New Tank for the Holidays? Read This Before Adding Shrimp or Fish
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The holidays are one of the most exciting times of the year for aquarium hobbyists. New tanks, new equipment, and big plans for beautiful shrimp, fish, and planted setups. If you or someone you know received an aquarium for Christmas, welcome to the hobby, you’re in the right place.
That said, one of the biggest mistakes new tank owners make happens right after the holidays: adding livestock too soon.
At Errly Aquatics, our top priority is the health and long-term success of the animals we sell. Before you add shrimp, fish, or snails to a brand-new aquarium, there are some very important steps that must happen first.
Why You Can’t Add Livestock Right Away
A brand-new tank may look clean and ready, but biologically, it’s empty.
Aquariums rely on beneficial bacteria to process waste. Fish and shrimp produce ammonia, which is toxic even at low levels. In a mature tank, bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite, then into nitrate, a process known as the nitrogen cycle.
In a new tank:
- There is no beneficial bacteria
- Ammonia builds up quickly
- Livestock can die within hours or days
This is why cycling your tank is non-negotiable.
What Does “Cycling a Tank” Mean?
Cycling is the process of establishing beneficial bacteria so your aquarium can safely support life.
This process typically takes:
- 2–6 weeks, sometimes longer
- Consistent water testing
- Patience (the hardest part)
Only once ammonia and nitrite are consistently at 0 ppm is the tank safe for livestock.
We’ve put together a complete guide covering everything you’ll need and how to do it in our How to Cycle a New Aquarium guide.
DOs of Getting a New Tank After the Holidays
DO cycle your tank before buying livestock
Use a liquid test kit and confirm:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: present but controlled
If you’re keeping shrimp, stable parameters matter even more than speed.
DO research your livestock before buying
Not all shrimp, fish, or snails are beginner-friendly.
- What temperature do they need?
- Are they compatible with each other?
- Do they need stable parameters or specific water conditions?
Neocaridina shrimp, for example, are far more forgiving than Caridina, but still require a cycled tank. Shrimp and fish are pets, do the bare minimum and research their needs!
DO let plants establish first
Live plants help stabilize water quality, absorb nitrates, and make shrimp feel safer. A planted tank that’s been running for weeks is far healthier than a bare new setup.
DO be patient
Add livestock only after you've confirmed your tank is safe and within parameters. This can take time, but is crucial to a happy and healthy environment for your soon to be fish and shrimp friends.
DON’Ts of a New Holiday Aquarium
DON’T add shrimp or fish “just to see if it works”
Livestock are not test kits. If parameters aren’t ready, animals suffer.
DON’T trust cloudy water to clear up on its own
Cloudy water often indicates bacterial blooms, unstable cycling, or overfeeding. Adding livestock during this phase usually ends badly.
DON’T rely on test strips
Test strips are inaccurate and inconsistent. For shrimp and sensitive species, liquid test kits are required.
DON’T rush because you’re excited
Rushing is the fastest way to turn excitement into frustration. Patience now saves money, time, and lives later.
When Should You Add Livestock?
You’re ready when:
- The tank has been running several weeks
- Ammonia and nitrite are consistently at zero
- Water parameters are stable day to day
- You understand the needs of the animals you’re buying
At Errly Aquatics, we’re always happy to help you determine if your tank is truly ready before you place an order.
Our Commitment at Errly Aquatics
We love shrimp, fish, and the aquarium hobby as a whole. That’s why we care deeply about where our livestock goes and how it’s kept.
If you received a tank this holiday season, take your time, build a solid foundation, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
A properly prepared aquarium leads to healthier animals, better color, stronger breeding, and a far more enjoyable experience overall.
When you’re ready — we’ll be here.
Happy cycling,
Errly Aquatics