4 Aquascapes for Your 5-gallon Shrimp Tank

In this blog, we’ll show you three aquascape design ideas to help you get started on getting the most awesome setup for your shrimp tank.

But make sure to read this blog first to learn how to prepare your shrimp tank. 

So, here they are – design ideas for your 5-gallon shrimp tank:

 

Building Your Shrimp Paradise: Aquascape Design Ideas

Here are four design ideas to get you started:

Idea #1: The Low-Tech Approach

For a no-nonsense shrimp tank, go low-tech. This method focuses on hardy plants and simple hardscape elements. Plants like Java Fern and Anubias are key to a low-tech setup.

They grow well without fancy CO2 systems and provide lots of surface area for your shrimp to explore. Stick them to driftwood or rocks with a dab of super glue, and you're good to go.

Driftwood is a shrimp's best friend. Cholla wood is another top pick. Both create perfect hiding spots and encourage biofilm growth.

Don't forget the floor of your tank!

Dwarf Hairgrass or soft Pearlweed makes a lovely green carpet. It looks great and gives your shrimp a place to graze. Plus, baby shrimp love hiding in it.

Idea #2: The Playful Playground

Create an interactive playground that'll keep your shrimp active and entertained.

Start with substrates that complement your shrimp's colors! 

Goldenbacks, Red Cherry shrimp, Orange Sunkist, and Snowballs would look great against a dark substrate like aquasoil or black diamond blasting sand.

Darker cherry shrimp variants like the Blue Dreams, Bloody Mary, or Onyx should have lighter substrates to best contrast those deep tones.

You don't want them to get lost!

Next, add some quirky elements.

You're going to look for botanicals and other decor that give your shrimp plenty of surface area to graze, and lots of little niches to hide.

Small terracotta pots make great shrimp homes. Flip them on their sides and partially bury them in the substrate.

Little PVC pipes and fittings work, too. Cut them into short sections and arrange them like a tiny obstacle course.

For plants, try a mix of Pogostemon Helferi (Downoi) for a spiky look, some floating Salvinia for cover, and a few stems of Rotala Rotundifolia for splashes of red. Anchor some Bucephalandra to your hardscape – its small leaves are perfect for shrimp to clamber over.

 

Leave some open areas between your playful pieces or in the middle of the tank. This gives shrimp space to dart around and display their grazing behavior.

 

Idea #3: The Nature-First Layout

A nature-inspired layout mimics the shrimp's natural habitat, creating a stunning and comfortable environment.

Start with a mix of rocks and driftwood. Arrange them to form caves and overhangs—your shrimp will love exploring these nooks and crannies.

Stack smaller rocks around larger pieces to create a natural, eroded look.

Driftwood adds a great focal point and softens the overall appearance.

Live mosses are perfect for a lush, natural feel. Christmas Moss and Java Moss are easy to grow and maintain. Poke them into those nooks and crannies you just created with your hardscape. Alternatively, attach them to driftwood using a fishing line or aquarium-safe glue.

They'll spread over time, creating a beautiful, verdant carpet.

Don't forget the finishing touches. Indian Almond Leaves and Alder cones are a great addition. They provide extra hiding spots and slowly release tannins, which can benefit your shrimp's health. Plus, they break down over time, becoming a tasty snack for your little cleaners.

In a nature-inspired layout, asymmetry is key. Don't worry about perfect placement – a bit of randomness adds to the natural feel.

 

Idea #4: The Zen Garden Layout

A Zen Garden aquascape brings tranquility to your 5-gallon shrimp tank while providing an ideal environment for your tiny friends.

Start with a substrate of fine, light-colored sand. This mimics the gravel in traditional Zen gardens and makes your shrimp colors stand out.

Arrange a few flat, weathered stones of different sizes to create a focal point. Position them asymmetrically and in odd numbers for a natural look.

Add some small mounds or "islands" using aqua soil. These areas will host your plants and provide grazing spots for shrimp.

For plants, choose low-growing species like Anubias nana 'Petite' or Cryptocoryne parva. These mimic the look of carefully pruned shrubs in a real Zen garden.

If you have stronger light, or are planning to use Co2 injection, think about adding a dense carpeting plant like Dwarf Baby Tears or Dwarf Hairgrass.

Incorporate moss-covered branches or rocks to represent trees or larger shrubs. Java Moss, Flame Moss or Christmas Moss works great here and provides excellent surfaces for shrimp to graze on.

Use a small rake to create patterns in the sand, just like in a real Zen garden. Your shrimp will enjoy exploring these textures.

This layout offers plenty of open space for shrimp to roam while the plants and hardscape provide hiding spots and surfaces for biofilm growth.

The Zen Garden style not only looks serene and neat, but also creates a low-maintenance environment perfect for shrimp.

Takeaway 

Each layout presented here focuses on providing an ideal environment for shrimp while creating visually appealing aesthetics, demonstrating that even small tanks can be transformed into stunning aquatic habitats.

Start designing your shrimp paradise today, and watch your tiny inhabitants thrive in their beautiful new home!