Dennerle Shrimp King Active Soil

Dennerle Shrimp King Active Soil

Dennerle Shrimp King Active Soil is an active aquarium substrate for shrimp tanks. It feeds nutrients into the tank and actively creates the soft, slightly acidic water that bee shrimp and other soft-water species need. Supplied in a 4 litre pack, it suits South African shrimp keepers setting up a dedicated breeding or display tank for demanding Caridina species.

Key Benefits

• Active substrate for shrimp aquaria: Built for shrimp keeping rather than adapted from a general planted-tank soil.
• Nutrient supply and substrate in one: One layer serves as the tank bed and as a source of nutrients, so there is no need to layer a separate nutrient base beneath it.
• Fertile volcanic soil (Andosol): Based on mineral-rich volcanic earth.
• Bio-filter function: Supports healthy, clear water in the shrimp tank.
• Actively creates soft, slightly acidic water: Shifts water chemistry towards the conditions found in soft-water species' natural habitats.
• Natural ion exchanger: Lowers pH and holds it steady in the slightly acidic range of around pH 6.0–6.5.
• Reduces carbonate hardness: Brings KH down to approximately 0–2 °d KH, depending on your source water, which makes the water much softer.
• Humic and fulvic acids: Acts as a natural source of these valuable acids without tinting the water, so your tank stays clear rather than tea-coloured.
• Minerals and trace elements: Carefully selected natural soils provide essential minerals and trace elements that support shrimp health and growth.
• 100% natural raw materials: Made entirely from natural soils.

Suitable For

Shrimp King Active Soil was developed specifically for successful shrimp keeping and breeding. It is especially suitable for all species that prefer soft, slightly acidic water, particularly bee shrimp, including these popular varieties:

• Crystal Red
• Red Bee
• Tiger Bees
• Shadow Shrimp

Water hardness varies from one South African region to the next, and many hobbyists struggle to keep bee shrimp in harder tap water. This substrate gives them a natural way to soften and acidify their tank water. The final KH depends on the starting chemistry of your source water.

Specifications

• Brand: Dennerle (Shrimp King range)
• Type: Active shrimp aquarium substrate
• Base material: Fertile volcanic soil (Andosol), made from 100% natural raw materials
• Target pH: Lowered and stabilised at around pH 6.0–6.5
• Carbonate hardness: Reduced to approximately 0–2 °d KH, depending on source water
• Additional function: Bio-filter function for clear water, plus a natural source of humic and fulvic acids without tinting
• Volume: 4 litres (1.1 gal)

What's Included

• Dennerle Shrimp King Active Soil, 4 litres (1.1 gal)

Frequently Asked Questions

What pH will Shrimp King Active Soil give my tank?
As a natural ion exchanger, it lowers pH and stabilises it in the slightly acidic range of around pH 6.0–6.5, which is ideal for soft-water species such as bee shrimp.

Will it soften hard South African tap water?
It reduces carbonate hardness to approximately 0–2 °d KH. The exact result depends on your source water, so it is worth testing KH after setup, especially if your local supply is on the harder side.

Which shrimp is this substrate best for?
It is especially suited to bee shrimp, including Crystal Red, Red Bee, Tiger Bees and Shadow Shrimp. It also suits any other species that prefers soft, slightly acidic water.

Will the humic acids stain my water brown?
No. The soil acts as a natural source of humic and fulvic acids without tinting the water.

What is Andosol?
Andosol is a fertile volcanic soil. It forms the base of Shrimp King Active Soil and helps supply essential minerals and trace elements that support shrimp health and growth.

Is this soil made from natural ingredients?
Yes. Shrimp King Active Soil is made from 100% natural raw materials, consisting of carefully selected natural soils.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

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Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

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Collection timeframes:

• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.

If a PUDO parcel is not collected within 36 hours, it will automatically be transferred to the nearest PUDO Kiosk or Depot at no additional cost. The parcel will then be held there for approximately 2 days before being returned.

Please ensure you collect your parcel within the applicable collection period. Uncollected parcels will be returned to the sender, and additional shipping charges may apply should the order need to be resent.