How to Start a Thriving Cherry Shrimp Colony From Scratch

If you're looking to build a booming cherry shrimp colony, the setup you choose on day one determines everything. In the video “Starting a THRIVING Cherry Shrimp Colony from Scratch”, the creator walks through a proven method for designing a shrimp tank that encourages rapid breeding, stable water parameters, and long‑term colony health.

Below is a clear, actionable breakdown of that strategy — perfect for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

 

1. Start With a Shrimp‑Friendly Substrate

A nutrient‑rich or buffering substrate helps stabilize parameters and supports plant growth. Shrimp thrive when the tank environment stays consistent, so choosing the right base layer is essential.

 

2. Add Dense, Shrimp‑Safe Plants

The video emphasizes using plants that create natural hiding spaces and biofilm surfaces — two things cherry shrimp rely on for survival and breeding. Popular choices include:

Java moss

Subwassertang

Floating plants

Stem plants for cover

Plants not only oxygenate the water but also provide micro‑habitats for baby shrimp.

 

3. Use a Gentle Sponge Filter

A sponge filter is the gold standard for shrimp tanks. It provides:

Safe, low‑flow filtration

A massive surface area for beneficial bacteria

A feeding zone for baby shrimp

This setup ensures clean water without risking shrimp being sucked into an intake.

 

4. Seed the Tank With Biofilm

Biofilm is the natural food source that fuels shrimp growth and breeding. The video highlights the importance of letting the tank mature or adding biofilm‑boosting materials like:

Leaf litter

Cholla wood

Bacteria supplements

The more micro‑life, the faster your colony thrives.

 

5. Add Your Starter Colony

Once the tank is stable, introduce your initial group of cherry shrimp. A healthy starting ratio helps the colony explode quickly.

 

6. Maintain Stability Above All Else

Cherry shrimp don’t need fancy equipment — they need consistency. Keep parameters stable, avoid overfeeding, and let the ecosystem develop naturally.