FIRE RED SHRIMP

Fire Red Neocaridina Shrimp are a vibrant and popular variety of freshwater shrimp known for their striking red coloration. They are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Here’s a detailed care guide for Fire Red Neocaridina Shrimp:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for Fire Red Neocaridina Shrimp. Larger tanks are better as they help maintain stable water parameters and offer more space for the shrimp to explore.
• Aquascape: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and surfaces for biofilm growth. Live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne work well, and they also help maintain water quality. Adding driftwood and rocks can also create natural hiding spots.
• Substrate: Use a substrate that enhances the shrimp’s coloration, such as dark-colored substrates or specifically designed shrimp substrates. Fine gravel or sand is suitable, but avoid sharp or rough substrates that could harm the shrimp.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Bright lighting is not necessary and can cause algae blooms, so aim for a more subdued lighting setup.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Fire Red Neocaridina Shrimp prefer water temperatures between 65-78°F (18-26°C). They can tolerate a range but maintaining a stable temperature within this range is crucial for their health.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Stability in pH is more important than hitting a specific number within this range.
• Hardness: Neocaridina shrimp can adapt to various water hardness levels, but they prefer moderate hardness with a general hardness (GH) of 6-10 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) of 2-6 dKH.
• Water Quality: Maintaining excellent water quality is essential. Perform regular water changes (10-20% weekly) to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels low. Use a high-quality water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the tank.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system that provides both mechanical and biological filtration. Sponge filters are ideal as they provide gentle filtration and aeration without creating strong currents.
• Water Flow: Moderate to low water flow is ideal. Strong currents can stress shrimp, so adjust the filter output to create a gentle circulation in the tank.

Feeding

• Diet: Fire Red Neocaridina Shrimp are omnivorous and graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus. Offer a balanced diet with high-quality shrimp pellets or granules as their staple food.
• Supplemental Foods: Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, spinach, or carrot), algae wafers, and occasional protein-rich foods like daphnia or bloodworms. Adding leaf litter, such as Indian almond leaves, provides additional food sources and tannins that benefit shrimp health.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts once or twice a day. Provide only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues.