How to Acclimate Shrimp: The Complete Drip Method Guide

Bringing new shrimp home is exciting, but the acclimation process is critical for their survival. Shrimp are far more sensitive to water parameter changes than fish, and improper acclimation is one of the leading causes of losses in the hobby.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the drip acclimation method - the gold standard for safely introducing shrimp to their new home.

Why Proper Acclimation Matters

Shrimp are invertebrates that cannot regulate their internal chemistry like fish can. When water parameters change suddenly, shrimp experience osmotic stress that can lead to:

• Failed molts
• Lethargy and loss of color
• Bacterial infections
• Immediate death

The key parameters that affect shrimp include:

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) - Affects osmotic balance
• GH (General Hardness) - Essential for shell formation
• KH (Carbonate Hardness) - Affects pH stability
• pH - Critical for biological processes
• Temperature - Affects metabolism and oxygen levels

What You’ll Need

Before starting the acclimation process, gather these supplies:

1. Clean bucket or container (never used with soap or chemicals)
2. Airline tubing (about 2-3 feet)
3. Airline valve or a loose knot in the tubing
4. Small net
5. TDS meter (highly recommended)
6. Timer

The Drip Acclimation Method

Step 1: Temperature Equalization

Float the sealed bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes. This allows the water temperature inside the bag to gradually match your tank temperature.

Pro tip: Keep the lights off during this process to reduce stress on the shrimp.

Step 2: Transfer to Container

Open the bag and pour the shrimp with their water into your clean container. Make sure the container is stable and the water level is at least 2-3 inches deep.

Step 3: Start the Drip

Set up your airline tubing as a siphon from your tank to the container:

1. Submerge one end of the tubing in your tank
2. Start a siphon (you can suck on the other end or use a syringe)
3. Adjust the valve or knot to achieve 2-4 drops per second
4. Secure the tubing so it stays in place

Step 4: Monitor and Wait

Let the drip continue for 1-2 hours. The water volume in the container should roughly double or triple during this time.

During this period:

• Check periodically that the drip is still flowing
• Watch the shrimp for signs of stress (erratic swimming, trying to escape)
• Keep the container covered to prevent jumping

Step 5: Test Parameters

Before transferring the shrimp, use your TDS meter to compare:

• Shipping water TDS (measure what’s left in the bag)
• Container water TDS (should be close to your tank)
• Tank water TDS

If the container TDS is within 10-20 ppm of your tank, you’re ready to proceed.

Step 6: Transfer the Shrimp

Using your net, gently catch each shrimp and release them into your tank. Never pour the container water into your tank - this water may contain:

• Ammonia from shrimp waste
• Parasites or diseases
• Bacteria from the shipping process

Common Acclimation Mistakes

Mistake 1: Rushing the Process

Some hobbyists try to acclimate in 30 minutes or less. This is almost never enough time for shrimp to adjust safely. Commit to at least 1 hour, preferably 2.

Mistake 2: Dripping Too Fast

A fast drip rate defeats the purpose of gradual acclimation. If you’re dripping more than 4-5 drops per second, slow it down.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Temperature

If you skip the floating step, you’re introducing temperature shock on top of water chemistry changes. Always equalize temperature first.

Mistake 4: Adding Shipping Water to Tank

This is a recipe for introducing diseases or parasites to your established colony. Always net transfer only.

Mistake 5: Acclimating Sick Shrimp

If shrimp arrive dead or clearly sick (white or milky bodies, lack of movement), do not add them to your tank. Contact the seller about their arrival guarantee.

What to Expect After Acclimation

Even with perfect acclimation, new shrimp may:

• Hide for the first 24-48 hours
• Show reduced coloration initially
• Molt within the first few days (a good sign!)
• Take a few weeks to show their full colors

Don’t panic if your shrimp seem shy at first. This is normal behavior as they adjust to their new environment.

When to Feed New Shrimp

Wait at least 24 hours before offering food to newly acclimated shrimp. This gives them time to:

• Reduce stress levels
• Explore their new environment
• Find natural biofilm and algae

When you do feed, offer smaller amounts than usual for the first week.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to improve your acclimation success rate:

1. Test your water before ordering - Know your parameters so you can communicate with sellers and choose shrimp raised in similar conditions

2. Request parameter information - Many quality breeders will share their water parameters, helping you prepare

3. Consider seasonal timing - Extreme temperatures during shipping (very hot or cold months) increase stress and mortality

4. Have your tank established - Never acclimate shrimp to a new, uncycled tank. Your tank should be fully cycled with stable parameters for at least 4-6 weeks

5. Quarantine when possible - If you have multiple tanks, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks to prevent disease spread

Conclusion

Proper acclimation is an investment of time that pays off in healthy, thriving shrimp. While the drip method takes patience, it dramatically increases survival rates and gives your new shrimp the best start in their new home.

Remember: shrimp keeping is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time with acclimation, and your shrimp will reward you with vibrant colors and active behavior for months to come.