Setting up a shrimp tank is all about planning. Choose a tank size that fits your space and the number of shrimp you want. A 10-gallon tank is a good starting point. Equip it with a reliable filter (sponge filters are great because they don’t suck in small shrimp), heater, and lighting system to keep things running smoothly.

Shrimp are sensitive to water quality. Before introducing your new shrimp friends, make sure your tank is fully cycled, which can take 4-6 weeks. This means beneficial bacteria are established to break down waste products. Keep an eye on pH (6.5-7.5), temperature (22-26°C or 72-79°F), and hardness to match the needs of your shrimp. Test your water regularly to ensure these parameters remain stable.

Introduce your shrimp gradually to avoid stressing them out. Acclimate them slowly to the tank water by floating their bag in the tank for 15-20 minutes, then gradually adding small amounts of tank water to the bag over an hour. This helps them adjust to the new water conditions smoothly.