Welcome to your ultimate guide to creating the ultimate care experience for the Blue Dream Shrimp! These stunning little creatures are not only a joy to look at but also relatively easy to care for, making them the perfect addition to any aquatic enthusiast's tank. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about providing the perfect environment for your Blue Dream Shrimp. Additionally, we'll explore the best tank mates and décor options to create a visually stunning and harmonious aquatic ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned shrimp keeper or a beginner venturing into the world of shrimp keeping for the first time, this guide will equip you with all the knowledge and tools you need to provide the ultimate care experience for your Blue Dream Shrimp. So let's dive in and create a thriving habitat for these magnificent creatures!
Are Blue Dream Shrimp Neocaridina?
Yes, Blue Dream Shrimp belongs to the Neocaridina genus, which includes some of the most popular freshwater shrimp species for home aquariums, such as the Red Cherry Shrimp. Blue Dream Shrimp are a color variant of the Neocaridina davidi species, known for their striking blue coloration. As part of the Neocaridina family, this Blue Dream shares many of the same care requirements as other freshwater shrimp species in this genus.
What Do Blue Dream Shrimp Eat?
Blue Dream Shrimp are omnivores and scavengers, feeding on algae, biofilm, plant matter, and leftover fish food. They help keep the tank clean by consuming detritus and debris, making them a great addition to community aquariums. Their diet can be supplemented with the following:
- Algae wafers: An essential source of nutrition that mimics the algae found in their natural habitat.
- Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, spinach, or cucumber can be added as occasional treats.
- Shrimp pellets: These specialized pellets provide essential nutrients.
- Fish food: Leftover flakes or pellets from tank mates.
It’s important not to overfeed Blue Dream Shrimp to avoid water contamination. Feeding them every other day is usually sufficient.
How to Breed Blue Dream Shrimp
Breeding Blue Dream Shrimp is relatively easy. These shrimp are prolific breeders and, under optimal conditions, will breed frequently.
- Water Parameters: Keep water at 68-78°F with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Stability in water parameters encourages healthy breeding.
- Mature Females: Female Blue Dream Shrimp carry eggs under their abdomen, and the eggs take about 30 days to hatch.
- Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of hiding spots for juveniles by incorporating moss and live plants like Java Moss, Christmass Moss and Anubias.
- Minimal Disturbance: Avoid moving or disturbing the blue shrimp when they’re carrying eggs.
How to Set Up A Blue Dream Shrimp Tank
Aquarium Tank
While a 10-gallon aquarium tank is the general recommendation, it's important to note that larger tanks provide more stable conditions, which is crucial for maintaining water quality. For beginners, a 20-gallon tank is an excellent option. A larger water volume helps dilute toxins and provides more room for shrimp colonies to grow without overcrowding.
Filter
In addition to sponge filters, another excellent choice is hang-on-back filters (HOB) with pre-filters. The pre-filter sponges prevent shrimp from being sucked into the filter while still providing ample water flow and filtration. Aim for a low-flow aquarium filter to avoid stressing the shrimp. Strong currents can make it difficult for shrimp to move around and forage, so the flow should be gentle.
Air pumps
Air pumps are optional but can be useful in larger tanks. They ensure a higher oxygen content, which is particularly beneficial if you have a dense plant setup. If you’re using a sponge filter, air pumps will help drive water circulation. Be sure to choose an air pump that is not overly powerful, as shrimp prefer calm waters.
Aquarium Lights
While shrimp don’t need intense lighting, your plants will. Invest in adjustable LED lights to control the amount of light, ensuring you don’t promote excessive algae growth. Algae is a natural food source for shrimp, but too much can overwhelm a tank. Ideally, aquarium lights should be on for 6-8 hours per day, depending on plant needs.
Aquarium Soil
Specialized shrimp soils can be beneficial in maintaining stable water chemistry. Look for products that buffer the pH and release nutrients for plant growth, such as Controsoil from UNS and aquarium soil from Tropica. Shrimp-specific substrates help create a low pH and soft water, which benefits plant growth while maintaining optimal conditions for shrimp breeding.
Shrimp Salt
Shrimp salt is more than just a mineral supplement. It mimics the mineral composition of their natural habitat. These minerals also ensure a stable Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reading, which is vital for the shrimp’s health.
GH/KH Test Kits
Invest in high-quality GH/KH water test kits to monitor the water’s hardness levels. Aim for a GH of 6-8 dGH and a KH of 0-2 dKH. This balance ensures that the shrimp’s exoskeleton can form properly, which is essential during molting cycles. Regular testing is important, especially when using tap water, as hardness can vary.
TDS Pens
A TDS pen measures the overall water quality by tracking the concentration of dissolved solids in the water. This can include salts, minerals, and any other impurities. Keeping the TDS level between 150 and 300 ppm ensures a balanced mineral content for your shrimp. It’s a simple, quick way to monitor changes in your tank’s water chemistry after water changes or adding shrimp salt.
Aquarium Lid/Cover
Even though Blue Dream Shrimp aren’t known to jump, sudden changes in water parameters or stress can lead to unexpected behavior. Ensure your tank is covered to prevent any escapes. Additionally, an aquarium lid helps maintain a stable temperature and reduces evaporation, especially in smaller tanks. If you're using a heater, a lid ensures the heat is evenly distributed and prevents rapid cooling at night.
Compatible Tank Mates for Blue Dream Shrimp
Invertebrates
Babaulti Shrimp
Similar in size and temperament, Babaulti Shrimp are another peaceful Neocaridina species. These types of invertebrates coexist well without competing for resources.
Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp are another popular Neocaridina variety. Their similar care needs and non-aggressive nature make them ideal companions for Blue Dream Shrimp.
Ramshorn Snails
These freshwater snails are smaller than Mystery Snails or Nerite Snails but offer similar benefits, such as algae control and minimal disturbance to shrimp.
Ghost Shrimp
Although larger than Blue Dream Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp are generally peaceful. However, they may outcompete Blue Dream Shrimp for food, so ensure plenty of resources are available.
Freshwater Fish
Pygmy Corydoras
These small Corydoras are bottom dwellers that won’t bother shrimp and help clean up excess food. Pygmy Corydoras are perfect for smaller tanks.
Dwarf Gourami
While larger than some other fish, Gouramis are generally peaceful when well-fed. These freshwater fish won’t typically go after adult shrimp but may show interest in juveniles, so dense planting is recommended.
Tank Mates to Avoid
Swordtails
These larger aquarium fish are aggressive feeders and can easily prey on shrimp.
Danios
Known for their active swimming and potential aggression, Danios may stress out shrimp populations.
Guppies
Though peaceful with other fish, Guppies have been known to pick at shrimp, especially juveniles.
Live Aquatic Plants for Blue Dream Shrimp Aquarium
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Java Fern is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in low-light conditions and can be attached to driftwood or aquarium rocks. The broad leaves of the Java Fern provide excellent hiding spots for shrimp, particularly for newly hatched fry. Java Fern also grows slowly so that it won’t overwhelm the tank.
Anubias
Anubias such as Anubias barteri and Anubias Nana is a low-light, slow-growing freshwater plant that thrives in almost any condition. Like Java Fern, Anubias can be attached to rocks or driftwood, and its thick leaves provide both cover and grazing areas for shrimp. It requires very little maintenance and doesn’t need to be planted on aquarium substrate, which makes it perfect for shrimp tanks.
Cryptocoryne
Cryptocoryne like Cryptocoryne wendtii is another popular, easy-to-care-for plant that comes in various colors, ranging from green to brown. It can grow in low to moderate light and provides a dense environment for shrimp to hide. Cryptocoryne plants grow slowly and require minimal care, but once established, they can form beautiful, lush foliage that shrimp love to explore.
Amazon Sword (Echinodorus grisebachii)
The Amazon Sword is a larger plant that does well in moderate to high light conditions. It’s ideal for larger shrimp tanks where it can be a centerpiece plant. Its broad leaves provide excellent cover for shrimp, and it helps oxygenate the tank while absorbing nitrates. However, it requires root fertilization to thrive, so it's best suited for tanks with nutrient-rich substrate.
Conclusion
Blue Dream Shrimp is a rewarding and beautiful addition to any freshwater tank. By maintaining stable water conditions, providing a varied diet, and choosing the right tank mates and plants, you can create an ideal environment for them to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a beginner, Blue Dream Shrimp offers a unique and vibrant touch to your aquarium. If you don’t know where to buy blue shrimp online, visit our Splashy Fish fish store for high-quality Blue Dream Shrimp for sale and other freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, and other aquarium supplies by following the map below.
FAQs
Can Blue Dream Shrimp live with Betta fish?
It’s not recommended. Betta fish are known to be aggressive and may harm or eat the shrimp.
How many Blue Dream Shrimp per gallon?
You can comfortably house 5-10 Blue Dream Shrimp per gallon, but a 10-gallon tank or larger is ideal for maintaining stable water parameters.
What are the differences between Blue Dream vs Blue Velvet Shrimp?
Blue Dream and Blue Velvet shrimp are both color variations of Neocaridina davidi, but they differ primarily in their color intensity. Blue Dream shrimp display a deep, solid royal blue, while Blue Velvet shrimp have a lighter, more translucent sky-blue hue. Both are selectively bred for their unique coloration, but Blue Dream shrimp tend to be more vivid.
