What is GH and Why Does It Matter?

First thing’s first: GH stands for General Hardness, and that is just a fancy way of saying how much calcium and magnesium is in your water. These two minerals are like power-ups for your shrimp, especially when it comes to their shells and molting. Low GH? Well, you are probably going to see some issues like weak exoskeletons or molting disasters.

The sweet spot for Neocaridina shrimp, like cherry shrimp, is between 4-8 degrees GH. Now, if you have Caridina shrimp (those guys are a bit pickier), you want to shoot for around 5-6 degrees GH. And trust me, keeping that GH in the right range can make all the difference when it comes to breeding success and overall shrimp happiness.

Why Does My Shrimp Tank Have Low GH?

Before we go adding stuff to our tanks, let’s talk about why your GH might be on the low side.

• Tap Water: Depending on where you live, your tap water could be way too soft. I know mine is, and that is where we get into trouble.
• Over-Filtering: Some filter media, especially ones that pull out a lot of stuff, can also strip away those crucial minerals, leaving your water softer than it should be.
• RO/DI Water: This is big for a lot of you using reverse osmosis or deionized water. RO/DI takes everything out, including the minerals your shrimp need to thrive. Learn more about this process and how it impacts your tank in this article about water types.

How Can I Safely Raise GH in My Shrimp Tank?

There is no one-size-fits-all here. I am going to run you through a few tried-and-true methods, so you can pick what works best for you and your tank.

1. Use GH Boosters

This is probably the easiest way to raise GH without messing up anything else in your tank. GH boosters are basically pre-made solutions packed with calcium and magnesium, and they are shrimp-safe. I personally recommend something like Seachem Equilibrium. It gets the job done without spiking anything else in the water.

How to Use:

• Grab a cup of your tank water, dissolve the booster in that water, then add it back into the tank slowly.
• Do not just dump it in! A sudden jump in GH can stress your shrimp out.
• Test your water with a GH test kit before and after, and aim for no more than a 1 dGH change per day. Your shrimp need time to adjust. Try using the API GH & KH Test Kit for accurate measurements.

2. Add Crushed Coral or Limestone

I love using crushed coral. It is a slow-burn solution, meaning it gradually releases minerals into the water over time, keeping things steady.

How to Use:

• Toss some crushed coral into a media bag and place it in your filter or even scatter it in your substrate. It will not change your GH overnight, but that is a good thing. Slow and steady wins the race here.
• If you want a more natural look, mix a small amount into your substrate, and let it do its thing over the next few weeks.

3. Using Remineralizing Agents (For RO/DI Users)

Using RO/DI water? You are going to need to remineralize it because those filters take everything out. And I mean everything. Products like Salty Shrimp GH+ are designed to bring those minerals back in.

How to Use:

• Measure out the remineralizer based on how much water you are treating. The usual dose is something like 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons, but always check the label.
• Stir it into the water before you add it to the tank. You do not want to dump it straight in the tank and shock the shrimp.
• Always test your water to make sure you are not overdoing it.

4. Calcium and Magnesium Additives

Some folks like a bit more control, so using separate calcium and magnesium additives might be up your alley. I have had success with Brightwell Aquatics Shrimp GH+, which allows for precise control.

How to Use:

• Start small. Add a little bit of calcium (liquid form is easiest), and test your GH levels.
• Magnesium sulfate (yep, Epsom salt) can help too, but go easy on it. Add in tiny amounts until you hit the right GH levels.

5. Mineral-Rich Substrates

This method is more of a long-term game. Substrates like Fluval Stratum or ADA Amazonia naturally release minerals into the water. It is great for stability, especially if you want something low maintenance.

How to Use:

• Lay the substrate down in your tank. You can mix it with your existing substrate or use it as the base.
• It will raise GH gradually and is best for maintaining stable levels rather than quick fixes.

6. Eggshells or Cuttlefish Bone (DIY Approach)

I know what you are thinking — eggshells? Yep! If you are a DIY-er, you can use crushed eggshells or cuttlefish bones as a slow-release calcium source.

How to Use:

• Clean and crush the eggshells (or use a cuttlefish bone) and toss them into a mesh bag. Pop that into your filter, and over time, it will release calcium.
• Again, this is not a fast fix, but it is a natural method that works well if you have got the patience for it.

7. Mineral Stones

Mineral stones are another neat way to get those key minerals into your water. These little guys release calcium and magnesium slowly, keeping things nice and stable.

How to Use:

• Drop 2-3 stones per 10 gallons into areas of the tank with good water flow. They will slowly dissolve over time, giving your shrimp a constant source of minerals.

How Do I Keep GH Stable in My Shrimp Tank?

Now that we have covered how to raise GH, let’s talk about keeping it there. You do not want GH levels to fluctuate because that is when shrimp run into trouble.

• Water Changes: Every time you change water, make sure it matches the GH of the tank. If you are using RO water, always remineralize it before adding it back in.
• Test, Test, Test: Get into the habit of testing your GH regularly. Once a week is a good rule of thumb. This way, you can catch any dips before they become a problem.
• Go Slow: The temptation is to fix everything at once, but trust me, shrimp prefer gradual changes. If you spike GH too fast, you could stress them out or even lose some.

What Are the Signs of GH Problems in My Shrimp Tank?

Shrimp can be pretty expressive when something is wrong. If your GH is off, here are some signs to look out for:

• Molting Issues: If your shrimp are having trouble molting, or if you see incomplete molts, your GH might be too low. Learn more about these problems in this guide to shrimp molting problems.
• Weak Exoskeletons: Soft shells or shrimp that look fragile? That is another sign of low GH.
• Lethargy: If your shrimp seem sluggish or less active than usual, it could be because they are struggling with the water hardness.

What Should I Remember About Raising GH in a Shrimp Tank?

Raising GH in a shrimp tank is all about patience and doing things the right way. Whether you choose to go with GH boosters, crushed coral, or even the DIY route with eggshells, remember to keep it slow and steady. Your shrimp will thank you for it. And hey, if you are looking for some good products to get started, you can check out Seachem Equilibrium or Salty Shrimp GH+ right here.

Feel free to drop a comment below with your questions or share your experience! We are all in this together — shrimp lovers unite!