It is possible that you keep shrimps without a fish tank filter. To find out how to do so, you can take a look at this build guide from Aquarium Blueprints.
Quick Summary
In order to build an unfiltered shrimp tank, you will need a deep substrate, live plants and snails to take care of the biological and mechanical filtration.
We also recommend getting a heater to keep the temperature warm enough for your pet inverts. A top cover for the shrimp tank will also help prevent your shrimps from escaping, tank water from evaporating and bugs from getting into the aquarium.
Substrate
Since you aren’t using a filter, having a deep substrate will be extremely important for the beneficial bacteria colonies that will help keep your tank water pristine by removing ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
For the uninformed, both ammonia and nitrite are extremely toxic to shrimps. While nitrate isn’t as toxic, it will eventually harm your pet inverts if you let it build up over time.
A substrate provides surface area for the beneficial bacteria colonies that will consume ammonia and nitrites. Because the deeper parts of a substrate lack oxygen, these locations are a great place for the nitrate-eating bacteria to grow on.
Therefore, we recommend that the substrate should at least 2 inches deep. The deeper it is, the more efficient your tank will be at biological filtration.
Aquarium sand is great as its grain is so small that it will fit into every nook and cranny, which will maximize the space in your tank.
Live Plants
Having live plants if important if you are building an unfiltered shrimp tank. These will help keep the water quality high by consuming ammonia and nitrates. Furthermore, plants will also provide surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies as well.
When it comes to what specific plants you should get, we have great success growing both Java Fern and Java Moss. Both don’t need to be planted into the substrate and can grow with just ambient room lighting.
Snails
Without a filter, your shrimp tank won’t have any mechanical filtration. Fortunately, snails are more than capable enough to keep your aquarium looking clean.
Ramshorn Snails, for example, will eat any leftover foods, keep the glass or acrylic clean, and will eat any unhealthy plants.
Snails are also a great indicator if you are overfeeding your shrimps. If you feed too much, then the snail population will explode and take over your tank. So, if you see an abundance of snails, then you should start adding less food to the aquarium.
Heater
We also recommend getting a heater as it will help keep your tank water within the optimal range for your shrimps.
Without a heater, the temperature may drop, causing quality of life and health issues for your pet inverts.
Aquarium Top
Moreover, you should cover the top of your aquarium tank as doing so will prevent water evaporation and stop your shrimps from escaping. A top should also shield the shrimps from any harmful insects that may lay their eggs into the tank.