Environment

Building on the synergy of the environment, let’s take into consideration not only each of the elements, but also their interactions. Taking care of shrimps alone is a mistake in itself, because taking into account the ecosystem remains the basic condition to provide them with an adequate environment. Biofilm, algae, bacteria, microorganisms and microfauna are the main elements. In an acid environment (low pH), the technical soil plays an active role in maintaining the correct parameters, whereas in alkaline water, the substrate is preferably inert.

Algae and biofilms are primates that qualify whether or not the aquarium is suitable for receiving shrimp, which is why time, patience for preparation often requires an effort to tolerate an empty aquarium when we often have so much looking forward to them being there.

Organic elements also favor, by their degradation, the presence of the biofilm, and are also a source of food for them by the microorganisms which lodge there, and sometimes the microfauna. However, an overabundance of botany is undesirable, as it contributes to increased phosphate and ultimately creates some form of smothering of the ecosystem. We must not forget that our aquas are closed environments, and therefore more sensitive than in an open environment where the spread of undesirable elements are decimated by the flow of rivers or others. Botany? Yes, but just a little.

The retention of bacteria is especially at the level of the ground, windows, wood, rocks, plants and decor (ceramic (clay) is always a good material). Lava rock is a very good choice, as it does not affect the water parameters. With good precautions, well planned, this becomes a place of wonder in front of these little beings who walk around. And for pollution, as little as possible, because the shrimps are sensitive to it, and especially the small ones.

Water

Water is the equivalent of the air we breathe, and shrimp, especially caridinas are very sensitive to it. Pesticides, heavy metals, chloramine which poses problems in some cities and which can hardly be eliminated by filtration, unless you have an osmosis water system and a specific cartridge to get rid of it, must be taken in consideration. What kind of water do you have? Alkaline or soft? These are all good questions to ask initially, but especially caridinas with a higher degree of sensitivity. It’s not just an emotional question, ‘Ah, they’re pretty!’; planning is paramount.