🦐 Shrimp Cove Guide
Understanding & Using Active Substrate for Caridina Shrimp
Active substrate (often called aqua soil or buffering soil) is specially designed to help create the soft, slightly acidic water conditions that Caridina shrimp naturally prefer.
It works by gently adjusting water chemistry while providing a healthy base for plants, beneficial bacteria, and biofilm — all key ingredients for a thriving shrimp colony.
🌿 Why Many Keepers Choose Active Substrate
Active substrate can help to:
• Maintain a lower, stable pH (typically around 6.0–6.5)
• Reduce carbonate hardness (KH)
• Release helpful trace minerals
• Encourage beneficial bacteria growth
• Enhance shrimp colour and confidence
For Caridina shrimp, this type of substrate is an absolute must, this is the easiest way to achieve ideal water conditions — especially when paired with RO water.
🪨 Choosing a Suitable Substrate
Grain Size
Smaller grains suit nano tanks and give a natural look, while regular-sized grains are popular for most aquariums. Some hobbyists like to use fine powder as a top layer for planting.
Colour
Darker soils are commonly preferred as they help shrimp colours stand out beautifully.
Depth
A depth of around 3–5cm is typically enough for buffering and plant support.
Well-known UK options include:
ADA, ADA 2 , Amazonia, Fluval Stratum, Tropica Aquarium Soil, JBL ProScape and Dennerle Scaper’s Soil.
(Choosing trusted brands often gives the most consistent results.)
Here at Shrimp Cove we use ADA and ADA version 2
🛠 A Simple Setup Overview
Many aquarists find success by:
• Adding substrate gently WITHOUT rinsing
• Creating a slight slope for depth and style
• Placing rocks and wood before filling
• Slowly filling with RO water to avoid disturbance
• Planting before fully filling the tank
Once everything is in place, the tank is ready to begin cycling.
🔄 The Natural Cycling Phase
New active substrate commonly releases ammonia during the early weeks.
This is a normal and helpful part of the cycling process as beneficial bacteria establish.
Over time you’ll usually notice:
• Ammonia rising first
• Then nitrite forming
• Finally nitrate appearing as the cycle completes
This process often takes around 6–8 weeks.
(Allowing the tank to fully stabilise before adding shrimp is strongly recommended.)
💧 Ongoing Care & Longevity
To help active substrate last longer:
• Light surface cleaning rather than deep vacuuming
• Using remineralised RO water
• Regular gentle water changes
Keeping an eye on pH, KH and TDS can help spot changes early.
Most active substrates tend to remain effective for around 6-18mth, depending on water conditions and maintenance.
🔁 When Substrate May Need Refreshing
Some signs buffering may be reducing include:
• Rising KH
• Shrimps of ALL ages dying
• Lack of nutrients + plants looking rough
• Gradual pH increase
• Substrate breaking down in texture
Many keepers either replace fully, refresh sections gradually, or add a thin new layer to extend performance.
❗ Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind
• Patience during cycling pays off
• Gentle cleaning keeps beneficial bacteria intact
• Regular testing helps maintain stability
🦐 Shrimp Cove Advice
A well-prepared foundation often makes the biggest difference in long-term success.
Active substrate, paired with stable water parameters and careful cycling, can create a healthy environment where Caridina shrimp truly thrive.
Here at Shrimp Cove the biggest tip we can give you is stability is key- you got that you will have shrimply the best start for your colony 🧡🦐