The Substrate Debate

I often read on forums and a few blogs about the differing opinions on the need for substrate and the affect of substrate color in a dwarf shrimp aquarium. So does a dwarf shrimp aquarium need substrate and does color matter?

Is it needed?
The simple answer is no, it is not needed but it is very beneficial. Every attempt I have ever made to breed dwarf shrimp in a bare bottom aquarium was met with only mediocre results when compared to aquariums with even a small layer of substrate.

What are the benefits?
There are many benefits to having substrate in a dwarf shrimp aquarium. First of all dwarf shrimp enjoy having a surface that is rough and easy for them to climb around on. Next, the substrate ads a ton of surface area for beneficial bacteria. Another benefit is that dwarf shrimp will almost always display colors that are more vivid when they have a dark substrate.

What should I use
The type of substrate is not important as long as it is aquarium safe. The most important factor is knowing what you are putting into your aquarium. Some substrates will alter the pH and if this is not accounted for it can be deadly to dwarf shrimp! In the end, Fluval Stratum Substrate is what we use always and recommend to others.