The shrimp water parameter calculator shows target water conditions for Neocaridina (Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow) and Caridina (Crystal Red, Taiwan Bee, Shadow Panda) shrimp. Enter your current water parameters to instantly see if they fall within safe breeding ranges for your shrimp species.
Species Parameters
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How to Check Shrimp Water Parameters
Shrimp are more sensitive to water chemistry than most fish. A tank that looks perfect for fish can kill shrimp within days if mineral content is wrong. The most common shrimp-keeping mistakes are using tap water without testing first and confusing Neocaridina with Caridina requirements.
Step 1: Test Your Source Water
Before adding shrimp, test your tap water for TDS, GH, KH, and pH. If your tap water is very hard (GH 10+, TDS 400+), Caridina shrimp will be very difficult without RO/DI water. Cherry shrimp can often be kept successfully in moderately hard tap water.
Step 2: Choose Species for Your Water
Neocaridina shrimp (Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow) are extremely adaptable and recommended for beginners. They tolerate GH 4–12, KH 2–8, and pH 6.5–8.0. Caridina shrimp require precision chemistry — soft water (GH 4–6), near-zero KH, and pH 5.8–6.8.
Step 3: Use RO Water for Caridina
Caridina shrimp almost always require RO/DI water remineralized with a specific product like Salty Shrimp GH+, SL-Aqua Blue Wizard, or similar. This gives precise mineral control. Do not use Seiryu Stone or crushed coral in Caridina tanks — both raise KH above safe levels.
Step 4: Check Parameters Weekly
Test parameters weekly, especially during initial setup and after water changes. TDS meters are inexpensive and give a quick sanity check after each water change. For breeding results, test GH and KH monthly even after the tank is established.
FAQ
What water parameters do cherry shrimp need?
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are hardy and adaptable. They thrive in TDS 150–250 ppm, GH 6–8 °dH, KH 2–6 °dH, pH 6.8–7.8, and temperature 65–77°F (18–25°C). They tolerate a wider range than Caridina shrimp and are recommended for beginners.
What water parameters do Crystal Red shrimp need?
Crystal Red and other Caridina shrimp need soft, acidic water: TDS 100–150 ppm, GH 4–6 °dH, KH 0–1 °dH, pH 5.8–6.8, temperature 68–74°F (20–23°C). Use RO/DI water remineralized with a Caridina-specific mineral like Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ or ADA Mineral Soft.
What is TDS in shrimp keeping?
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is a quick measure of all dissolved minerals in the water. For Neocaridina shrimp, target 150–250 ppm. For Caridina, 100–150 ppm. TDS alone doesn't tell you the mineral composition — always check GH and KH separately.
Can Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp live together?
No. Neocaridina need harder, higher pH water and Caridina need soft, acidic water — the opposite conditions. They should be kept in separate tanks. Some aquarists successfully keep Caridina with Sulawesi shrimp in the same tank since both prefer soft, warm water with different pH.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
Does the calculator support Fahrenheit and Celsius?
Yes. Toggle between °F and °C for temperature inputs and target ranges.