🌿 Nettle (Urtica dioica) – Properties
Common nettle is a highly nutritious plant widely used in aquaculture and shrimp keeping, as well as in herbal medicine. In aquariums, it is used as a dietary supplement for shrimp, fish, and other invertebrates due to its rich nutrient content.
🔎 Composition & Nutritional Value
Protein: 20–25% – supports growth and molting
Vitamins: A, C, K, and B-complex
Minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, silicon, potassium
Silicic acid: supports exoskeleton formation in shrimp
Phytochemicals and flavonoids: antioxidant properties, support immunity
🌟 Properties & Benefits
1. Nutritional Benefits
Strengthens immune system and overall health
Supports exoskeleton development and hardness in shrimp
Provides essential vitamins and minerals for proper growth
Contains antioxidants to promote general wellness
2. Aquarium Use
Offered dried or boiled as a food additive
Can be used to prepare nettle infusions for shrimp
Stimulates biofilm growth, which shrimp feed on
Safe for all species of shrimp, fish, and snails
3. Effects on Shrimp and Fish
Improves coloration and overall condition
Supports healthy development of young shrimp
Enhances stress resistance and immunity
⚡ Tips
Feed in small amounts to avoid water pollution
Store dried nettle in a cool, dry place
Can be combined with other supplements, e.g., spirulina, alfalfa

 
Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae known for its high nutritional value. It is widely used as a supplement in freshwater and marine aquariums, especially for shrimp and small fish. Available as powder, flakes, or pellets, it is a natural source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and pigments, supporting healthy growth, molting, and coloration.
Properties:
Very high protein content (60–70%) – supports growth, molting, and regeneration
Carotenoids and phycocyanin – natural pigments enhancing shrimp coloration
Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B12, E, K – support immunity and overall health
Minerals: iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium – aid metabolism and exoskeleton development
Omega-3 fatty acids – improve condition and physiological functions
Supports biofilm growth, which shrimp feed on
Safe for all shrimp, fish, and snails
Enhances coloration and overall health
🌿 Spirulina – Benefits & Tips
Supports growth and molting – high protein content (60–70%)
Enhances shrimp and fish coloration – natural pigments: carotenoids and phycocyanin
Strengthens immunity and overall health – rich in vitamins: A, B1, B2, B12, E, K
Supports exoskeleton development – minerals: Fe, Mg, Ca, K
Improves condition and regeneration – omega-3 fatty acids
Stimulates biofilm growth – natural food source for shrimp
Tips
Feed small amounts, 2–3 times per week
Can soak flakes/powder in water before feeding
Combine with other healthy supplements (e.g., alfalfa, nettle) for a balanced diet
Store in a cool, dry place to preserve nutrients
Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues