Shrimp Parameter Cheat Sheet
Use this as a quick reference while you test. Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp need different ranges, so do not copy one setup into the other.
Core ranges
| Parameter | Neocaridina | Caridina | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 to 7.5 | 6.0 to 6.8 | Wrong pH can stress shrimp and push molting or breeding issues. |
| GH, KH, TDS | GH 4 to 8, KH 0 to 4, TDS 150 to 250 ppm | GH 4 to 6, KH 0 to 2, TDS 100 to 200 ppm | Minerals and buffering affect molts, stability, and species fit. |
| Temperature | 70 to 74 degrees F | 70 to 74 degrees F | Stability matters more than chasing a perfect single number. |
Always test the cycle too
Before adding shrimp or treating a problem, test ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Ammonia and nitrite should be zero, and nitrate should stay controlled with water changes, plants, and light feeding.
Quick use
- Start with the species page: Neocaridina Shrimp Care or Caridina Shrimp Care.
- Use TDS in shrimp tanks when the meter number looks wrong.
- If shrimp are dying, switch to the Shrimp Death-Troubleshooting Checklist.
Return to the Freshwater Shrimp Keeping hub for the full guide path.