Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about QT Shrimp care, water preparation, shipping, and order policies.

What water parameters do you recommend for Caridina shrimp?
  • Temperature: 68–72°F
  • pH: 5.5–6.2
  • TDS: 100–115
  • GH: 3–5
  • KH: 0–1

Stable parameters are more important than constantly adjusting the water to chase an exact number.

What soil do you use?

I use ADA Amazonia V2, an active aquarium soil that helps maintain the soft, acidic conditions preferred by Caridina shrimp. New active soil can release ammonia, so the aquarium must be fully cycled and stable before shrimp are added.

Do you use tap water or RO water?

I use reverse-osmosis (RO) water as a low-mineral starting point. RO water provides better control and consistency than untreated tap water. Pure RO water should not be used by itself because shrimp require appropriate minerals.

How do you remineralize RO water?

I use a liquid GH+ remineralizer formulated for Caridina shrimp. The RO water is remineralized gradually until the target GH and TDS are reached. Always measure the prepared water instead of relying only on a fixed dose, because source water and actual water volume can vary.

Does my aquarium need to be cycled?

Yes. Shrimp should only be added to a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable parameters, zero ammonia, and zero nitrite. Matching the listed parameters does not replace proper cycling and biological stability.

When do you ship live shrimp?

All orders placed before Sunday will ship the following Monday or Tuesday. Orders placed on Sunday or afterward will ship on Monday or Tuesday of the next shipping week.

For a future scheduled delivery, please message me before ordering to arrange a suitable shipping date.

Weather, holidays, or carrier conditions may delay shipment for animal safety. Tracking information is provided after your order ships. Dry goods may ship separately from live shrimp.

How do Orange Eye genetics work in Project Caridina?

F1 generation: Crossing a non-Orange Eye Caridina with a Caridina that visibly has orange eyes produces F1 offspring. All F1 offspring carry Orange Eye genetics even when they do not visibly express orange eyes.

F1 × Orange Eye = F2A

A confirmed F1 carrier is bred with a shrimp that visibly has orange eyes. Expected averages are:

  • 50% Orange Eye offspring
  • 50% non-orange-eyed Orange Eye carriers

F1 × F1 = F2B

Two confirmed F1 carriers are bred together. Expected averages are:

  • 25% Orange Eye offspring
  • 50% non-orange-eyed Orange Eye carriers
  • 25% non-orange-eyed non-carriers

Non-orange-eyed F2 carriers and non-carriers can look identical, so individual carrier status cannot be confirmed by appearance. Breeding selected F2 shrimp and evaluating their offspring is the practical way to identify hidden carriers.

F2 listing notice: F2 Project Caridina packs do not include shrimp that visibly express orange eyes. I remove those shrimp from the sale groups and retain them as breeders. The remaining shrimp are sold as potential carriers.

Genetic percentages are expected averages. Actual results vary between pairings, clutches, and generations.

Do you use heat or ice packs?

Shipments are packed in an insulated box. Ice packs may be used when appropriate for warm weather. I do not use heat packs. Weather conditions can affect the required shipping method or shipment date.

What is your DOA policy?

DOA coverage is available only for orders shipped using 1-day shipping. Orders shipped using 2-day shipping are not eligible for DOA coverage. All other DOA policy requirements still apply.

I have a standard 1-hour DOA policy. Contact me within one hour of the carrier-recorded delivery time and provide clear photos of the shrimp inside the original, unopened bag with the shipping label visible. Do not open or alter the bag before documenting the claim.

DOA coverage requires delivery on the first carrier attempt. Missed delivery attempts, customer-requested holds or rescheduling, an incorrect address, or changes made after shipment void coverage. Any extra “+” shrimp are intended to cover minor losses.

How are approved DOA claims resolved?

Approved claims may receive a refund for the affected shrimp, excluding shipping charges, or a replacement shipment. The customer is responsible for shipping costs on replacement orders.

Can live shrimp be returned or exchanged?

No. Live-animal sales are final, and live shrimp cannot be returned or exchanged because of animal welfare and biosecurity concerns. Problems present at delivery must be reported under the one-hour DOA policy.

Can dry goods be returned?

Contact me before returning any dry goods. Items must be unused and unopened, and all returns require approval before being shipped back. Unauthorized returns may not be accepted.

Should I contact you before buying a High Grade shrimp?

Yes. Please contact me before purchasing a High Grade shrimp so I can confirm that the currently available specimen meets your quality expectations.

How can I contact QT Shrimp?

Use my Contact page. For questions about an order, include your order number and the email address used at checkout.

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