Aquavitro Shrimp pHa™ — Acid pH Stabilizer (150 mL)
Aquavitro shrimp pHa™ is a pH-lowering buffer that replicates the acidic, ultra-soft blackwater chemistry of Caridina shrimp native habitats — primarily the highland peat streams of Borneo where Caridina cantonensis variants (Crystal Bee, Taiwan Bee, Pinto) originate. Its sodium-free buffer chemistry stabilizes pH in the acidic range without introducing sodium ions that disrupt the delicate osmotic balance of sensitive dwarf shrimp.
Shrimp Species Parameter Chart
Reference this when setting up parameters for each shrimp group. pHa is most critical for Caridina species requiring active soil substrates and acidic water to thrive and breed. Always use RO or distilled water remineralized to target TDS — tap water KH will continuously fight any acid buffer.
| Species Group | pH | GH | KH | TDS (µS/cm) | Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Crystal / Taiwan Bee (CRS, CBS, BKK, King Kong, Pinto, Mischling) |
5.8–6.8 | 4–6 dGH | 0–2 dKH | 100–150 | 68–74 |
|
Tiger Shrimp (OE Tiger, Tangerine Tiger) |
6.5–7.5 | 4–8 dGH | 1–4 dKH | 100–200 | 68–77 |
|
Neocaridina (Cherry, Bloody Mary, Blue Velvet, Blue Dream, Red Rili) |
6.5–7.5 | 6–8 dGH | 2–6 dKH | 150–250 | 65–77 |
|
Sulawesi Shrimp (Cardinal, White Orchid, Orange Eye) |
7.5–8.5 | 5–8 dGH | 4–8 dKH | 150–350 | 79–86 |
Key Features
- Lowers and stabilizes pH in the acidic range (5.8–6.8) for Caridina species
- Sodium-free buffer system — won't disrupt osmotic balance
- Also supports plant growth in shrimp aquariums
- Use alone or as part of the two-part pHa + pHb system (pHa for Caridina, pHb for Neocaridina/Sulawesi)
Dosing
- 2.5 mL (½ tsp) per 20 L (5 gal) every 12 hours until target pH is reached
- Dose can safely be doubled if needed
- Always use RO or distilled water — tap water KH will continuously fight the buffer
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.