp require softer, more acidic water: pH 5.8–6.8, TDS 80–150, and temperature 68–74°F. Always use a drip acclimation method when introducing shrimp to a new tank.
• How do I acclimate shrimp when they arrive?
  Use the drip acclimation method: float the bag for 15 minutes to equalize temperature, then drip tank water into the bag at 1–2 drops per second for 30–60 minutes. This slow process prevents osmotic shock, which is the most common cause of shrimp death after shipping.
• Can shrimp live with fish?
  Most fish will eat shrimp, especially small neocaridina and caridina. Safe tank mates include small nano fish like ember tetras, chili rasboras, otocinclus, and pygmy corydoras. Avoid bettas, cichlids, and any fish large enough to fit a shrimp in its mouth. A heavily planted tank improves shrimp survival rates.
• What do freshwater shrimp eat?
  Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers. They graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally. Supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp-specific foods like Shrimp King, Bacter AE, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional protein treats like frozen daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
• How many shrimp can I keep per gallon?
  A general rule is 5–10 shrimp per gallon in a well-filtered, planted tank. Shrimp have a low bioload, so colonies can grow quite dense over time. A 10-gallon tank can comfortably support a thriving colony of 50–100 neocaridina shrimp with proper filtration and water changes.
• What snails are best for algae control?
  Nerite snails are the gold standard for algae control — they eat almost every type of algae but cannot reproduce in freshwater, so they won't overpopulate. Mystery snails are great tank cleaners and come in beautiful colors. Assassin snails are ideal if you have a pest snail problem and want a natural solution.
• Will snails overpopulate my tank?
  It depends on the species. Nerite snails cannot breed in freshwater, so overpopulation is not a concern. Mystery snails lay eggs above the waterline, making it easy to control their numbers. Pest snails like bladder and ramshorn snails can multiply quickly — Assassin snails are an effective natural control method.
• What tank setup is best for a shrimp-only aquarium?
  A 5–10 gallon planted tank with a sponge filter (safe for shrimp), aquasoil substrate (for caridina) or inert gravel (for neocaridina), and plenty of moss, java fern, and hiding spots is ideal. Avoid copper-based medications and fertilizers — copper is lethal to shrimp even in small doses.
• Do you offer a live arrival guarantee on shrimp and snails?
  Yes! All our live shrimp and snails are covered by our live arrival guarantee. Contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo or video of the deceased shrimp or snail inside the unopened shipping bag and we will issue store credit or a replacement (subject to availability).