10 Common Shrimp Tank Problems and How to Fix Them
Keeping shrimp is both peaceful and fascinating....until something goes sideways and your shrimplets start acting like drama queens. Even the most seasoned shrimp keepers hit a snag now and then. But don’t worry! Whether you're new to the hobby or knee-deep in shrimp adventures, this guide from Shrimp Cove will help you troubleshoot the most common tank troubles. Let’s dive in (tail-first, of course).
1. Shrimp Molting Issues
🦐 The Problem: Your shrimp are struggling to shed their exoskeletons—or worse, they don’t make it through the molt.
💡 The Fix: Poor molting usually points to a lack of key minerals, especially calcium. Check GH (General Hardness) and mineral content. If needed, add shrimp-safe remineralisers. Think of it as a shrimp spa day with mineral water.
2. Sudden Shrimp Deaths
🦐 The Problem: One minute they’re happily grazing, the next—well, shrimp heaven.
💡 The Fix: The likely culprits? Ammonia or nitrite spikes. Always cycle your tank thoroughly and test regularly. A sponge filter can help keep things mellow and safe.
3. Baby Shrimp Not Surviving
🦐 The Problem: You’ve got berried females, but no baby shrimp in sight.
💡 The Fix: Shrimplets are super delicate! Avoid strong filtration, keep water parameters stable, and make sure there’s biofilm and moss for grazing. These little ones need a buffet and a quiet nursery.
4. Algae Takeover
🦐 The Problem: Your tank looks like a swamp
💡 The Fix: A bit of algae equals shrimp snacks. A lot of algae equals shrimp drama. Cut back on light hours, feed less, and consider Amano shrimp as your clean-up crew. They snack like pros.
5. Cloudy or Murky Water
🦐 The Problem: Your tank water looks like shrimp soup.
💡 The Fix: Often caused by overfeeding or bacterial blooms. Ease up on the food, clean the substrate lightly, and try adding beneficial bacteria or shrimp-safe clarifiers.
6. Shrimp Are Always Hiding
🦐 The Problem: You swear you have shrimp... but where are they?
💡 The Fix: Shrimp hide when they’re stressed—too much light, aggressive tank mates, or unstable water can spook them. Add plants, moss, and cosy hideouts like cholla wood. Give them a reason to come out and strut their stuff!
7. No Breeding Action
🦐 The Problem: Your shrimp are acting more like roommates than soulmates.
💡 The Fix: Double-check your male-to-female ratio, and make sure your water temp and TDS are within range. A little extra protein in their diet can also spark romance. Candlelit dinners optional.
8. The White Ring of Death
🦐 The Problem: Mid-molt disaster, with a visible white ring on the shrimp’s body.
💡 The Fix: Usually a mineral deficiency or unstable water parameters. Consistency is everything—GH, KH, and TDS should stay steady. No sudden changes, please! Shrimp don’t do surprises.
9. Shrimp Hanging at the Top
🦐 The Problem: They’re clinging to the surface like they’re trying to escape.
💡 The Fix: Likely a sign of low oxygen or poor water quality. Add an air stone and make sure the tank isn’t overstocked or full of leftover food turning into shrimp soup.
10. Creepy Crawlers (Parasites or Planaria)
🦐 The Problem: Tiny worms on your glass—or worse, on your shrimp.
💡 The Fix: Use a shrimp-safe treatment like No Planaria, and cut back on feeding. These pests thrive in dirty conditions, so keep things clean and tidy.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp-keeping doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little care, consistency, and a lot of love for your tiny, leggy friends. If any of these issues sound familiar, don’t panic—they’re totally fixable. At Shrimp Cove, we’re here to help your shrimp colony thrive, sparkle, and maybe even show off a bit.
👉 Need more help or gear? Essential Shrimp Products