Neocaridina davidi ideal water parameters

[Dimos]

Hi all,

Sorry to ask this, but I couldn't find a precise answer on the web. What would be the ideal water parameters for the Cherry Shrimp? (ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, KH).

Thanks,

Dimos

[Zoidburg]

ph can be 6.6 to 7.6
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20 or less (depending on if it's a planted tank or not)

GH 6-8
KH 2-5
TDS 130-300

Temp 68-78° F

 

This is just a basic guideline though, as they can handle living in harder water and sometimes softer water as well (not really recommended).

The main thing is is to figure out where your tap water is at and see if you need to use a remineralizer or RO water with a remineralizer. My tap water is soft so I either need to add a remineralizer or mix with hard tap water to get ideal parameters. I've also done RO with remineralizer, but prefer mixing soft tap with hard tap. I mix about 3.5 parts soft to 1 part hard. (due to the differences in parameters between the two)

For those with hard water, you can either go straight to RO and a remineralizer, or mix RO water with the hard tap to get ideal parameters.

[Dimos]

Thanks! Seems like my GH and KH are off... I am using the API test kit and I measured the following (how many drops required to change color):

GH: 4 (71.6ppm)

KH: 6 (107.4ppm)

Thanks,
Dimos

 

Edited December 12, 2016 by Dimos

[Zoidburg]

Not too bad, honestly. You only want slightly higher GH.

If you can find a breeder who breeds them in softer water (local?), you may have better luck keeping them in your tap. Otherwise, a GH+ remineralizer, at minimum, would be a good idea.

[Dimos]

23 minutes ago, Zoidburg said:

Not too bad, honestly. You only want slightly higher GH.

If you can find a breeder who breeds them in softer water (local?), you may have better luck keeping them in your tap. Otherwise, a GH+ remineralizer, at minimum, would be a good idea.

Sounds good, thanks!

How about The Ph? Mine is measured at 8 right now, quite high. I added another almond leaf (they say it helps to reduce Ph). Shall I add a liquid for lowering the Ph?

[Matuva]

Well, not a perfect world, but still affordable for the neo. Try also reducing a bit the KH to 4~5 and you should be done.

Is your tank well cycled?

Try not using chemicals to reduce KH and PH, use rather Reverse osmosis water or rain water, slowly adding in the tank.

Edited December 12, 2016 by Matuva
.

[Dimos]

20 minutes ago, Matuva said:

Well, not a perfect world, but still affordable for the neo. Try also reducing a bit the KH to 4~5 and you should be done.

Is your tank well cycled?

Try not using chemicals to reduce KH and PH, use rather Reverse osmosis water or rain water, slowly adding in the tank.

Sure, will do! Yes, it is well cycled!

Interesting, so adding rain water will reduce KH/PH?

[Zoidburg]

Using rain water or RO water is pretty *clean* water.... it doesn't have much, if anything in it.

 

You would still need a remineralizer though.

[Dimos]

44 minutes ago, Zoidburg said:

Using rain water or RO water is pretty *clean* water.... it doesn't have much, if anything in it.

 

You would still need a remineralizer though.

Something like that?

https://www.aquariumcreation.com/collections/remineralizer/products/mosura-mineral-plus-ultra

 

[Zoidburg]

Yes. There are several brands out there. Others include Salty Shrimp, SL-Aqua, Lowkeys, Shrimp Nature, MK-Breed, etc.

[Matuva]

I wonder if using spring water / mineral water should do the trick?