Shrimp in the Home Aquarium: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
When it comes to stocking your aquarium, you are probably mostly focused on the different species of fish you like. If you want your aquarium to really stand out, however, you might want to consider some alternatives to traditional aquarium fish – aquarium shrimp are a great option to think about. In fact, aquarium shrimp are trending on social media as of the Spring of 2017 – keep reading to learn more about the benefits of shrimp in your home aquarium and to receive tips for keeping them.
Shrimp as An Alternative to Fish in Home Aquariums
On April 28, the Twitter handle @AquariumTalks posted a picture of an orange shrimp with the text, “A #shrimp tank might be the best solution for you if you don’t have space for a big #fishtank.” This comment brings up an interesting point that many aquarium hobbyists don’t think about – that you can have a fish tank without fish. If you have limited space in your home for a large aquarium or you don’t have the time or money to dedicate to a big tank, a shrimp tank is an option that you should consider. Here are some of the benefits of shrimp tanks versus traditional aquariums stocked with fish:
* Shrimp are excellent algae-eaters and all-purpose cleaners – they will help to keep your tank clean and the water quality high.
* Many shrimp come in bright colors and interesting patterns which makes them a unique and attractive addition to the home aquarium.
* Shrimp come in a range of sizes so you can find a species to suit the tank you have, no matter how large or small it is.
* Caring for shrimp is very similar to caring for aquarium fish so, if you already have experience, it may carry over.
If you’re thinking about starting a shrimp tank of your own, take the time to do some research before you decide which species you want to keep. You’ll find information about shrimp species trending on Instagram in the next section.
Popular Shrimp Species According to Instagram
If you search for the hashtag #aquarium shrimp on Instagram, you’ll be rewarded with over a thousand posts. Searching on Instagram is a great way to introduce yourself to different species of aquarium shrimp that you might be thinking about keeping in your own tank. Here are some of the most popular species of aquarium shrimp, according to Instagram:
TheShrimpFarm posted a picture of blue tiger shrimp on March 8. This species of shrimp is named for its blue coloration and the vertical stripes that run along the body. Blue tiger shrimp are fairly small, growing to no more than 1.5 inches in length. They are a non-aggressive species but can be a little challenging to keep due to their requirements for water conditions.
On March 4, CornerTankCorner posted a picture of PRL (Pure Red Line) crystal red shrimp. These shrimp are also known as the Red Bee Shrimp and it is easy to identify for its red and white coloration. This species prefers a pH range between 6.2 and 6.8 with water hardness between 4 and 6 kH. They also require frequent water changes to keep the water quality in the tank high.
Lucas_Goodding posted a picture of amano shrimp on April 11. This species is one of the most popular species for the home aquarium because they only grow to 2 inches in length and they are very easy to care for. Amano shrimp are opaque brown in color with a long tan stripe that runs the length of the body. These shrimp can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons and they can be kept with peaceful species of fish.
On April 29, Acquariofilo posted a picture of a red sakura shrimp. These shrimp goes by the scientific name Neocaridina heteropoda vSakura and they are considered a low-maintenance, hardy species for the home aquarium. This species comes in different color grades ranging from Sakura to Painted Fire Red, each being a selectively bred color morph of the Neocaridina heteropoda species.
Aquarium Plants Shrimp posted a picture of a yellow neocardina shrimp giving birth. This species is bred from the same species as the Red Cherry Shrimp and it is one of the only yellow shrimp in the aquarium hobby. These shrimp can be kept in hard or soft water and they can tolerate a pH range from 6.0 to 8.0. Yellow neocardina shrimp reproduce prolifically and they are easy to feed because they will eat just about anything.
There are many more species of aquarium shrimp out there to discover, so don’t be afraid to do some looking of your own! Keep in mind that different species may have different requirements for tank conditions and not all shrimp are compatible with aquarium fish. As long as you do your research before you buy, however, you shouldn’t have a problem cultivating a thriving shrimp tank.
The Importance of Filtration in a Shrimp Tank
Setting up a shrimp tank is fairly straightforward because the basic requirements are the same as for any other fish tank. First of all, you need to choose a tank that is the appropriate size for the species you plan to keep. Most aquarium shrimp remain fairly small (under 2 inches), so you might be able to get away with a 10-gallon tank, though 20-gallons is usually a better minimum, especially if you plan to keep several shrimp or a large group of them. Keep in mind the preferences of whatever species you choose because not all shrimp like to be kept in groups.
In addition to choosing the right size tank for your shrimp, you also need to outfit it with the right equipment. Most aquarium shrimp prefer warmer tank temperatures, so you’ll need a heater for your tank – you might also need a lighting system if you plan to keep live plants. The most important piece of equipment for a shrimp tank, however, is a filter – adequate filtration is very important in a shrimp tank. Shrimp do not have scales to protect them like fish do, so they are more sensitive to water chemistry. Whereas a fish might be able to adjust to minor fluctuations in water chemistry (such as ammonia and nitrite levels), your shrimp might not be able to.
Having a high-quality filtration system in place is essential for keeping the water quality in your shrimp tank high. Keep in mind, however, that not all aquarium filters are created equal – some types are better for shrimp tanks than others. To learn more about the best filtration system for a shrimp tank, take a look at an April 30th post made in the SKF Aquatics forum titled, “Crystal Red Get Filtration.” The original poster states that he has a sponge filter in his shrimp tank but is concerned that it might not provide adequate chemical filtration. Commenters on the original post recommend canister filters as the best option for filtration in a shrimp tank.
If you’re looking for a unique addition to make to your current tank or you want a new challenge, aquarium shrimp are an option you should definitely consider. Aquarium shrimp are often low-maintenance pets and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. If you want to learn more about aquarium shrimps, just check out social media!