Care for Tiger Shrimp

Tiger shrimp for the pet trade come in three color variations: natural wild coloring, blue and black. Whatever the color, they are all the same species and have the same needs with regard to care. They tend to be hardy creatures that are quite easy to look after. And they're not a long term commitment, as they live only about two years.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Water pH testing kit
  • Water filter
  • Water heater
  • Aquarium decorations
  • Water softening unit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the pH of your tap water, to find out if it is acidic or alkaline. If the pH is in the 6 to 7.25 range, it is suitable for the tiger shrimp. If it is above 7.25, have a water softener fitted to the water supply, to get soft acidic water for the aquarium.

    • 2

      Base your aquarium size on the number of shrimp that will be in it. They are not overly active and do not need much space. As adults, they can reach 2 inches in length, so simply use common sense -- providing enough tank space for them to move freely. The more shrimp you have, the bigger your tank should be.

    • 3

      Add a 1- to 2-inch thick layer of gravel on the bottom of the aquarium. Decorate to personal preference with real or fake plants, drift wood, rocks, castles and other aquarium decorations. Give the shrimp areas to hide in or under.

    • 4

      Fit a water filtration system to help clean solid waste from the tank and oxygenate the water. Small tanks will be fine with a back-hanging filter, but larger tanks might need a more powerful sump filter.

    • 5

      Add a water heater to the aquarium, and set it to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The shrimp can tolerate a temperature range of between 68 to 75 degrees, but are most comfortable at 72 degrees.

    • 6

      Once the shrimp are in the tank, regularly monitor the water pH at least twice a week. If the water reaches a pH of over 7.25 or under 6, change out about half of the volume with fresh water. Once this is done, recheck the pH to make sure it's back within limits. Tiger shrimp thrive at a pH of 6.5, and this is the optimal level for breeding.

    • 7

      Feed the tiger shrimp commercial food designed for bottom-feeding fish and aquatic invertebrates. They will also eat blanched vegetables, if offered. The shrimp will feed mostly on any algae that forms in the tank. But if they eat it all, then other food must be provided.