Equilibrium
Seachem Equilibrium is a planted aquarium mineral supplement that can also serve shrimp keeping needs. Originally designed to replace minerals stripped during reverse osmosis treatment for planted tan
Product Overview
Seachem Equilibrium is a planted aquarium mineral supplement that can also serve shrimp keeping needs. Originally designed to replace minerals stripped during reverse osmosis treatment for planted tanks, it raises GH without affecting KH. The formula is high in potassium for plant growth, making it ideal for planted shrimp tanks, though less efficient than shrimp-specific remineralizers for dedicated shrimp setups.
Detailed Review
Seachem Equilibrium occupies an interesting niche in the shrimp keeping world. It's not designed specifically for shrimp - it's a planted tank product - but it works well enough that many shrimp keepers use it, especially those with planted tanks. The formula focuses on providing minerals stripped during RO treatment, with particular emphasis on potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The high potassium content is excellent for plant growth but doesn't provide additional benefits for shrimp. This makes it ideal for planted shrimp tanks but potentially wasteful for shrimp-only setups. Dosing requires more product compared to shrimp-specific remineralizers. Where Salty Shrimp GH+ might need 0.7g per gallon to reach 5-6 GH, Equilibrium needs closer to 1.0-1.2g. This reduced efficiency means the cost savings from the lower per-gram price are partially offset. The major advantages are availability and versatility. Equilibrium is sold at most pet stores and major retailers - you don't need to order specialty shrimp products. And if you're maintaining a planted shrimp tank, the plant benefits are a genuine bonus. For Neocaridina in planted tanks, Equilibrium is a perfectly reasonable choice. For demanding Caridina species or dedicated shrimp-only setups, you're better served by a purpose-built shrimp remineralizer.
Dosing Guide
Manufacturer Recommendation
Add 16g (1 tablespoon) per 80L (20 gallons) to increase GH by 3 dGH. Product designed for planted tanks, not specifically shrimp.
Community Consensus
Works for shrimp but requires higher doses than shrimp-specific products. The high potassium content benefits plants but is not ideal for shrimp-only setups. Best used in planted shrimp tanks where the plant benefits are valued.
Quick Dosing Reference
Approximate amounts for Equilibrium starting from 0 TDS RO water
| Target GH | Grams per Gallon | Grams per Liter |
|---|---|---|
| 4 dGH | 0.80g | 0.21g |
| 5 dGH | 1.00g | 0.26g |
| 6 dGH | 1.20g | 0.32g |
| 7 dGH | 1.40g | 0.37g |
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
A versatile planted tank product that CAN work for shrimp but isn't optimized for them. The high potassium content is great for plants but unnecessary for shrimp-only setups. Best choice for keepers with heavily planted shrimp tanks who want dual benefits. Less efficient than dedicated shrimp remineralizers.
What Users Love
- Widely available at most pet stores
- Great value - large sizes at good prices
- Excellent for planted shrimp tanks
- From trusted Seachem brand
- Does not affect KH or pH
- High potassium benefits plants
Common Concerns
- Not optimized for shrimp - designed for plants
- Less efficient than shrimp-specific products
- High potassium unnecessary for shrimp-only tanks
- Dosing less precise for shrimp parameters
Notable Discussions
- Planted tank remineralizer discussions
- Seachem products for shrimp debates
- Budget remineralizer comparisons
Feedback aggregated from Reddit (r/shrimptank, r/Aquariums), The Planted Tank Forum, and other aquarium communities. Individual experiences may vary.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Widely available at local pet stores
- Excellent value for large quantities
- Great for planted shrimp tanks
- Does not affect KH - maintains soft water
- Established Seachem quality
- High potassium benefits aquatic plants
Cons
- Not optimized for shrimp keeping
- Less efficient dosing than shrimp products
- High potassium unnecessary for shrimp-only tanks
- Not ideal for demanding Caridina species
Frequently Asked Questions
While it can work, it's not ideal for Caridina. The formula isn't optimized for shrimp, and the high potassium provides no benefit. For demanding Caridina species, use a dedicated shrimp remineralizer like Salty Shrimp GH+.
Equilibrium is designed for planted tanks with a different mineral balance emphasizing potassium. The calcium and magnesium concentrations that raise GH are lower than in shrimp-specific products.
No, Equilibrium only raises GH without affecting KH. Your buffering substrate or other KH sources will continue functioning independently.
Yes! This is where Equilibrium really shines. The high potassium benefits plants while still providing the calcium and magnesium shrimp need. It's an excellent dual-purpose choice for planted shrimp tanks.
For shrimp keeping, use approximately 1.0-1.2g per gallon to reach 5-6 GH. This is more than shrimp-specific products require due to the different mineral formulation.
It's widely available at most pet stores including PetSmart, Petco, and local fish stores, as well as online retailers like Amazon and Chewy.
Alternative Products
Bee Shrimp Mineral GH+
Serious Caridina breeders who want the most reliable, consistent remineralizer for Crystal Red, Taiwan Bee, and other sensitive Caridina species.
Remineraliz-P
US-based Caridina keepers looking for a quality GH+ product at a better price than imported alternatives, with good availability and reasonable shipping.
GH Booster
Budget-conscious Neocaridina keepers and planted tank enthusiasts who want reliable results without premium pricing.
Track Your Remineralization with ShrimpKeeper
Use our built-in calculator to dose Equilibrium perfectly every time. Track your parameters and see trends over time.
Quick Specs
Yields per Gram
Target Ranges
Available Sizes
Best For
Keepers of planted shrimp tanks who want a single product that benefits both plants and shrimp, and value local availability over shrimp-specific optimization.