How to Raise Freshwater Shrimp Indoors in Containers

For people who live inland, away from the ocean and its ready source of fish, shellfish and crustaceans, getting seafood can be difficult and expensive. One ready answer is to raise seafood at home. Raising freshwater shrimp in containers can be simply and highly rewarding for anyone who loves fried or sauteed prawns. Order juvenile shrimp from an online retailer or specialty shop, and begin raising them.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Pump/filter
  • Heater
  • Rocks
  • Substrate
  • Plants
  • Thermometer
  • Fish/shrimp food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your container. For raising shrimp inside, fish tanks are ideal in size and convenience. Put substrate, rocks and live plants into the tank for the shrimp to claim and hide under. Set up a heater, pump and filter to keep the tank clean and warm. Set up a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the tank.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with clean, dechlorinated water. Although freshwater shrimp are hatched in saltwater, they are transferred to fresh water thereafter, and the shrimp you get will need fresh water. Turn on your pump, filter and heater once water is in the tank. Give your tank at least 24 hours to settle and maintain a consistent temperature before you put any shrimp in.

    • 3

      Float the bags of shrimp in your tank to let the water temperature equalize. Ideal temperature for raising shrimp is 76 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Shrimp will not survive in temperatures under 60 degrees or over 97 degrees.

    • 4

      Release the shrimp. At this age they are about the size of a quarter. Feed them daily with fish or shrimp food. Maintain their temperature, and check the water once a week to make sure it's clean and oxygenated. Harvest shrimp in September or October; they will continue to grow all summer until you harvest them.