BEST SUBSTRATE

For years, many hobbyists have debated which substrate is the best for keeping Sulawesi shrimp. Sand, rocks, or bare-bottom?

Sulawesi Shrimp come from Lakes on the Island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. They are rock-dweller and spend most of their lives on rocks.

This should be mimicked in the aquarium:

Type #1: Crushed Lava Rock

Crushed lava rock is a perfect fit for a natural Sulawesi shrimp tank!

It allows algae and biofilm to accumulate on it surface and allows beneficial bacteria to flourish.

Brands that offer this include: Eco-Complete, Alxyon, you might be able to find some at your local fish/hardware store

Type #2: Pool-Filter Sand or Aragonite Sand

Pool Filter Sand / Blasting Sand is a good option for any budget aquarium build, you can use it in a Sulawesi shrimp aquarium, although it doesn't have the beneficial that crushed lava rock and other sands have. It won't alter your tank's chemistry.

Aragonite Sand is another good option, as it buffers the pH to Sulawesi's favorite of around 8-8.3, it also will not completely impact your chemistry. It adds calcium, magnesium, and other mineral compounds which are beneficial to your shrimp. Just make sure you don't buy sand intended for a saltwater aquarium!

Brands that offer these products include: Eco-Complete, Carib Sea, and for blasting sand, your local hardware store.

Type #3: River Stones

Not nearly as beneficial in your aquarium, but isn't a bad option is river stones. They allow biofilm and algae to flourish, and places for shrimp to hide. Although you need to make sure that the river stones you use aren't collected from an unknown source, won't alter your water chemistry, and are safe for aquarium use

There are many more types of substrate you can use, but these are some good options! Contact us if you have any questions on substrate or care!

Type #4: Bare Bottom Setup

Sulawesi Shrimp require substrate for grazing, and hiding. Please do not ever make shrimp live in a bare-bottom tank. It's that simple.

Lake Matano Underwater

(c) credit to original owner