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Starting a Cherry Shrimp Colony: A Beginner’s Guide to Long-Term Success


When you decide to keep aquarium shrimp, the first question to ask yourself is this:


Do you want to build a growing shrimp colony, or simply enjoy a handful of shrimp grazing in a small display?


Both approaches are valid. Both are enjoyable.

But they require very different setups.


This guide is written for beginners who dream of creating a stable, expanding colony—one that develops naturally over time, with multiple generations living in harmony.


Later, we’ll also cover the alternative: keeping a small, minimalist group for those who enjoy shrimp primarily as part of a decorative aquascape.


Starting a Shrimp Colony: Building the Foundation for Growth


If your end goal is a thriving colony that multiplies quietly in the background, the key word is stability. Shrimp are hardy once established, but they depend on consistent water conditions and a tank that supports healthy biofilm, baby survival, and balanced feeding.



The Ideal Tank Size for a Growing Colony


To encourage long-term growth, a 10–20 litre aquarium (or larger) is the sweet spot:


  • More stable water chemistry

  • Better protection against temperature swings

  • More surface area for biofilm

  • Higher baby survival rate

  • Less frequent and less stressful maintenance


Smaller tanks can hold shrimp, but they are better suited to keeping a few individuals—not for building a colony.


Setting Up Your Colony Tank


Filtration

A sponge filter is ideal. It offers:


  • Gentle flow

  • A shrimp-safe intake

  • Large surface area for biofilm

  • Stable bacteria growth


Plants and Hardscape

A planted tank dramatically increases colony success. Plants provide cover, oxygen, and the micro-surfaces shrimp love to graze on.


Recommended beginner-friendly plants:

  • Java Moss

  • Hygrophila polysperma

  • Anubias

  • Java Fern

  • Bucephalandra

  • Floating plants like Frogbit or Salvinia


These plants thrive in low-tech setups and offer natural hiding places for baby shrimp.


Substrate

Either inert gravel or a shrimp-specific substrate works well. Most beginners find inert substrate easier, as Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp) adapt well to typical UK tap water.


Water Parameters for a Thriving Colony

Cherry Shrimp succeed when the environment is steady and predictable:


Parameter ideal Range

GH: 6-8

KH: 2-4

Temperature: 20-24°C

TDS: 180-230


Avoid sudden changes and always use drip acclimation when introducing new shrimp.


Feeding for Growth and Colour

Shrimp graze constantly, but they still benefit from regular supplementary feeding.


Offer a balance of:

  • Shrimp-specific pellets

  • Biofilm enhancers

  • Blanched vegetables

  • Catappa or guava leaves

  • Occasional protein foods


Small feedings encourage healthy growth without polluting the water.


Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Colony


  • Adding shrimp before the tank is fully cycled

  • Overfeeding, which causes deadly ammonia spikes

  • Keeping shrimp with incompatible fish

  • Using copper-based treatments

  • Making large, rapid water changes


A slow, gentle approach always works best.


Ready to Start Your Colony?

If your vision is a stable, colourful shrimp colony that grows naturally over time, explore our range of healthy Cherry Shrimp and easy-care aquatic plants—perfect for building your first successful shrimp ecosystem.


Explore our Shrimp and Plant Collection at In & Out Aquatics



What If You Only Want a Few Shrimp?


Not everyone wants a full colony.

Some people simply enjoy watching a small group of shrimp forage, graze on moss, and explore a compact aquascape.


If your goal is to keep just a handful of shrimp as part of a calm, minimalist display, our low-tech AquaGarden setups (3L & 7L) offer a beautiful, hassle-free way to enjoy the hobby without committing to a full colony tank.


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