I’ve kept shrimp tanks for years. Over time, I’ve tested dozens of plants. Some thrive. Some fail. Picking the right Plants for Shrimp Tank can mean the difference between a balanced, beautiful aquascape—or a cloudy, stressed mess. Here’s everything I’ve learned, written for shrimp hobbyists who want clarity and results.
What Are the Best Plants for Shrimp Tank?
The best plants for shrimp tanks are hardy, slow-growing, and low-maintenance. My top picks include:
- Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri): Shrimplets love hiding in it. It also traps biofilm, their favorite food.
- Anubias Nana Petite: Tough leaves, low light needs, and looks great tied to driftwood.
- Marimo Moss Balls (Aegagropila linnaei): Fun to watch shrimp crawl on, plus they absorb nitrates.
- Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus): Easy to grow, doesn’t need substrate, and doesn’t rot fast.
- Subwassertang (Lomariopsis lineata): A moss-like liverwort. Shrimp graze on it constantly.
- Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum): Floats or roots, grows fast, and oxygenates water.
These plants help keep water parameters shrimp-safe—low ammonia, stable pH, and reduced nitrates.
Why Do Shrimp Need Plants?
Shrimp are delicate. Plants offer more than just aesthetics. They provide:
- Hiding spots during molting or breeding.
- Biofilm growth, their primary food source.
- Water filtration via nutrient uptake.
- Oxygenation through photosynthesis.
When I introduced live plants to a bare-bottom shrimp tank, my shrimp doubled in population over six months. The results were clear: live plants are essential.
Can I Use Floating Plants in Shrimp Tanks?
Yes. Floating plants like Salvinia minima, Duckweed, and Amazon Frogbit thrive in shrimp tanks. They:
- Offer shade to reduce algae.
- Soak up excess nutrients quickly.
- Multiply fast—great for nutrient balance.
However, they can block light for lower plants. I trim mine weekly to keep them in check.
Do Mosses Work Better Than Stem Plants?
From my experience—yes, especially for neocaridina and caridina shrimp. Mosses like Java Moss and Christmas Moss stay compact and are more manageable in nano tanks. Stem plants like Rotala rotundifolia and Ludwigia repens grow fast but demand more pruning and CO₂ to look good.
I reserve stem plants for larger planted shrimp tanks with good lighting and ferts. Mosses need none of that. They’re more shrimp-compatible by design.
How Do Plants Help Balance Water Parameters?
Live plants absorb ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. This helps maintain ideal shrimp tank parameters:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Under 20 ppm
- pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (species dependent)
- GH/KH: Stable values matter more than perfect numbers
Plants act like natural filters. They stabilize pH and prevent nitrate spikes. When I removed all plants from one of my caridina tanks for a week, I noticed more molts failed. Reintroducing Java Ferns and Frogbit fixed that.
Can You Grow Plants Without COâ‚‚ or Substrate?
Absolutely. That’s the beauty of shrimp tanks. I grow most plants without injected CO₂ or nutrient-rich substrate.
- Anubias, Java Fern, Buces grow tied to wood or stone.
- Mosses anchor with fishing line or glue.
- Floating plants need nothing but water and light.
Low-tech setups work better with shrimp. Too much CO₂ can lower pH fast, stressing or killing them. That’s why I keep my shrimp tanks CO₂-free.
Are Plastic Plants Safe for Shrimp?
They can be, but I don’t recommend them. Shrimp nibble everything. Plastic edges can tear delicate shrimp legs. Worse, plastic leaches toxins over time.
Also, plastic doesn’t grow biofilm. Real plants do. I’ve seen shrimp ignore plastic plants entirely while swarming Java Moss. The choice is obvious—go live.
Can I Use Aquarium Soil with Shrimp Plants?
Yes, especially for caridina shrimp who like soft, acidic water. I’ve used ADA Amazonia, Fluval Stratum, and Brightwell Rio Escuro with good results. These substrates also boost plant growth by supplying root nutrients.
If you’re growing rooted plants like Cryptocoryne or Dwarf Sagittaria, soil is helpful. But for mosses and rhizome plants? Not necessary.
Which Plants Should I Avoid?
Avoid aggressive growers and plants that alter water chemistry. Based on my experience, avoid:
- Cabomba: Too messy. Sheds often.
- Elodea densa (Anacharis): Can choke small tanks fast.
- Amazon Sword: Grows too large unless you have 20+ gallons.
- Vallisneria: Sends runners and takes over.
Also, avoid plants from untrusted sources. Pesticides can wipe out your shrimp overnight. I quarantine all new plants for at least a week.
What Light Do Shrimp Tank Plants Need?
Shrimp don’t like bright lights. Their plants agree. I use low to medium light LEDs, set on a 6–8 hour timer. Mosses and rhizome plants thrive in low light. Floating plants help diffuse excess brightness too.
High light means more algae. More algae means more cleaning. Keep it simple. Low light works.
Final Thoughts
Plants for Shrimp Tank don’t just improve the look—they’re essential for shrimp health. Whether you’re raising Red Cherries or Crystal Reds, the right plants make all the difference. I’ve tested, failed, succeeded, and refined my approach.
Here’s my final advice: keep it natural, keep it simple, and always choose plants that work with shrimp, not against them.
Let your shrimp tank be a living ecosystem—not just a glass box with water. That’s how I do it, and my shrimp couldn’t be happier.
If i die, water my plants!
