Bringing home new Neocaridina shrimp? These vibrant little critters might be small, but their sensitivity to water changes is massive. One wrong step during acclimation can lead to stress, shock, or even sudden death — turning your excitement into disappointment fast. Don’t worry, though — with a little patience and the right technique, you can give your shrimp a smooth, stress-free start to their new life. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, this step-by-step guide will help you do it the right way — every time.
What You’ll Need:
• Clean container or small bucket
• Airline tubing (with a valve or knot)
• Shrimp net
• Water conditioner (optional, if you’re not using RO or remineralized water)
• Timer (optional, but helpful)
Step-by-Step Acclimation Process (Drip Method Preferred):
Step 1: Turn off tank lights
• This reduces stress during the transition.
Step 2: Float the bag (optional, temperature matching)
• Float the sealed bag in the tank for 15–20 minutesto match temperatures.
• You can skip this if the room is already close to tank temp.
Step 3: Pour shrimp into a clean container
• Gently pour the shrimp and the water from the bag into a small clean container.
• Use a container that’s big enough to hold extra water during the drip.
Step 4: Start a slow drip from your tank
• Use airline tubing to siphon tank water into the container.
• Tie a knot or use a valve to regulate the drip.
• Aim for 1–2 drops per second.
• This slowly blends the tank water with the water the shrimp arrived in.
Step 5: Drip for 1.5 to 2 hours
• The longer, the safer — especially if water parameters are very different.
• You want to at least double or triplethe volume in the container during this time.
Step 6: Transfer shrimp to the tank
• Use a shrimp net to scoop them out (don’t pour water from the bag/container into your tank — it might carry contaminants).
• Slowly release them into the tank.
• Let them explore on their own — they may hide at first, which is normal.
Bonus Tips:
• Make sure your tank is fully cycled— shrimp are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite.
• Ideal tank parameters for Neocaridina:
• Temp: 68–74°F (20–23°C)
• pH: 6.8–7.6
• GH: 6–8
• KH: 2–4
• TDS: 180–250 ppm
• Feed very lightly the first day, or not at all. Let them settle in.
• Use sponge filters or shrimp-safe pre-filters to prevent accidents.
• Avoid big water changes, Shrimp are sensitive to sudden parameter changes. Only do 10-20% weekly to avoid shock.
want to learn more about feeding and what to feed them?
Acclimating Neocaridina shrimp isn’t just a formality — it’s a critical step that can determine whether your shrimp thrive or struggle. These little invertebrates are tough once settled, but their introduction to a new tank must be done with care. By taking your time, drip acclimating slowly, and keeping water parameters stable, you’re setting them up for a healthy, active life in their new home.