That water change schedule is fine. Maybe do a 30% change once a month. They love new fresh water. I've only had whatever species of shrimp that red cherry shrimp are. I'm still relatively new to shrimp, had mine for a year. I have both red cherries and pumpkin shrimp (same species, different color). Being that these are the only ones I've had I'd recommend them. I was told when setting up my shrimp tank that they were a good beginner one and I'd have to agree. But if you're willing to spend a little more there are other colors of the cherry species like snow, blue, and yellow.