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[ARRIVED 15-JAN-2026] UP Aqua Shrimp Sand 2kg

Description

UP Aqua Shrimp Sand – 2kg

Shrimp-focused buffering substrate designed to support breeding, colour, and stable soft-water conditions

Quick Facts

  • Weight: Approx. 2 kg
  • Type: Shrimp buffering substrate
  • Colour: Black
  • Best For: Shrimp tanks & planted aquariums
  • pH Effect: Buffers toward approx. 6.5
  • Suitable For: Caridina, Neocaridina & soft-water setups

Is this for you?

✔️ Good if:

  • You keep freshwater shrimp
  • You want stable soft-water conditions
  • You run a shrimp breeding setup
  • You prefer dark substrate for stronger shrimp colour contrast

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep hard-water species requiring alkaline conditions
  • You want an inert substrate with no buffering effect
  • You frequently disturb substrate layers
  • You only keep large digging fish

Why this substrate?

UP Aqua Shrimp Sand is engineered specifically for shrimp keeping, helping create a stable environment that supports moulting, breeding, and overall shrimp health.

Its buffering capability gently lowers and stabilises pH, making it particularly useful for soft-water shrimp species such as Caridina.

The black substrate colour also enhances shrimp visibility and colour contrast, making reds, blues, and patterned shrimp stand out more clearly.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing with high-buffering alkaline substrates
  • Using untreated hard tap water
  • Constantly disturbing substrate during maintenance
  • Expecting instant water parameter changes
  • Overcleaning beneficial substrate bacteria

Setup made simple

  • Rinse lightly only if required
  • Add as base layer to shrimp aquarium
  • Fill tank slowly to avoid disturbing substrate
  • Allow cycling before livestock introduction
  • Monitor pH and water parameters during setup

Pair with

  • RO water and remineraliser
  • Shrimp-safe sponge filtration
  • Leaf litter and botanicals
  • Caridina or Neocaridina shrimp
  • Low-tech planted aquascapes
NTA Insight:
Shrimp substrate matters more than many hobbyists realise. Stable pH and mineral balance often influence breeding success more than expensive shrimp food or additives.

FAQ

Does this lower pH?

Yes. It is designed to buffer water toward a softer, lower pH environment around 6.5.

Is this suitable for Neocaridina shrimp?

Yes. It can be used for both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp setups.

Can I use this in planted tanks?

Yes. It is suitable for planted freshwater aquariums.

Do I need to rinse it?

Light rinsing may be used if needed, but excessive rinsing may reduce fine beneficial particles.

Will it affect water chemistry?

Yes. It is an active substrate designed to influence pH and water stability.

[ARRIVED 15-JAN-2026] UP Aqua Shrimp Sand 2kg

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3 in stock

$30.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    UP Aqua Shrimp Sand – 2kg

    Shrimp-focused buffering substrate designed to support breeding, colour, and stable soft-water conditions

    Quick Facts

    • Weight: Approx. 2 kg
    • Type: Shrimp buffering substrate
    • Colour: Black
    • Best For: Shrimp tanks & planted aquariums
    • pH Effect: Buffers toward approx. 6.5
    • Suitable For: Caridina, Neocaridina & soft-water setups

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Good if:

    • You keep freshwater shrimp
    • You want stable soft-water conditions
    • You run a shrimp breeding setup
    • You prefer dark substrate for stronger shrimp colour contrast

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep hard-water species requiring alkaline conditions
    • You want an inert substrate with no buffering effect
    • You frequently disturb substrate layers
    • You only keep large digging fish

    Why this substrate?

    UP Aqua Shrimp Sand is engineered specifically for shrimp keeping, helping create a stable environment that supports moulting, breeding, and overall shrimp health.

    Its buffering capability gently lowers and stabilises pH, making it particularly useful for soft-water shrimp species such as Caridina.

    The black substrate colour also enhances shrimp visibility and colour contrast, making reds, blues, and patterned shrimp stand out more clearly.

    Common mistakes

    • Mixing with high-buffering alkaline substrates
    • Using untreated hard tap water
    • Constantly disturbing substrate during maintenance
    • Expecting instant water parameter changes
    • Overcleaning beneficial substrate bacteria

    Setup made simple

    • Rinse lightly only if required
    • Add as base layer to shrimp aquarium
    • Fill tank slowly to avoid disturbing substrate
    • Allow cycling before livestock introduction
    • Monitor pH and water parameters during setup

    Pair with

    • RO water and remineraliser
    • Shrimp-safe sponge filtration
    • Leaf litter and botanicals
    • Caridina or Neocaridina shrimp
    • Low-tech planted aquascapes
    NTA Insight:
    Shrimp substrate matters more than many hobbyists realise. Stable pH and mineral balance often influence breeding success more than expensive shrimp food or additives.

    FAQ

    Does this lower pH?

    Yes. It is designed to buffer water toward a softer, lower pH environment around 6.5.

    Is this suitable for Neocaridina shrimp?

    Yes. It can be used for both Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp setups.

    Can I use this in planted tanks?

    Yes. It is suitable for planted freshwater aquariums.

    Do I need to rinse it?

    Light rinsing may be used if needed, but excessive rinsing may reduce fine beneficial particles.

    Will it affect water chemistry?

    Yes. It is an active substrate designed to influence pH and water stability.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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