Questions about first shrimp tank

I’m planning on setting up a small shrimp tank for 3 cherry shrimp (might do a different type) it will be my first shrimp tank and first planted tank. Is there anything I should know about cherry shrimp? What plants are good for beginners?

 

I've learnt the hard way, just because tank is cycled, it most likely doesn't have enough algae and biofilm for them to survive on, I'll leave for another month or two beforehand adding shrimp after cycling

 

Ok, good to know. I’ll probably start cycling today then.

 

Some beginner friendly plants:
Java fern
Anubias
Crypts
Crinums

 

Some beginner friendly plants:
Java fern
Anubias
Crypts
Crinums

I always add to Anubias and Java Ferns that they cannot be buried, they need to be tied to something. The rhizome will rot if buried.

 

You would benefit from knowing the GH of your water. Shrimp need a GH of 3+ to molt properly. Mosses (java, christmas, willow, etc) or Moss balls are also easy and work well with shrimp.

 

If you're keeping Caradina then gh3 is normally fine but for cherry(Neocaradina) I would not let it drop below gh5 or your asking gor trouble

 

How big of a tank are you planning on getting?

 

Water Hardness is a big factor. I killed a lot of shrimp before realizing my water was too soft. I now use RO water and add Shrimp Mineral GH+KH to get a TDS or around 200 or so. After doing that I got 4 Cherry Shrimp and now have over 100.

 

My water is very hard according to the test, but I don’t know if that’s Gh 3.

 

My water is very hard according to the test, but I don’t know if that’s Gh 3.

Before getting shrimp you will more than likely need/want a GH/KH test kit. It will be more helpful to know the actual numbers. My water is hard, I have 8 KH and 15 GH.

 

Ok thank you! I will get one soon.

 

Neocaridina (Red Cherry Shrimp) Basics | Member Articles Forum | 507944 may be of some help to you.

 

Thank you! You have all been so helpful.
What size tank should I get?

 

I say 5/10 gallon?

 

How many should I put in a 5 gallon to start?

 

Maybe 6 or so, so you can get some breeding

 

I say a dozen. But 6 should be fine. What colour are you planning on getting?

 

Decided I might as well update this. I upgraded my betta tank to a 10 gallon and put one of my friends blue velvet shrimp in it as a sort of trial run before I buy more. I’ll see how it goes.