Best Aquarium Setups for Caridina Shrimp

What has actually worked for me as a breeder

When I first started keeping Caridina shrimp, I did what most beginners do — I overcomplicated everything. I chased perfect numbers, adjusted parameters too often, and expected results far too quickly.

After more than two years of breeding Caridina shrimp — starting as a hobby and now running fully commercial tanks with Blue King Kong Stardust and Boas — I’ve learned one simple truth:

Stable setups outperform “perfect” setups every time.

This article is not theory. It’s based on the exact aquarium setups I use today for consistent breeding, strong survival rates, and reliable color quality.

Why Aquarium Setup Matters for Caridina Shrimp

Caridina shrimp are not difficult because they need perfect water — they are difficult because they react badly to instability.

Most failures come from:

  • Overfeeding
  • Over-filtering
  • Chasing pH numbers
  • Changing things too often

A good Caridina setup should do three things:

  1. Keep water parameters stable
  2. Provide gentle flow and biofilm
  3. Be easy to maintain long-term

Everything else is secondary.

Tank Size: What Actually Works

For breeding, my preferred tank size is 60 × 30 cm.

This size provides:

  • Better water stability
  • Easy observation
  • Manageable maintenance

Smaller tanks fluctuate faster, while larger tanks take longer to adjust. For complete beginners, 60 × 30 cm is forgiving and consistent.

Bare Bottom with Side UGF

I run bare-bottom tanks with a side under-gravel filter (UGF).

This layout:

  • Keeps waste visible and easy to remove
  • Prevents debris buildup in soil
  • Improves long-term survival rate
  • Simplifies maintenance

While full soil tanks look nice, bare-bottom setups are far more reliable for breeding.

Substrate Choice

When soil is needed, I prefer:

  • ADA Amazonia V1 (when available)
  • Geilee soil as an alternative

Soil alone does not guarantee success. I always monitor both soil condition and water parameters using meters. Stability matters more than brand choice.

Water Parameters I Use

I use RO water remineralized with SL Aqua, keeping parameters within this range:

  • pH: 5.3 – 5.5
  • TDS: 100 – 120
  • GH: 5 – 7
  • Temperature: 22 – 24°C

These values are not magic numbers. What matters most is that they do not fluctuate.

A stable pH of 5.5 is better than a perfect pH that keeps changing.

Filtration and Water Flow

My filtration setup is simple:

  • Bio sponge filter
  • Side UGF

This combination provides gentle flow, strong biological filtration, and a safe environment for shrimplets.

Strong flow stresses shrimp and pushes food away too quickly. Calm water allows shrimp to graze naturally.

I also use java moss to slow water movement in high-flow areas.

Plants: Functional, Not Decorative

I keep planting minimal.

Java moss is more than enough:

  • Encourages biofilm growth
  • Traps food particles
  • Protects baby shrimp
  • Softens water flow

Heavy planting is unnecessary and often hides problems like uneaten food.

Feeding Strategy

I feed once a week when there is a green wall.

Overfeeding is the fastest way to crash a Caridina tank. Healthy shrimp spend most of their time grazing naturally.

If you’re unsure whether to feed — don’t.

Maintenance Routine

  • Water changes: Once per week
  • Volume: Small and controlled
  • TDS: Closely matched

I avoid large corrective water changes. Small, consistent changes maintain stability far better.

Case Study: A Breeding Tank I Run

Tank setup:

  • Tank size: 60 × 30 cm
  • Bottom: Bare
  • Soil: ADA V1 / Geilee
  • Filtration: Sponge filter + side UGF
  • Water: RO + SL Aqua
  • Temperature: 22 – 24°C
  • Plants: Java moss
  • Feeding: Green wall once weekly

Results:

  • Strong survival rate
  • Consistent breeding
  • Stable color quality in Blue King Kong Stardust and Boas

If I had to restart this tank today, I wouldn’t change much.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Feeding too often
  • Chasing perfect pH
  • Using strong water flow
  • Overcomplicating the setup
  • Constantly adjusting a stable tank

Final Thoughts

The best aquarium setup for Caridina shrimp is not the most expensive or complicated one.

It’s the setup that:

  • Stays stable
  • Is easy to maintain
  • Allows shrimp to behave naturally

Start simple. Observe more than you adjust. Let the tank mature.

That’s how long-term breeding success happens.