Water care for a Cherry shrimp: 18 to 25°C, pH 6.5 to 7.5
Cherry shrimp : Copper is lethal even in tiny doses: ban any fertilizer or medication containing it. Moderately hard, stable water supports its molts, the moment when it is most vulnerable.
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In short: 2 to 3 cm as an adult, 20 L minimum for a colony of 10, water between 18 and 25 °C. A peaceful, gregarious invertebrate that grazes the decor in a colony and is kept ten or more strong. Copper is lethal to it even in tiny doses: ban any fertilizer or medication containing it, and acclimate it drip by drip.
The Cherry shrimp’s water: its real parameters
For a Cherry shrimp, water quality comes in numbers: 18 to 25°C on the thermometer, pH within the 6.5 to 7.5 window, nitrites at zero, nitrates under the 25 mg/L bar. A drop-test kit (NO2, NO3, GH, KH, pH) beats any strip — and the nitrogen cycle, three to four weeks before any fish, is non-negotiable.
Water changes and tank upkeep
10 to 20% of the volume weekly, with water pre-heated to tank temperature: thermal shock stresses more than imperfect water, gentle substrate siphoning — the bottom is the Cherry shrimp’s home zone, respect its landmarks and filter media rinsed in tank water, never under the tap: chlorine sterilises your filter.
Health: what stalks the Cherry shrimp
Known watch-points: failed molts during parameter shocks and lethal sensitivity to copper and medications. Nearly every aquarium disease stems from degraded water or chronic stress: test the water BEFORE treating — medicine poured into loaded water makes everything worse. Well kept, a Cherry shrimp lives 1 to 2 years.
Frequently asked questions
What water parameters for a Cherry shrimp?
18 to 25°C, pH 6.5 to 7.5, zero nitrites and nitrates under 25 mg/L — checked with drop tests, not by eye.
How often should a Cherry shrimp tank get water changes?
10 to 20% weekly, water brought to temperature, filter rinsed only in tank water. Consistency beats volume.
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