Whether you are a new budding hobbyist or a seasoned player in the aquatic world, Blue Dream Shrimp are an excellent addition to your aquarium. These non-aggressive crustaceans are very easy to care for and are resilient in a wide range of water parameters. 

If you are new to this and feel confused, don't worry, we are here to help. This guide will help you understand what the Blue Dream Shrimp is and everything they would possibly need to thrive in your aquatic paradise. If you take care of these blue friends, they will reward you by offering hours of entertainment and relaxation.

Read on and find out all the essential details about Blue Dream Shrimp.

Blue Dream Shrimp - An Introduction 

Blue Dream Shrimp are part of the Neocaridina davidi family and are known for their striking, blue color. Some have a dark-blueish transparent body, while others have even darker hues that almost appear black. Since they are omnivores, they often feed on algae on aquarium plants and the substrates. 

Beginner hobbyists prefer them because of their non-aggressive nature and prolific breeding patterns. A quality feed helps them multiply quickly and form large colonies that look quite stunning when out in mass. However, to achieve the happiness required to get high breeding levels, you do require an optimal ecosystem and environment.

What is the Diet of Blue Dream Shrimp? 

Blue Dream Shrimp are omnivores, so they eat everything from biofilm, plant matter, or leftover fish food. Here is what you can add to your tank to provide enrichment and essential vitamins:

• Algae wafers: Algae wafers mimic the algae found in natural habitats and are an excellent source of nutrition for your Blue Dream Shrimp. 
• Vegetables: Blue Dream Shrimp love blanched vegetables. To keep your little blue buddies happy, offer them an occasional treat of spinach, zucchini, and cucumbers.
• Shrimp Pellets: These pellets also serve as a nutritious addition to the shrimp's diet. There are many different types out there. Shrimp King is our favorite.
• Fish food: Ground fish food is a perfect, low-cost alternative to pellets and wafers. Powdered fish food offers the benefits of feeding the whole ecosystem of your tank, and not just the Blue Dream Shrimp.  

Pro Tip:  Do not overfeed blue dream shrimp, as they might not eat it all. This could lead to rotting food in our aquarium, causing ammonia and nitrite spikes. Depending on the amount of shrimp in your community, feed once a week to every other day to keep the tank clean and the shrimp healthy. If food is left after 2 hours, remove it immediately so it does not rot. If you had to remove the food, scale back the amount you feed until all food is gone at every feeding cycle.

How to Breed Blue Dream Shrimp?

While many think Blue Dream Shrimp breeding is highly complex, but in reality, it isn't. The best part is that they breed rapidly if you provide them with ideal conditions. Here are the conditions they require for optimal breeding: 

Tank Setup for Blue Dream Shrimp 

Follow these tips to set up an ideal tank for your blue aquatic friends. 

1. Aquarium Tank 

The 10-gallon tank is usually recommended for Blue Dream Shrimp, but it might not work for everyone. The larger tank, the better suited it will be for beginners. Our suggestion is to try and opt for 20 gallons or above. It provides a much more stable environment for your shrimp. That is because it dilutes toxins that build up from organic matter and waste, while  providing ample room for shrimp colonies to grow and breed freely without overcrowding. 

2. Filter and Air Pumps 

When it comes to filters, the best method is sponge filters. They provide a decent amount of water flow and do not pose a risk for shrimps being sucked into a standard HOB filter. Blue Dream Shrimp, like a low-flow aquarium. Strong currents and turbulence makes it harder for them to move around and forage, causing unnecessary stress. 

Air pumps aren't mandatory, unless using a sponge filter, but useful in larger tanks to maintain a consistent oxygen flow. They are especially beneficial if you have a tank densely planted. It is important to remember that high-powered air pumps increase water flow, which shrimps have trouble in. Always opt for a low-powered pump which keeps adequate oxygen levels and a calm water flow. 

3. Aquarium Lights 

Your Blue Dream Shrimp might not require as much light as your plants do. Adjustable LED lights are the best choice here, as you can control how much light reaches the plants. Too much light can result in algae overgrowth and restrict the movement of the  Blue Dream Shrimp. Usually, 6–8 hours of light daily is ideal for  Blue Dream Shrimp and aquatic plants. 

4. GH/KH Test Kits 

The GH/KH test kits are essential to maintain stable water parameters. General hardness (GH) measures the concentration of calcium and magnesium, while carbonate hardness measures the water's buffering capacity to stabilize pH. Ideal levels for Blue Dream Shrimp are GH of 6-8 and KH of 2-4. Regular testing helps understand and manage general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH) in your shrimp aquarium.

5. Shrimp Salt 

Shrimp salt is a useful additive that maintains optimal levels of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. These are crucial for molting, shell development, and overall  Blue Dream Shrimp vitality. Shrimp salt is particularly useful if you use soft or reverse osmosis (RO) water, as it allows precise control over general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH). Use it sparingly according to the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid over-mineralizing the water. Our absolute favorite is the Salty Shrimp brand. They have great salts for Caridina, Neocaridina, and Sulawesi shrimp!

6. TDS Pens

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) pens are crucial for monitoring your  Blue Dream Shrimp tank's overall mineral and impurity levels. They are a quick and accurate indicator of water quality that measures salts, minerals, and organic compounds. The ideal TDS levels for Blue Dream Shrimp range between 220 and 300 ppm. 

TDS pens help you track changes caused by evaporation, overfeeding, or inadequate water changes. Hence, measuring TDS quickly indicates whether there aren't enough or too many minerals in the water column.

7. Aquarium Lid/Cover

While  Blue Dream Shrimp aren't known to escape tanks frequently, sudden fluctuations in water conditions may prompt them to do so. Amano shrimp are known to jump ship if given the chance. They are pretty agile, and any stress can certainly cause unexpected behavior. A tight-fitting lid prevents evaporation and ensures an even temperature throughout the tank. 

Lids also protect the tank from external contaminants like dust and debris and minimize the risk of predators like curious pets. Opt for a lid with ventilation or openings for equipment to ensure proper airflow and maintain optimal oxygen levels. 

Ideal Tank Mates for Blue Dream Shrimp 

Picking tank mates for your Blue Dream Shrimp is pretty straight forward by following this one simple general rule. That general rule is that if a  Blue Dream Shrimp fits in their mouth, they can, and will try to eat it. Imagine putting a angel fish in there only to discover it has turned your shrimp into a very expensive lunch. The following are some of the best choices to minimize your Blue Dream Shrimp from becoming an expensive snack. 

1. Cherry Shrimp 

The mother of all Neocaridina, however the term "Cherry Shrimp" could be replaced with Neocaridina. All Neocaridina species are the same when it comes to temperament. As a disclaimer, mixing colors will cause the offspring in future generations to start to revert to wild colors.

2. Ramshorn Snails 

These small freshwater snails are known for controlling algae growth, and are prolific breeders. They do not disturb  Blue Dream Shrimp and make excellent additions to your tanks clean-up crew. 

3. Otocinclus Catfish 

Otocinclus catfish, also know as dwarf suckers, are often considered good tank mates for Blue Dream Shrimp, as they are peaceful and primarily focus on algae. It is also the ONLY fish that don’t actively prey on Blue Dream Shrimp. 

4. Pygmy Corydoras 

This small fish stays at the bottom and helps keeps the tank clean. More importantly, it tends minds its own business, so your  Blue Dream Shrimp tends to stays safe. Our favorites are the ones with the little mustaches.

5. Chili Rasboras 

Chili Rasboras are generally peaceful, which makes them compatible with Blue Dream Shrimp. However, they can still become micro predators and eat small, newly born shrimplets. To protect  Blue Dream Shrimp fry, you need to add a few rocks or plants in the aquarium to provide a safe refuge for  Blue Dream Shrimp fry.

Plants for Blue Dream Shrimp Aquarium 

1. Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus) 

Java Fern is ideal for a low-maintenance plant that survives well in lowlight conditions. Its broad leaves provide extensive hiding spots for newly hatched Blue Dream Shrimp. In addition, its slow growth means you can plant and forget it for a while. 

2. Anubias 

Anubias is another hardy plant that doesn't require much light to thrive. It has thick leaves for shelter and grazing and can be attached to rocks. One of the reasons people prefer it is that it doesn't need aquarium substrate for growth. 

3. Java Moss 

Java Moss is one of the best choices for your  Blue Dream Shrimp water tank. It can be used in all tank sizes and provides ample space for  Blue Dream Shrimp to roam around or hide when they feel shy. Java Moss experiences dense growth under the right conditions and enough CO2 injection. 

4. Subwassertang Moss 

Subwassertang is a low-maintenance plant that provides an excellent foraging and protective environment for Blue Dream Shrimp. It brings aesthetic versatility to your tank and provides a comfortable foraging ground and sanctuary for your Blue Dream Shrimp and snails. Although it grows slowly, you should prune it occasionally to maintain its health and shape. 

5. Amazon Sword (Echinodorus Grisebachii) 

If you have a larger  Blue Dream Shrimp tank that can hold bigger plants, Amazon Sword can be a good choice. It requires moderate to intense light and helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the tank because of its broad leaves. Amazon Sword only grows well when its roots are fertilized, so ensure your aquarium soil is nutrient-rich. 

Conclusion 

Blue Dream Shrimp are a beautiful addition to any aquarium. By maintaining optimal conditions that involve restoring fresh water, using quality plants, and picking the right mates, you can cultivate a thriving population of these beautiful creatures. 

If you are also an aquatic enthusiast and want to add Blue Dream Shrimp to your aquariums, look no further than Superior Shrimp & Aquatics. Our store offers different pack sizes as well as a special breeder pack at the best possible prices. We also have a premium collection of aquatic plants, snails, botanicals, foods and supplements. 

Time to get your little blue aquatic friends and transform your aquarium.