How to Remineralize RO Water for Caridina Shrimp (Step-by-Step Guide)

Caridina shrimp need soft, mineral-balanced water to breed, molt, and survive. Tap water is too inconsistent—and often contains copper or high KH. That’s why most breeders use RO (reverse osmosis) water, but RO is too pure on its own. The solution? Remineralization.

This guide walks you through exactly how to remineralize RO water using GH+ salts for Caridina shrimp, from gear to measurements.

Table of Contents

• Why Use RO Water for Caridina?
• What You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step: Mixing Remineralized Water
• Target Parameters for Caridina Shrimp
• How to Store Remineralized Water
• Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why Use RO Water for Caridina?

RO water strips everything—including beneficial minerals—from your source water. This lets you rebuild your parameters from scratch, eliminating unwanted copper, chlorine, KH, and unknown hardness spikes that can kill shrimp or ruin breeding cycles.

• Tap water: Often has unpredictable KH and GH, leads to pH swings
• RO water: Starts at 0 TDS — perfect blank slate for shrimp
• Remineralization: Adds just GH (not KH) to create ideal soft water for Caridina

What You’ll Need

• RO or RO/DI water (0–5 TDS)
• GH+ remineralizer: Salty Shrimp GH+ or SL-Aqua Blue Wizard (not GH/KH+)
• TDS pen (digital)
• Digital kitchen scale (grams preferred)
• Mixing container (bucket, jug, or brute bin)
• Stirring stick or air stone
• Thermometer (optional but ideal)

Important: Do not add minerals directly to your shrimp tank. Always mix separately and test before adding.

Step-by-Step: Mixing Remineralized Water

Here’s the most reliable method:

1. Fill your container with RO water (e.g. 5 gallons)
2. Using your scale, add GH+ powder gradually
3. Mix thoroughly with air stone or spoon
4. Test the TDS with your pen after 5–10 minutes
5. Adjust: Add more GH+ if TDS is too low, or dilute if too high
6. Let the mix sit for 1–2 hours before use to stabilize
7. Match temperature to tank before adding

Sample dosage guide (Salty Shrimp GH+): 1 level scoop (2g) per 10L raises TDS to ~100 ppm. Always test!

Target Parameters for Caridina Shrimp

How to Store Remineralized Water

• Keep it sealed in a clean container (food-safe plastic or glass)
• Label the container with TDS and date
• Use within 5–7 days for best results
• If it sits longer, retest TDS before using

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using tap or half-tap water: Inconsistent and may contain copper
• Using GH/KH+ instead of GH+: Adds unwanted KH that ruins pH stability
• Not testing TDS: Always test after mixing and before adding
• Mixing directly in the tank: Can shock shrimp and create uneven parameters

Final Thoughts

Properly remineralized RO water is the #1 secret to healthy, breeding Caridina shrimp. Once you get the hang of mixing, measuring, and matching parameters—you’ll never go back to guessing. Use this system and your shrimp will thrive long-term.

Want a printable cheat sheet for mixing GH+ with RO water at different volumes? Drop a comment and I’ll send one your way!