Caridina Water Parameters & How to Remineralize RO Water
Caridina shrimp like Blue Bolts, Pure Red Lines, Shadow Pandas and Tigers are some of the most beautiful shrimp in the hobby. They’re also the most particular about water.
The good news: once you understand a handful of numbers and build a simple routine, Caridina water is very manageable. This guide explains the parameters and how to remineralize RO water step by step.
Why Caridina Need Special Water
Most Caridina sold in the hobby, especially bee and Taiwan Bee shrimp, come from soft, slightly acidic water. Most tap water is harder, has more carbonate buffering (KH) and runs at a higher pH.
Shrimp molt to grow. Water that’s too hard, too soft or swinging up and down makes molting harder, which is why stable, soft water matters so much.
Caridina Water Parameters
Ranges vary between breeders and care sources. These are commonly cited targets for bee and Taiwan Bee Caridina:
| Parameter | Commonly cited range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | About 68–74°F |
| pH | About 5.8–6.8 |
| GH | 4–6 dGH |
| KH | 0–1 dKH |
| TDS | About 100–150 ppm |
Tiger shrimp are often described as a bit more flexible, but the same soft-water setup suits them well.
💡 Choose a target inside these ranges and keep it there. Steady water matters more than a “perfect” number.
What Each Parameter Means
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
TDS is the total amount of dissolved material in your water, measured in ppm with an inexpensive TDS meter. In a Caridina tank, it’s your quickest daily check that nothing has drifted.
GH (General Hardness)
GH measures calcium and magnesium, which shrimp need to build new shells. Too little can cause failed molts. Too much is also a problem for soft-water species.
KH (Carbonate Hardness)
KH is buffering capacity. Caridina tanks run with KH near zero so an active soil can hold pH low. If KH rises, pH follows.
pH
pH in a Caridina tank is mainly controlled by the active soil, not by additives. If pH starts creeping up over months, your soil may be wearing out.
How to Remineralize RO Water for Caridina
What You Need
- RO or RO/DI water (near 0 TDS)
- A Caridina GH+ remineralizer (GH-only, not GH/KH)
- A clean bucket used only for aquarium water
- A TDS meter and GH test
- A heater or a way to match temperature
Step by Step
- Fill a bucket with RO water. Check that TDS reads near zero.
- Add GH+ mineral slowly, following the product directions. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Test TDS and GH. Add a little more or a splash of RO until you hit your target.
- Match temperature to your tank.
- Use it for water changes, about 10% weekly for most tanks.
Never dose minerals directly into the tank. Mix in a bucket first so shrimp only ever see finished water.
Topping Off
Water evaporates, but minerals stay behind. Top off evaporation with plain RO water, not remineralized water. Otherwise TDS creeps up week by week.
Active Soil: The Other Half of the System
An active buffering soil lowers pH and absorbs carbonate hardness. Together with soft, remineralized RO water, it keeps conditions stable.
New active soils can release ammonia at first, so give the tank time to cycle fully before adding shrimp.
Botanicals for Caridina Tanks
Many keepers add Indian almond leaves and cholla wood. They release tannins, grow biofilm for grazing and give shrimp cover.
Caridina We Carry
- Extreme Blue Bolt
- Pure Red Line (PRL)
- BKK Shadow Panda
- OE Black Devil
- Orange Eye Red King Kong
- Moscow Black Ribbon
- Coral Double Sword
- Red Fancy Tiger, Tangerine Tiger and Purple Metallic Nanacy Tiger
Common Mistakes
- Using a GH/KH remineralizer that raises KH.
- Topping off with remineralized water.
- Big water changes with unmatched TDS or temperature.
- Chasing pH with chemicals instead of relying on active soil.
- Adding shrimp before the tank is cycled and mature.
Shipping
We ship Monday through Wednesday. Shrimp are covered by our live arrival guarantee on any shipping method. See our Shipping & Return Policy.
FAQ
Can I use tap water for Caridina?
Usually not. Most tap water has too much KH and too many dissolved minerals. Some keepers with naturally very soft tap water manage, but RO plus GH+ is the reliable standard.
What’s the difference between GH+ and GH/KH+?
GH+ adds calcium and magnesium without raising KH, which is what Caridina need. GH/KH+ products also raise KH and are meant for Neocaridina.
How often should I test my water?
Check TDS often, especially before and after water changes. Test GH, KH and pH regularly and whenever something seems off.
Why is my pH rising in my Caridina tank?
Often the active soil is wearing out, or KH is creeping up from rocks, decorations or the wrong remineralizer.
What TDS should I aim for?
Commonly cited targets are about 100–150 ppm. Many keepers run around 110–130 ppm.
