Having shrimp in a small 5 gallon tank is possible but does require some consideration of tank size, filtration, water parameters, and stocking to keep the shrimp happy and healthy. With the right setup and care, certain shrimp species can thrive in a 5 gallon aquarium.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is yes, you can keep shrimp in a 5 gallon tank depending on the shrimp species, tank setup, filtration, and how heavily the tank is stocked. Small shrimp like Red Cherry Shrimp and Ghost Shrimp are good options for a 5 gallon tank. Proper filtration, aquascaping, plants, and tank maintenance are key to success.
Tank Size Considerations
While it is possible to keep shrimp in a 5 gallon tank, a larger tank is always preferable as it provides more stable water parameters and more room for the shrimp population to grow. A 10 gallon or larger tank is generally recommended for keeping shrimp, but a 5 gallon can work well for a small colony of shrimp.
When working with a 5 gallon tank for shrimp, it is best to keep a relatively low population density. Overstocking a small tank with too many shrimp can cause issues with the biofiltration capacity and water quality. Target a stocking level of 1 shrimp per 1-2 gallons of water.
Additionally, a 5 gallon tank requires more frequent water changes, usually 25-30% weekly, to maintain pristine water quality for sensitive dwarf shrimp species. The smaller volume of water is impacted more quickly by waste buildup.
Ideal Shrimp for a 5 Gallon Aquarium
The best shrimp species for a 5 gallon tank include:
- Red Cherry Shrimp
- Ghost Shrimp
- Snowball Shrimp
- Blue Velvet Shrimp
These shrimp all stay relatively small, have lower bioloads, and can do well in smaller established tanks. Larger shrimp like Amano shrimp and Bamboo shrimp are not recommended for a 5 gallon.
Filtration
Filtration is extremely important in a 5 gallon shrimp tank. Beneficial bacteria colonies that develop in the filter media convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into safer nitrate. Undersized filtration can lead to poor water quality.
For a 5 gallon shrimp tank, a hang-on-back or canister filter rated for ~10 gallon tanks is recommended. This provides adequate flow for gas exchange and overfilters the tank to prevent accumulation of nitrate and organic waste.
Using a sponge filter alone is not ideal for a 5 gallon shrimp tank as they have limited capacity for growing beneficial bacteria. However, adding a sponge filter along with a hang-on-back or canister filter can provide excellent biological and mechanical filtration.
Ensuring high quality, nutrient-rich substrate is also important, as biofilm growth on the substrate facilitates biological filtration and provides food for shrimp.
Recommended Filters for a 5 Gallon Shrimp Tank
- AquaClear 20 Hang-On-Back Filter
- Marina Slim S10 clip-on Filter
- Fluval 107 External Canister Filter
Water Parameters
Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for shrimp health. Shrimp require clean, oxygenated water and are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, which should always measure 0 ppm. Nitrates should be kept under 20 ppm.
Stable water parameters can be harder in a 5 gallon tank due to the small volume of water. Test water parameters 1-2 times per week and perform water changes as needed to maintain quality. Use remineralized RODI or distilled water for water changes to maintain ideal parameters.
Ideal water parameters for dwarf shrimp include:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 65°F – 75°F |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| GH (hardness) | 4 – 8 dGH |
| KH (alkalinity) | 3 – 6 dKH |
| TDS (total dissolved solids) | 150 – 250 ppm |
Aquascaping and Plants
Aquascaping a 5 gallon shrimp tank does not require advanced aquascaping techniques, but does help provide hiding spots, grazing surfaces, and beneficial bacterial growth for shrimp. Here are some aquascaping tips for a 5 gallon shrimp tank:
- Use an inch or two of fine-grain substrate like Fluorite or Eco-Complete.
- Create slopes, hills, and valleys to maximize surface area.
- Add rock piles, cholla wood, terracotta pots, or small tunnels for hiding and grazing.
- Choose low-light aquatic plants like mosses, Anubias, Java Fern.
- Float plants like Salvinia help absorb excess nutrients.
- Plant heavily around features to create a natural look.
Plants help absorb excess nutrients in the water column, provide biofilm and algae for grazing, add oxygen to the water, and give cover for shy shrimp species. A planted tank helps shrimp thrive.
Best Plants for a 5 Gallon Shrimp Tank
- Java Moss
- Anubias
- Java Fern
- Bucephalandra
- Salvinia
- Cryptocorynes
- Marimo Moss Balls
Tank Maintenance
Frequent tank maintenance is required on a 5 gallon shrimp tank to maintain high water quality. Follow these guidelines:
- Test water parameters 1-2 times per week.
- Perform 20-30% water changes 1-2 times per week, using remineralized RODI water.
- Use an aquarium vacuum to siphon waste and uneaten food during water changes.
- Rinse filter media monthly in old tank water to remove debris.
- Trim plants as needed to prevent overgrowth.
- Clean the tank glass to remove algae buildup.
- Remove molted shells, dead leaves, and decaying plant matter.
Following a strict tank maintenance schedule prevents issues with water fouling, nitrate buildup, and stagnant conditions in a small volume tank. Test kits, SIPhon vacuums, and filter cleaning accessories are a must.
5 Gallon Shrimp Tank Maintenance Schedule
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Test Water Parameters | 1-2 times per week |
| Water Changes | 1-2 times per week (20-30% each) |
| Clean Tank Glass | Once a week |
| Rinse Filter Media | Once a month |
| Trim Plants | As needed |
Feeding Shrimp in a 5 Gallon Tank
Shrimp have small bioloads and do not need much supplemental feeding in an established planted tank. They will graze on biofilm, algae, microorganisms, and plant matter naturally in the tank.
If supplementing their diet, feed a small pinch of powdered shrimp food 1-2 times per week. Remove any uneaten food after a few hours. Overfeeding can degrade water quality. Suitable foods include:
- BacterAE
- Shrimp King Pellets
- Hikari Algae Wafers
- Fluval Shrimp Granules
Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach can also be fed 1-2 times per week. Vary their diet for optimal nutrition.
Tank Mates for a 5 Gallon Shrimp Tank
The key to success with tank mates in a 5 gallon shrimp tank is choosing peaceful species that exist in different areas of the tank than the shrimp.
Suitable tank mates include:
- Snails (Nerite, Ramshorn, Mystery)
- African Dwarf Frogs
- Small Tetras or Rasboras
- Endler’s Livebearers
- Dwarf Crayfish
Avoid fish that may prey on shrimp like bettas, gouramis, and loaches. Stick to nano fish under 2 inches in length. Introduce tank mates gradually and provide adequate habitat for each species.
Breeding Shrimp in a 5 Gallon Tank
Many popular dwarf shrimp like Red Cherry Shrimp can successfully breed in a 5 gallon tank. To encourage breeding:
- Have at least 1 gallon of water per breeding shrimp.
- Maintain stable, clean water conditions.
- Provide ample hiding spots with plants and hardscape.
- Feed a high quality varied diet.
- Introduce calcium sources like cuttlebone or supplements.
Breeding tanks often use sponge filters alone to protect baby shrimp. Reduce water movement from hang-on-back filters using a prefilter sponge or spray bar. Trim plants to provide space at the substrate for babies.
When housing a breeding colony long-term, cull excess shrimp and move juveniles to new tanks to prevent overcrowding issues.
Ideal Water Parameters for Breeding Shrimp
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 68°F – 74°F |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| GH | 5 – 7 dGH |
| KH | 3 – 5 dKH |
| TDS | 150 – 250 ppm |
Conclusion
Keeping shrimp happy and healthy in a 5 gallon tank is achievable with the right species selection, aquascaping, stable water parameters, and maintenance routine. Small shrimp like Red Cherries and Ghost shrimp are well-suited for 5 gallons when the tank is not overstocked.
Filtration rated for larger tanks, dense plantings, biofilm-rich hardscape, and frequent testing and water changes help maintain water quality. Providing hiding spots and infrequent feeding support shrimp health.
While a larger tank is always preferable, following best practices for setup and care allows shrimp to thrive in 5 gallons. Performing diligent tank maintenance and limiting stocking density are key for long-term success.
