Aquarium Set-up
When setting up an aquarium for Cherry Shrimp it is important to consider a few things specific to Cherry Shrimp. The most important things to consider are aquarium size, previous aquarium use, filtration types, and plants/decorations.
Aquarium Size
Cherry Shrimp do not require a large aquarium. A healthy population of cherry shrimp can easily be maintained in a 10-gallon aquarium. The larger the aquarium, the better! Larger aquariums have more stable water parameters and the most important factor for keeping Cherry Shrimp healthy is to keep all water parameters stable.
Previous Aquarium Use
It is important to know what pervious uses an aquarium that is meant for Cherry Shrimp has been used for. An aquarium that was used for a quarantine tank or a heavily medicated aquarium should never be used for Cherry Shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, as with all other freshwater invertebrates are extremely sensitive to copper, a common ingredient in many aquarium medications. The copper can seep into the silicone and leach out and kill the Cherry Shrimp.
Filtration Types
When making a filtration choice for an aquarium that will include Cherry Shrimp it is important to consider the size of a freshly hatched Cherry Shrimp. The newly hatch shrimp are ¼” or smaller and will fit into the screens included with most power filters (Hang on back filters, internal power filters, or canister filters). If you choose to use one of these filters a sponge pre-filter should be placed over the intake. The safest type of filter for a Cherry Shrimp aquarium is an air drive sponge filter!
Plants and Decorations
Cherry Shrimp require something to climb on and to cling to in order to feel comfortable. The best things for shrimp to climb on are live plants (check out plantedtank.net for great information about planted tanks). Other decorations such as fake plants and rocks will also work. It is important to make sure that with whatever decorations you choose that there are plenty of hiding places for the shrimp. After the molt (shed their exoskeleton to grow) they will need to hide until their exoskeleton hardens.