How to Setup a Shrimp Tank

Keeping freshwater shrimp is one of the most rewarding—and surprisingly low-maintenance—ways to enjoy the aquarium hobby. These little inverts are not only fun to watch, but they also help clean your tank by eating algae and detritus.

Here’s everything you need to build a thriving shrimp tank, from substrate to snacks.

Use 2 Inches of Gravel

When it comes to substrate, simplicity is your friend. A 2-inch layer of basic aquarium gravel provides a stable base for plants and creates space for beneficial bacteria to colonize.

While active soils may seem like a shortcut to lush plant growth, they often alter pH levels, which can stress or even kill shrimp.

Gravel is inert—it won't impact your water chemistry—making it a safer and more stable option for both shrimp and beginners. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly before adding to your tank to prevent cloudiness and debris.

Choose a Sponge Filter

Shrimp are tiny, especially when they’re babies (called shrimplets), and regular filters can suck them right in along with uneaten food and essential biofilm.

Sponge filters eliminate that risk. They run on air, create gentle water flow that won’t stress shrimp, and provide a huge surface area for biofilm, which is a natural food source.

Bonus: they’re affordable, easy to clean, and extremely effective at biological filtration, which keeps ammonia and nitrites in check—crucial for a shrimp-safe environment.

Add Live Plants

Live plants do more than just look good—they help stabilize water parameters, improve oxygenation, and produce biofilm for shrimp to eat. Shrimp love to graze on plant surfaces and hide among the leaves, especially during molting.

Low-light options like Dwarf Aquarium Lily, Pogostemon Stellatus, Cryptocoryne, Anubias, and Java Fern are easy to care for and don’t require high-tech lighting setups.

More plants mean more microhabitats for your shrimp—and a healthier, more balanced tank.

Include Driftwood

Driftwood may not always be considered essential in aquascaping, but it’s incredibly useful in a shrimp tank. As it breaks down over time, it releases tannins and fosters bacterial growth—both of which benefit shrimp.

The bacteria form biofilm that shrimp eagerly graze on, and the tannins can lower stress levels by slightly softening the water and mimicking their natural habitat.

Malaysian driftwood and spiderwood are excellent choices, and they add a natural, rustic look to your setup.

Provide the Right Food

Even though your tank will naturally produce some food—like algae, biofilm, and plant debris—you’ll still need to supplement with high-quality shrimp food.

Overfeeding is one of the fastest ways to foul your water, so go light. Stick to specialized foods that are rich in protein and minerals but low in fillers.

Feed every other day or every few days depending on how many shrimp you have. A good routine keeps your water clean and your shrimp well-fed.

Offer a Source of Calcium

Calcium is critical for shrimp because they molt regularly, and poor calcium levels can lead to molting problems or even death.

Cuttlebone is a natural, slow-release option you can drop directly into the tank. It provides both calcium and a surface for biofilm.

For more targeted nutrition, try specially formulated shrimp food with added calcium. Options like Calcium Nutrition, Calcium Immunity, and Calcium Protein from Kats Aquatics support stronger shells, brighter colors, and easier molts.

Drop in Catappa Leaves

Catappa leaves (also known as Indian Almond Leaves) do wonders in shrimp tanks. As they break down, they release tannins, humic acids, and other compounds that slightly lower pH, reduce stress, and help prevent disease with their natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Shrimp nibble on the decaying leaf matter and the biofilm that grows on it. The leaves also offer shade and shelter, especially helpful for shy shrimp or those in the middle of molting.

Pick a Proper Tank Size

You don’t need a massive tank to enjoy shrimp—5 to 10 gallons is the ideal range. It’s big enough to maintain stable parameters but small enough to manage easily with regular water changes.

Larger tanks like 20 or 55 gallons can dilute your view, making it hard to spot and enjoy your shrimp. Smaller tanks also mean you’ll see your colony grow more quickly and can stay on top of care with less time and effort.

Just make sure to cycle your tank properly before adding any shrimp.

Build a Better Shrimp Habitat

Setting up a shrimp tank isn’t just about the gear—it’s about creating a stable, shrimp-friendly ecosystem. With the right tools and a little patience, you can build a low-maintenance setup that thrives for years.