Cycling a Shrimp Tank: Everything You Need to Know

Regardless of why you want to keep shrimp in an aquarium, you can’t immediately put them into the water.

Once a tank is set up, the water needs to be cycled and the shrimp added at the right moment.

So, if you’re just getting started with a new tank, cycling a shrimp tank is necessary. That being said, there are few things that you can do to speed up the process.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about cycling a shrimp tank.

Do You Need to Cycle a Shrimp Tank?

Ammonia is easily diluted in vast bodies of water and poses a minor threat to living creatures, including shrimp.

Ammonia (among other toxins) may quickly build up in your aquarium, causing an unpleasant environment for your shrimp.

As a result, maintaining a healthy tank necessitates regular “tank cycling.”

A nitrogen-cycled tank is active and well-balanced. In this case, nitrification can occur, and the good bacteria in your aquarium can become a part of the ecosystem.

The good bacteria, primarily found in the filter medium, quickly convert the more hazardous ammonia into less harmful nitrite in an established or “cycled” aquarium.

Though less poisonous than ammonia, excessive amounts of nitrite can nevertheless be harmful to the shrimp.

This is because the nitrite in the water will subsequently be transformed to less hazardous nitrate by the good bacteria with the help of the filter.

Water changes are still necessary to remove nitrate, the least harmful nitrogen, and be tolerated at greater levels.

The more aquatic plants you have in your tank, the better your chances of keeping your nitrate levels low.

The chemical balance of your aquarium will be better maintained if you have a sufficient number of plants.

What Is the Fastest Way to Cycle a Shrimp Tank?

There are a few methods to quickly get your shrimp tank up and running.

The first is to use the water from an existing tank. This is an excellent option if you already have a huge tank and want to set up a smaller shrimp tank.

If your current tank’s water parameter is suitable for shrimp, all you need to do is transfer the water.

It’s also possible to transfer media from an existing filter into a new tank. You can have peace of mind that they will operate just as well in your new tank.

Additionally, taking any rocks you salvage from your old tank will also speed up cycling your new tank.

Finally, incorporating a filter into an existing tank allows you to have a faster filter cycle. Before moving the water to your new tank, let the filter do its job for a week.

How Long Does It Take to Cycle a Shrimp Tank?

The length of time it will take to cycle your tank before adding shrimp depends on a few factors. The tank and the method you’re using to cycle it will have an impact.

Your shrimp tank may need to be cycled for as long as a month or even two months. This may seem like a lot of time, but you don’t want to speed the procedure and put your shrimp in the tank before it’s fully prepared.

In most cases, the cycle process takes six weeks, but you have to be skilled in the procedure beforehand.

Luckily, there are a few strategies you can do to speed things up. These strategies need to be done carefully and are not recommended for beginners.

Adding beneficial bacteria from another tank is one method.

Ensure the other tank is clean and clear of impurities before doing so. Then, wait at least a week or two before adding your shrimp.

If you don’t have access to another tank, items on the market already contain the beneficial bacteria you require.

The cycle process will be much quicker when you get supplements that add good bacteria to your tank. This may allow you to establish your tank in a matter of weeks rather than months.

Note that these supplements can be found in a local pet shop or be ordered online.

Can You Cycle a Tank with Shrimp?

Cycling a tank with shrimp in it is not a good idea because shrimp don’t tolerate ammonia very well.

Therefore, it can be detrimental to their health.

Can You Put Shrimp in an Uncycled Tank?

Putting shrimp in an uncycled tank is not recommended. The shrimp probably won’t survive long. Hence, it would be a waste of money, time, effort, and shrimp.

The only situation where you could put shrimp in an uncycled tank would be if you have just a few of them and plan to keep them in the uncycled tank for a short period.

However, even if the short time in the uncycled tank doesn’t kill the shrimp, it can still shorten their lifespan.

Moreover, some shrimp are more sensitive than others. Hence, it’s best to do additional research on the specific type of shrimp you have before releasing them into an uncycled tank.

In Summary

To keep your shrimp safe in your aquarium, a cycling shrimp tank is vital. You can expect beneficial bacteria to thrive in the tank’s filter media when the tank has been properly cycled.

Make sure that you grow good bacteria in your new tank as soon as possible to ensure a successful cycle and a healthy tank.

Moreover, you should change the water and test it regularly to ensure the health of your freshly cycled tank and its residents.

Keep in mind that patience is essential for this process. Consider all your cycling options before making a final decision.