How to Cycle the Aquarium With Shrimp

Cycling is the process of balancing the chemistry in your fresh or saltwater aquarium. This is commonly done in new aquariums as it takes awhile for harmful fish waste and nitrite to convert to beneficial nitrate. Cycling speeds up the process. Many people utilize fish in this process, but it can actually be done with a shrimp -- that's right, just a single shrimp from the grocery store seafood counter.

Things You'll Need

  • Cheesecloth
  • String
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty your aquarium of all fish if there are any inside. Make sure the filter is inside the aquarium and is working.

    • 2

      Purchase a medium- to large-size shrimp from a grocery store.

    • 3

      Wrap the shrimp in cheesecloth and tie it together with string. This will make removal of the shrimp waste easier.

    • 4

      Place the wrapped shrimp in the aquarium.

    • 5

      Wait until the tank turns slightly cloudy from decomposition of the shrimp. This can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Make sure the filter is running the entire time the shrimp is in the tank, as this will cycle and purify the nutrients.

    • 6

      Remove the shrimp from the tank. The tank is now ready to use.