What Is Biofilm and Why Is It Important?

Biofilm is a thin layer of bacteria, algae, and fungi that naturally grows in your shrimp tank. Shrimp and snails love to eat this layer because it gives them a steady source of food throughout the day.

These tiny organisms create a clear, sticky slime that helps them stick to surfaces like plants, rocks, driftwood, and even the glass walls of your tank. This slime is called Glycocalyx, which means “sugar coat.” It holds a lot of energy, making it a great snack for shrimp.

You can think of biofilm as a built-in food supply for your shrimp. When the tank has a good amount of it, your shrimp can eat naturally without you having to feed them all the time. But if there isn’t much biofilm, your shrimp might not get enough to eat, especially baby shrimp that need to feed constantly. That’s why a healthy layer of biofilm is important for a stable tank.

It’s a good idea to let your shrimp tank run for a few weeks after cycling before adding any shrimp. This gives the biofilm time to grow, which makes the tank safer and more comfortable for your shrimp. Just remember having a lot of biofilm doesn’t always mean the tank is fully ready. Always test your water (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels) to make sure everything is safe before adding shrimp.