Determine whether or not your cichlid breeds are compatible with shrimp. For instance, an Oscar cichlid will definitely eat any shrimp it sees in its tank, but an angelfish will not. Use better judgment and do not try to house shrimp with aggressive cichlids.
Drop a mesh fry net cube into the aquarium. These cubes are intended for hatching fry but are excellent for housing shrimp in multi-communal aquariums. The cube won't sink, because it comes with suction cup anchors for the sides of the aquarium. Select one that is small enough to sit to just one side of the aquarium.
Introduce your shrimp to the fry cube. Most freshwater shrimp breeds are tiny, such as the ghost shrimp. Having them in a mesh enclosure within the tank keeps them safe and also keeps them easy to view.
Release your shrimp from the net after a week if the cichlids in your tank show no signs of aggression or interest toward them.
