Guide to Maximizing Revenue with High-Margin Shrimp Habitat Products

Substrates: Explain to customers that there are two main categories. Inert Substrates (like sand or gravel) are perfect for hardy Neocaridina shrimp (Cherry, Blue Dream, etc.) as they do not alter water chemistry. Active/Buffering Substrates, on the other hand, are essential for sensitive Caridina shrimp (Crystal Red, Taiwan Bees) as they buffer the pH to a lower, more stable level. Guiding a customer to the correct substrate is your first step in becoming their trusted advisor. 

Hardscape (Driftwood): This is arguably the most important habitat product you can sell. We recommend stocking a variety to suit every tank size and style. Cholla Wood is a must-have for its porous, hollow structure that's perfect for biofilm growth. Spiderwood, with its fine, intricate branches, creates an ideal natural thicket for shrimplets. For a bolder look, dense Mopani Wood leaches beneficial tannins that mimic a natural environment. Tropical Fish International is proud to now offer a curated selection of these and other shrimp-safe driftwoods. 

Essential Mosses: No shrimp tank is complete without a portion of Java Moss, Christmas Moss, or Pellia. These plants are biofilm powerhouses, require very little light, and provide invaluable cover for tiny shrimplets to hide from predators. 

Easy Plants: Recommend other shrimp-safe, low-maintenance plants like small Anubias or Bucephalandra species, which can be glued to the driftwood you just sold them. 

Indian Almond Leaves (Catappa): These should be presented as a necessity, not an option. As they break down, they release tannins and provide a continuous, natural food source that shrimp will graze on for weeks. 

Alder Cones: These smaller botanicals serve a similar purpose, offering unique decorative appeal while functioning as a food source and biofilm surface. 

Specialized Shrimp Foods: Explain that shrimp require a diet rich in vegetable matter and minerals to support their exoskeleton. We recommend offering a range of quality pellet or powder foods, such as the specially formulated Liveaquaria brand foods, which are designed to meet the unique dietary needs of invertebrates. 

Feeding Dishes: This is a simple but brilliant accessory. A small glass or ceramic feeding dish prevents food from fouling the substrate, reducing waste and preventing water quality issues. It's an easy and profitable add-on to any food sale. 

GH/KH Mineralizers: Explain to customers that shrimp need specific levels of General Hardness (GH) to build a strong exoskeleton for a successful molt. For customers with soft tap water or those using RO water, a shrimp-specific mineralizer is essential. This single product can be the difference between failure and a breeding colony.