So basically I'm really stuck on which species to put in my tank. I got thrown into the whole aquascaping thing after watching a random video and was dead set on doing a Walstad tank. I've gotten it all set up and pretty heavily planted, now just waiting for it to cycle. I came across shrimp and was absolutely hooked.

My problem is, after doing research it seems like a Walstad tank is going to be tough for me to get parameters right for either species. Using a buffering substrate would obviously lean me towards Caridina, but I don't have the means to do RO water. I have read about many people using tap water and being successful, but they typically have soft water to start. The buffering substrate and lower ph due to that might make Neocaridina tough as well. I have also read that the nutrients in the soil can get used up pretty quickly and pH will start to raise.

I'm a little lost as to what to do. Obviously, getting the test kits is in the future to see what my parameters turn out to be. That is really the ultimate deciding factor. I do not plan on subjecting any shrimp to something that may stress them out and shorten their lives. I want them to thrive and be happy!

I know there is recommended parameters that are based off of what they would thrive in in the wild and that many people have made things successful in situations like me, but just as many have failed in situations like me. What should I do?