I split water parameters into two different large category namely the Hard and Soft parameters.

This post is a follow up of the previous one where i touch on water parameters. This will help to provide a clearly picture of what it meant to have both hard and soft water parameters and the importance of it.

Hard water parameters are those that most of us use test kit to measure, this is where the hard values are tested and indicate a value corresponding to either acidic, dissolved solids etc.

There are a few measurements that can be measured:

1. pH
2. KH
3. GH
4. TDS
5. Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
6. Temperature

These are the generic measurement that can be tested to see if the water parameters are within range.

• pH : 5.5-6
• KH : 0
• GH : 3-4 (in Europe 4-6)
• TDS 85-90
• Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 5-10ppm
• Temperature 22-24

With the above water parameters tested does it mean my tank is ready for shrimps? I often heard this, yes it could be ready but there are more factors than just hard water parameters to complete the whole picture.

The above water parameters are indication that the water is within range of what the shrimps require, however there is yet another side of indicators to help solidify “If my tank is ready for shrimps”

Expanding further on water parameters, what else do we need to know before our tanks are truly ready? The soft value are a bit more challenging as some of them are not measurable.

Plants/moss

Are my floating plants or moss growing well, are they starting to branch out. For example if i use frogbits and when they start branching out and throwing out runners or their roots start to grow longer, i know that the hard value of Nitrate is present and that the plants are absorbing for growth. Hence, the soft value is about the observation of the plants growth as well. These indicators while small but have a very comforting confirmation on your water parameters.

Plants in small quantity also helps to provide additional cover for shrimplets and also help absorb nitrates as part of their growth.

Mosses and hiding space helps female shrimp molt in peace and also when transferring the saddled egg into the belly. Breeding is a relatively stressful process for the female and any hiding space is generally well accepted. The picture below shows a female shrimp after molting and hiding to space herself out and harden the shell. During this period the soft shell is very vulnerable as it is soft and if attacked, will easily be injured and be fatal.

Biofilm and microorganism

Are there sufficient biofilm in the tank for shrimps to feed on, is there microorganism in the tank. How should one know and are these important? yes these are as important as getting the hard values right. Biofilm is the natural shrimp food and it encourages shrimp to breed. As you can see in this picture the poo is half beige half dark brown and i know it may sound bad, gut health is critical for shrimp survival and reproduction.

Whenever the female shrimps are preparing for their next brood, they will congregate at the kallax ball or lubao and keep feeding to gain the extra nutrients for a better brood size. When shrimplets come out, they will quickly also cling onto the biofilm as first feed.

Male to Female Ratio:

This is also important as the male to female ratio would mean if the female in the tank have a higher chance of surviving during molting. One of the reason is that if there are 10M to 1F, chances are the female will be attacked multiple time when the male cling onto the female to mate. If there are too many males trying to do so, the female will die of stress. Hence a good selective breeding ratio is around 4M to 20F or 2M 20F. The probability of surviving is much higher.

The long and short of this is we must first learn to rely on the hard numbers provided by the water test kit and then through observation deduce the soft values of the parameters. Once both are fulfilled, the tank will be ready for shrimp breeding and they will thrive in those water. Hence, it is critical not to rush the cycling process and if you don’t succeed the first time, keep trying and see where else is needed to change before it will be ready.

Hope you have a good read.