Nano shrimp tank: the essential equipment to start off right
A successful nano shrimp tank comes down to four things: a 20 to 30 litre tank, gentle filtration protected by a sponge, the right substrate and plenty of plants. Realistic total budget: 100 to 180 €. Neocaridina shrimp (Red Cherry) are the best choice for beginners, as they tolerate moderately hard tap water.
What volume does a shrimp colony need?
Aim for 20 litres minimum, 30 litres for extra stability. Below that, swings in temperature and water parameters become brutal. A bare 30-litre tank costs 25 to 45 €, an equipped nano kit 60 to 100 €. Unlike fish, shrimp don’t need a large volume: stability is what matters, as our guide on tank size for beginners points out.
How do you filter without sucking up the babies?
This is THE critical point: a juvenile shrimp measures 2 mm and slips through any intake. Three solutions:
- Air-driven sponge filter (10 to 20 €): the shrimp-tank classic — a juvenile simply cannot get sucked in.
- Internal filter plus a protective sponge over the intake (2 to 5 € for the sponge) — see our comparison of internal vs external filters.
- Hang-on-back filter with a sponge pre-filter: 20 to 35 €.
Active substrate or inert substrate: which to choose?
For Neocaridina, an inert substrate (sand or fine gravel, 10 to 20 €) is more than enough. Active soil (25 to 40 € for 4 litres), which acidifies the water, only becomes necessary for the fussier Caridina (Crystal Red), often kept in remineralized RO water.
Do shrimp tanks need heating and lighting?
Neocaridina do fine between 18 and 25 °C: in a heated room, a heater is often unnecessary. The kit’s LED lighting is enough for easy plants (Java moss, anubias), which are essential because their biofilm feeds the colony. Add a piece of driftwood and a few catappa leaves (5 to 10 €) for hiding places.
Frequently asked questions
How many shrimp should I start with?
Ten individuals (2 to 4 € each) are enough: a well-settled colony doubles in number within a few months.
Can shrimp live with fish?
In 20-30 litres, no: keep the tank for shrimp and perhaps a few snails. Almost all fish eat juvenile shrimp.
How much maintenance does a nano shrimp tank need?
A 10 to 15 % water change per week, poured in slowly: shrimp hate sudden shifts in water parameters.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Fishkeeping universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.