Aquavitro Shrimp GH™ — General Hardness Supplement (150 mL)
Aquavitro Shrimp GH™ — General Hardness Supplement (150 mL)
Aquavitro shrimp GH™ raises and maintains general hardness (GH) in freshwater shrimp aquariums using a complete spectrum of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and additional trace minerals in ratios matched to natural shrimp habitats. It is formulated for use with reverse osmosis or distilled water, which starts at GH ≈ 0 and cannot sustain shrimp health without remineralization.
What GH Actually Measures
General hardness (GH) quantifies the concentration of dissolved divalent cations — primarily calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) — in your water. It is measured in degrees of German hardness (°dH) or ppm; 1 °dH ≈ 17.9 ppm. GH is not the same as KH (carbonate hardness / alkalinity) — they measure entirely different parameters and can vary independently. This product raises GH only and does not affect KH or pH.
Why GH Is Critical for Shrimp
- Molting: Shrimp require adequate calcium and magnesium to synthesize a new exoskeleton after each molt. Insufficient GH is the leading cause of "stuck in molt" deaths — the new shell fails to harden and the shrimp cannot free itself from the old exuvia
- Enzyme function: Magnesium is a cofactor in hundreds of enzymatic reactions; calcium drives muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and reproductive success
- Osmotic regulation: Appropriate mineral concentration is necessary for shrimp to maintain internal fluid balance across the gill membrane
- RO/DI water starts at GH ≈ 0 — shrimp cannot survive in unmineralized RO water; remineralization is not optional
GH Targets by Species
| Species Group | Target GH (°dH) | Target pH | KH (°dH) | TDS (ppm) | Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal / Taiwan Bee (Caridina) | 4–6 | 5.8–6.8 | 0–2 | 100–150 | 68–74 |
| Tiger Shrimp (Caridina) | 4–8 | 6.5–7.5 | 1–4 | 100–200 | 68–77 |
| Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp, etc.) | 6–8 | 6.5–7.5 | 2–6 | 150–250 | 65–77 |
| Sulawesi (Cardinal, White Glove, etc.) | 5–8 | 7.5–8.5 | 4–8 | 150–350 | 79–86 |
Note: Caridina species (Crystal, Tiger, Taiwan Bee) require lower GH than Neocaridina. Using a Neocaridina-targeted remineralizer at too high a dose in a Caridina tank is a common and avoidable error. Always test GH with a dedicated test kit after dosing.
Dosing
- 5 mL (1 tsp) raises 20 L (5 gal) by approximately 2 °dH
- Dose new water before adding to the tank; test GH and adjust to target range before introducing shrimp
- Do not dose when topping off evaporated water — evaporation removes only water, not minerals; topping off with mineral-dosed water will progressively increase GH and TDS over time. Top off with plain RO water; only dose during actual water changes
Size: 150 mL
Expert guidance
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Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.