Sulawesi Mineral 8.5
Salty Shrimp Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 is a specialized remineralizer designed to replicate the unique water conditions of Lake Matano in Sulawesi, Indonesia. This formula creates the high pH (8.0-8.5), mo
Product Overview
Salty Shrimp Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 is a specialized remineralizer designed to replicate the unique water conditions of Lake Matano in Sulawesi, Indonesia. This formula creates the high pH (8.0-8.5), moderate GH, and specific mineral profile that Cardinal Shrimp and other high-pH Sulawesi species require. There is no substitute - standard remineralizers cannot create the conditions these rare, demanding species need.
Detailed Review
Sulawesi shrimp are among the most demanding species in the hobby, requiring water conditions vastly different from common Caridina and Neocaridina. Salty Shrimp Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 is designed specifically to meet these unique requirements. The lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia - particularly Lake Matano - have unusual water chemistry: very hard, very alkaline, with a specific mineral profile unlike any other freshwater environment. Cardinal Shrimp and their relatives evolved in these conditions and struggle or die in water that most shrimp would find comfortable. This product replicates those conditions. Unlike standard remineralizers that simply raise GH, Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 creates the high pH environment (around 8.0-8.5) that these species require. The mineral profile is specifically balanced for Sulawesi species. There are two Sulawesi Mineral variants: 8.5 and 7.5. Use 8.5 for species from Lake Matano (Cardinal, Harlequin, White Orchid) that need the highest pH. Use 7.5 for species from other Sulawesi lakes with slightly lower pH requirements. This is not a product for casual experimentation. Sulawesi shrimp are expensive, delicate, and unforgiving of parameter mistakes. But for serious keepers committed to these stunning species, Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 is essential.
Dosing Guide
Manufacturer Recommendation
Add approximately 3g per 10 liters to achieve ~6 GH and pH around 8.5. For Sulawesi species from higher pH habitats.
Community Consensus
Essential for Cardinal Shrimp and other Sulawesi species from Lake Matano. The pH 8.5 target suits species that need the highest pH range. Use 7.5 variant for species from slightly lower pH habitats.
Quick Dosing Reference
Approximate amounts for Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 starting from 0 TDS RO water
| Target GH | Grams per Gallon | Grams per Liter |
|---|---|---|
| 4 dGH | 0.35g | 0.09g |
| 5 dGH | 0.44g | 0.12g |
| 6 dGH | 0.52g | 0.14g |
| 7 dGH | 0.61g | 0.16g |
Important Notes
- Always test your water after mixing and before adding to your tank
- TDS readings can vary based on your TDS meter calibration
- Dose to your target GH, not TDS, for best results
- Let water sit 10-15 minutes after mixing for accurate readings
Community Feedback
Community Consensus
The standard choice for high-pH Sulawesi species like Cardinals. Replicates Lake Matano water conditions. Essential for serious Sulawesi keepers - nothing else quite matches the unique requirements of these species.
What Users Love
- Specifically formulated for Sulawesi
- Achieves correct high pH
- German quality manufacturing
- Only reliable option for many keepers
- Enables successful Sulawesi breeding
Common Concerns
- Expensive for specialty product
- Limited to Sulawesi species
- Can be hard to find
- Requires understanding of Sulawesi needs
Notable Discussions
- Sulawesi shrimp keeping guides
- Cardinal Shrimp water parameters
- Lake Matano replication discussions
Feedback aggregated from Reddit (r/shrimptank, r/Aquariums), The Planted Tank Forum, and other aquarium communities. Individual experiences may vary.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Only reliable option for high-pH Sulawesi
- Replicates Lake Matano conditions
- German quality and consistency
- Enables successful Sulawesi breeding
- Appropriate mineral profile for Sulawesi
Cons
- Premium price for specialty product
- Only useful for Sulawesi species
- Limited availability in some regions
- Requires Sulawesi-specific knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
8.5 targets higher pH (8.0-8.5) for Lake Matano species like Cardinals. 7.5 targets slightly lower pH (7.5-8.0) for species from other Sulawesi lakes. Use the appropriate variant for your specific species.
Absolutely not. The high pH created by this product would stress or kill Caridina and Neocaridina. It's exclusively for Sulawesi species.
It's a specialty product for a niche market. The formula requires specific mineral ratios to replicate Lake Matano conditions. Volume is low, keeping prices high.
No, active (buffering) substrates would fight against the high pH. Use inert substrates like sand, gravel, or Sulawesi-specific substrates for Sulawesi tanks.
Cardinal Shrimp, Harlequin Shrimp, White Orchid Shrimp, and other species from Lake Matano that require pH 8.0-8.5. Research your specific species' requirements.
Yes, significantly. Sulawesi species are more demanding, more expensive, and less forgiving of mistakes. They're considered advanced to expert level species.
Alternative Products
Sulawesi Mineral 7.5
Keepers of Sulawesi species from lakes other than Matano that require pH 7.5-8.0 rather than the higher pH of Lake Matano.
Sulawesi Mineral
Sulawesi keepers who prefer SL-Aqua products or want an alternative to Salty Shrimp at potentially better value.
Track Your Remineralization with ShrimpKeeper
Use our built-in calculator to dose Sulawesi Mineral 8.5 perfectly every time. Track your parameters and see trends over time.
Quick Specs
Yields per Gram
Target Ranges
Available Sizes
Best For
Keepers of Cardinal Shrimp and other Sulawesi species from Lake Matano that require pH 8.0-8.5 conditions.