Water Parameters
Understanding water parameters is the foundation of successful shrimp keeping. Learn what each parameter means, how to test it, and the ideal ranges for your shrimp.
Quick Reference by Family
| Family | TDS | GH | KH | pH | Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neocaridina | 150-300 | 6-12 | 2-8 | 6.8-8.0 | 65-80F |
| Caridina | 100-150 | 4-6 | 0-1 | 5.8-6.8 | 68-76F |
| Sulawesi | 150-250 | 6-8 | 3-6 | 7.5-8.5 | 77-86F |
Primary Parameters
Essential water quality metrics for all shrimp
GH
General Hardness
Learn about GH (General Hardness) for shrimp keeping. Essential for molting success. Ideal ranges for Neocaridina, Caridina, and Sulawesi shrimp.
TDS
Total Dissolved Solids
Learn about TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) for shrimp keeping. Ideal ranges for Neocaridina, Caridina, and Sulawesi shrimp. Testing methods, adjustment tips, and troubleshooting.
KH
Carbonate Hardness
Learn about KH (Carbonate Hardness) for shrimp keeping. Understand pH buffering, why Caridina need zero KH, and how to adjust KH safely.
pH
pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)
Learn about pH for shrimp keeping. Why stability matters more than exact numbers. Ideal pH ranges for Neocaridina, Caridina, and Sulawesi shrimp.
Temperature
Water Temperature
Learn about temperature for shrimp keeping. Optimal ranges for Neocaridina, Caridina, and Sulawesi shrimp. Effects on metabolism, breeding, and lifespan.
Nitrogen Cycle Parameters
Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate - the biological cycle
Cycle Your Tank First
The nitrogen cycle must be fully established before adding shrimp. Both ammonia and nitrite should read 0 ppm consistently before introducing any livestock.
Ammonia
Ammonia (NH3/NH4+)
Learn about ammonia toxicity in shrimp tanks. Why ammonia must always be 0 ppm, cycling basics, and emergency response for ammonia spikes.
Nitrite
Nitrite (NO2-)
Learn about nitrite toxicity in shrimp tanks. Why nitrite must be 0 ppm, the mid-cycle spike, and emergency response for nitrite problems.
Nitrate
Nitrate (NO3-)
Learn about nitrate in shrimp tanks. Safe levels, reduction methods including water changes and plants. How to prevent old tank syndrome.
Track All Parameters with ShrimpKeeper
Stop guessing if your water is right. Our app tracks TDS, GH, KH, pH, temperature, and the nitrogen cycle with species-specific recommendations and alerts.
Download Free