Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Keep Freshwater Shrimp?
- Best Shrimp Species for Beginners in the UK
- Choosing the Right Tank Setup
- Water Parameters and Maintenance
- What Do Shrimp Eat?
- Safe Tank Mates for Shrimp
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Final Thoughts
1. Introduction
Thinking about getting into shrimp keeping? You’re not alone. In the UK, freshwater shrimp are becoming increasingly popular among beginner aquarists — and for good reason. These tiny invertebrates are beautiful, low-maintenance, and surprisingly entertaining to watch. This guide will help you start your freshwater shrimp journey in the UK the right way.
2. Why Keep Freshwater Shrimp?
Freshwater shrimp are:
- Easy to care for with the right setup
- Great for algae control
- Fun to watch with their constant foraging
- Excellent in nano and planted tanks
- Ideal for aquarists with limited space
They also come in a variety of vibrant colours — from bright red Cherry Shrimp to electric blue Neocaridinas.
3. Best Shrimp Species for Beginners in the UK
When you’re just starting out, go with hardy species that can adapt to typical tap water in the UK:
| Shrimp Species | Colour | Care Level | Breeds Easily? |
| Cherry Shrimp | Red | Very Easy | Yes |
| Blue Velvet Shrimp | Deep Blue | Easy | Yes |
| Amano Shrimp | Transparent | Easy | No (complex) |
| Ghost Shrimp | Clear | Very Easy | Yes |
Start with Cherry or Blue Velvet shrimp for a forgiving and colourful experience.
4. Choosing the Right Tank Setup
Even a small 20-litre tank can house a thriving shrimp colony. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tank Size: 20L+ recommended
- Filter: Sponge filter (gentle and safe for baby shrimp)
- Substrate: Dark sand or shrimp-specific soil
- Plants: Java moss, Anubias, floating plants
- Lighting: Moderate — enough for plants but not excessive
- Lid: Important — shrimp can escape during water changes!
Adding moss and wood increases surface area for biofilm (natural shrimp food).
5. Water Parameters and Maintenance
Stable water quality is key:
- Temperature: 20–24°C
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- GH: 4–8
- KH: 1–4
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm
Perform weekly 10–20% water changes and use a liquid test kit to monitor parameters. Dechlorinate tap water with a shrimp-safe conditioner.
6. What Do Shrimp Eat?
Shrimp are scavengers — they’ll eat just about anything:
- Algae and biofilm
- Shrimp-specific pellets or wafers
- Blanched vegetables (spinach, cucumber)
- Occasional protein (e.g. bloodworms, daphnia)
Feed small portions 3–4 times a week. Remove leftovers after 2 hours to prevent fouling.
7. Safe Tank Mates for Shrimp
Not all fish are shrimp-friendly. Stick to peaceful, small species like:
- Ember Tetras
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Pygmy Corydoras
- Snails (e.g. Nerite, Mystery Snails)
Avoid bettas, cichlids, and anything large enough to eat shrimp.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the tank cycle (shrimp are sensitive to ammonia)
- Using copper-based medications
- Sudden temperature or pH changes
- Overfeeding or neglecting water quality
Take your time — a stable environment is more important than fancy gear.
9. Final Thoughts
Freshwater shrimp are perfect for beginners in the UK who want a relaxing, low-maintenance aquatic hobby. Start with a small group of hardy shrimp, set up a planted tank, and you’ll soon enjoy the peaceful world of shrimp keeping.