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Here is an overview about soils which are often used in shrimp tanks. Be aware that the pH-adjusting capacity depends on the hardness (KH and GH) of your tap water. The soil will lose effect after some months. Most tanks are cycling between 12 and 24 month with active soil.

My logfiles show that many visitors of this blog are interested in information about soil. Well, I must admit that I have changed my opinion about soil within a few months. After experiencing problems with Shirakura Red Bee Sand and overall good experience with Akadama bonsai gravel and ADA Malaya, I am now thinking that the best soil cannot replace optimal water parameter.

Active soils provide assistence by regulating your water parameter. At best they provide the tank with soft and slight acid water for a period of 12 months or so. Special plants soils like the one from Olliver Knott or Amano are made for planted aquariums originally. This is why the include parts wich are not obligatory needed for a shrimp breeding tank.

I think it is the best to use passive soil and to fill the tank with water that has been adjusted for your shrimps. This means that an RO-system for osmosis water or an deminaeralizer is the key to succes. By mixing your tap water with osmosis water or by adding minerals to osmosis water, you have full control over all water parameter. Active shrimp soils can help housing and breeding your shrimp succesfully, but they are just an interim solution.