Must-Have Equipment for Breeding Freshwater Shrimp

1. Nano Aquarium Kit – The Foundation of Your Shrimp Setup

Every successful shrimp colony starts with a solid tank setup. A nano tank (like a 3.17-gallon) is a great starting point for breeding shrimp, especially for those in smaller spaces or just starting out. Our recommended Essentials Aquarium Kit includes everything you need to build a stable, customizable environment for your shrimp.

What’s included in the Essentials Kit:

• Nano Rimless Glass Aquarium

• Stabilizing Foam Mat

• Clip-on LED Light (Aqua Worx EOS)

• HOB Nano Filter (ideal for shrimp tanks)

This kit strikes a balance between simplicity and customization—it gives you the basics while letting you personalize your substrate, aquascaping, and plant selection.

Pros:

• Compact and perfect for shrimp breeding

• HOB filter provides gentle, shrimp-safe filtration

• LED lighting supports plant growth

Cons:

• Smaller water volume can fluctuate more easily

• Doesn’t include heater or substrate (sold separately)

Ideal for: Beginners, small spaces, or anyone starting their first shrimp colony.

2. Hygger Submersible Aquarium Heater – Stable Temperature Control

Stable water temperature is critical when breeding shrimp. Most shrimp species thrive around 72–78°F (22–25°C), and sudden fluctuations can stress or even kill them—especially babies. The Hygger Submersible Heater is a perfect fit for nano tanks and ensures consistent, safe temperatures.

It features a slim, discreet profile that tucks away nicely behind plants or decorations, with strong suction cups for easy installation. The heater automatically turns off once the desired temperature is reached, offering peace of mind.

Pros:

• Automatic shut-off for safety

• Compact design ideal for nano tanks

• Temperature accuracy within 1°F

Cons:

• Needs to be unplugged during water changes

• Only suited for tanks up to 25 gallons

Ideal for: Shrimp breeders needing reliable and precise heating.

3. Water Conditioners & Test Kits – Managing Safe Water Chemistry

Shrimp are delicate when it comes to water quality. To breed successfully, your water must be free of toxins like chlorine and ammonia, and you’ll need to maintain stable pH, GH (general hardness), and KH (carbonate hardness) levels.

Seachem Prime – Your Tap Water’s Best Friend

Seachem Prime is a must-have conditioner that detoxifies chlorine, chloramine, and ammonia while making water safe for shrimp. It’s especially important when doing water changes or during the cycling phase.

API Water Test Kits

• Ammonia Test Kit: Detects toxic ammonia spikes from waste and uneaten food.

• GH & KH Test Kit: Helps ensure your water hardness is within the right range. Most Neocaridina shrimp do well in 6–8 dGH and 3–6 dKH.

Pros:

• Prime detoxifies multiple harmful elements

• Kits provide essential readings for breeding

• Supports stress-free molting and healthier offspring

Cons:

• Requires regular testing and tracking

• Overdosing conditioners can harm beneficial bacteria

Ideal for: Anyone committed to shrimp health and long-term colony success.

4. Aquarium Moss – Natural Shelter and Biofilm Source

Moss isn’t just a pretty decoration—it plays a vital role in shrimp breeding. Java Moss and Christmas Moss are excellent choices for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers. These hardy plants provide shelter for baby shrimp, surfaces for biofilm (their primary food source), and improve water quality.

Moss grows well in low-tech tanks, although CO₂ injection and stable lighting will help it thrive and stay vibrant.

Pros:

• Excellent for hiding and protecting baby shrimp

• Grows biofilm naturally for grazing

• Hardy and beginner-friendly

Cons:

• Can accumulate debris if not cleaned occasionally

• May “melt” in unstable tanks or after major changes

Ideal for: Breeding tanks, planted setups, and naturalistic aquascapes.

5. Shrimp Food – High-Quality Nutrition for Adults and Babies

Shrimp need species-specific food to grow, molt properly, and reproduce. General fish flakes won’t cut it—especially for babies, which are sensitive and often starve without fine-powdered nutrition. Enter GlasGarten’s Shrimp Baby Food and Shrimp Dinner.

GlasGarten Shrimp Baby Food (38g)

This powdered formula is designed for baby shrimp post-hatching. It contains zooplankton, algae, essential amino acids, and over 50 trace minerals. It also includes astaxanthin for brilliant coloration.

It forms a film across tank surfaces so even stationary larvae can feed without foraging far.

GlasGarten Shrimp Dinner (35g)

A balanced daily food for adult shrimp, formulated with 100% natural ingredients like Chlorella algae, fennel, yeast extract, and amino acids. It supports molting, fertility, and vivid coloration.

Pros:

• Powder form ensures baby shrimp access food

• Boosts health, growth, and color

• High digestibility and bioavailability

Cons:

• Must be portioned carefully to avoid overfeeding

• Some leftovers can foul water if not eaten

Ideal for: Anyone serious about shrimp breeding success.

Bonus Tips for a Shrimp Breeding Setup

• Use a Sponge Pre-Filter on your HOB filter to prevent babies from being sucked in.

• Add Indian Almond Leaves or Alder Cones for extra tannins, natural antibacterial properties, and biofilm growth.

• Avoid Copper: Check all products for copper, which is toxic to shrimp.

• Limit Tank Mates: Stick to shrimp-only or peaceful nano fish like ember tetras or otocinclus to avoid predation on baby shrimp.

• Maintain Stability: Shrimp prefer consistency over perfection. Avoid drastic changes in parameters or decor.

Conclusion

Breeding shrimp is as much about patience and attention to detail as it is about the gear you use. By investing in the right equipment—from nano tanks and heaters to water conditioners, mosses, and specialized food—you’re laying the foundation for a healthy, thriving shrimp colony.

Remember: shrimp are sensitive to their environment, but when you provide stable water parameters, safe shelter, and quality nutrition, they’ll reward you with vibrant color, fascinating behavior, and lots of adorable baby shrimp.

Whether you're a first-time breeder or looking to expand your shrimp-keeping setup, the products covered in this guide will help you get started on the right foot.

Ready to build your shrimp breeding tank? Browse our full range of shrimp-friendly gear at Everything Aquariums.