Video credit: Fluval Aquatics. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R00ocKv2WDc. This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, Shrimpyo earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
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Product breakdown
- CaribSea Eco-Complete
- Fluval Stratum
- ADA Amazonia
- UNS Controsoil
- Mosura shrimp soil
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
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This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, Shrimpyo earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
Think of the video as a setup in this class, not an exact shopping list. It shows how an active soil substrate works in a planted shrimp aquarium, from pouring and sloping the granules to planting and filling with clear water in mind.
What This Video Covers
This video from Fluval Aquatics covers Fluval Stratum shrimp tank setup, giving a real world look at a setup in this category. You see the dark, porous granules, how they settle into a soft bed, and why planted tank keepers like that texture for root growth and for beneficial bacteria colonization.
If you keep Neocaridina like cherry shrimp, this style suits you when you want plants and shrimp sharing the same small footprint. The soil gives stems and carpet plants something to grip, while shrimplets get tiny gaps to hide and graze. You feed in the open front and let the back stay a little wild for cover.
If you keep Caridina like crystal shrimp or Taiwan Bees, the same class of active soil helps you keep conditions on the soft and slightly acidic side, which many keepers prefer for comfort and breeding. Keep expectations qualitative here, since no verified GH, KH or TDS numbers are stated in this video, so we do not invent figures and we judge by plant response and shrimp behavior.
Scale matters a lot with soil. Keepers commonly report tanks around 10 gallons as a sweet spot for this kind of scape, because you can build a gentle front to back slope without using a huge volume of substrate. In smaller cubes you should keep depth modest near the front glass for feeding and viewing, and in larger tanks you should plan quantity by layout and volume, not by bag count alone.
Tradeoffs are real and worth stating early. Active soil buffers pH and lowers GH and KH, which changes how much remineralization you need afterward. Depth and brand affect buffering capacity and lifespan, so check the specific product data sheet for your tank volume, test after setup, and adjust minerals slowly. For background reading, browse our Active Soil + Substrate archive and our guide to best active soils tested for shrimp tanks.
Another tradeoff is softness against longevity. Light and porous granules are gentle on shrimplets and let roots spread fast, but they can soften further if you rescape often or dig with hard tools. Plant with tweezers, mist during planting, and fill slowly over a dish to protect clarity. If you want constant rescaping or very high flow, an inert bed may suit you better than an active soil bed.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of this article. The video shows a setup in this class, and we do not claim the creator used our exact picks. Use the table below to map what is common at this level to what you can buy in November 2026, then read the notes on the choices that matter most.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum 4.4 lbs
Prime ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 9L Planted Aquarium
Prime UNS Controsand Bora 3L Natural White Aquarium Sand
Prime CaribSea Eco-Complete African Cichlid Black Sand
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Pros
- Excellent for root development and sustained live plant vitality
- Supports stable, shrimp safe water chemistry with slightly acidic pH
- Porous structure encourages healthy biological filtration
- Does not cloud water or leach color when prepared correctly
Cons
- Soft granules can break apart over time and need gentle vacuuming
- 4.4 lb bag covers small tanks only, larger aquariums require multiple bags
- Buffers pH slightly lower, so not ideal for hard water species like African cichlids
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a 4.4 lb volcanic soil substrate made for freshwater planted aquariums. It is built for hobbyists growing live plants and keeping shrimp, bettas and other tropical fish that prefer soft, slightly acidic water.
In real tanks, it excels at root support and early plant establishment. The porous granules let roots spread easily while holding nutrients close, and the large surface area helps beneficial bacteria colonize quickly for clearer, more stable water.
The granules are lightweight, uniform and non compacting, which keeps the substrate bed oxygenated and easy for carpeting plants to root. It does not dye water and it helps reduce organic discoloration from driftwood, keeping the display clean and natural looking.
It is not perfect for every setup. The soft granules can crumble if handled roughly or vacuumed aggressively, and a single bag is best for nano tanks. It also buffers pH down slightly, so it is not suited for hard water fish that need alkaline conditions.
For planted nano tanks and shrimp colonies, this is one of the easiest and most reliable substrates to use. It balances plant growth, water quality and shrimp safety well, making it a smart choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.
Brand: Fluval, Model: 12693, Unit Count: 4.4 lbs, 70.4 ounces, Form: Porous granules. Designed for freshwater use only with fish, shrimp and live plants.
Function: Aquarium substrate for strong plant growth, supports neutral to slightly acidic pH. Lightweight and non compacting structure promotes root health and biological filtration.
Dimensions: 3 x 6 x 11 inches, Weight: 4.4 pounds. Manufacturer: Rolf C. Hagen USA Corp.
Use about 1 to 2 inches of Stratum for most planted tanks, with a deeper slope toward the back for stem plants. Rinse very lightly or not at all, then add water slowly over a plate or bag to prevent clouding and disturbing the granules.
Cycle the tank normally before adding shrimp, as the porous surface will help beneficial bacteria establish quickly. Vacuum gently above the surface during maintenance and avoid deep digging to keep granules intact.
Pros
- Superior plant growth and vibrant color from nutrient rich black soil plus root focused supplement
- Buffers pH and softens water to create ideal conditions for plants, tetras, shrimp and other soft water species
- Less algae and cloudy water issues than Version 1 according to experienced users
- Natural dark look and ideal granule texture for aquascaping slopes, carpets and stem plants
- Easy to use for beginners building a fully planted tank
Cons
- Causes an initial ammonia spike for several weeks, so tank must be cycled before adding fish or shrimp
- Nutrient supplement pellets are potent and must be placed carefully under the soil to avoid excess nutrients
- Premium aquasoil with higher upfront cost and may need root tabs over time as nutrients deplete
ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 is a 9 liter planted tank substrate made from rare Japanese black soil, designed for Nature Aquariums. It is built for beginners and experienced aquascapers who want lush growth, vivid color and crystal clear water.
Standout performance comes from the separate bag of Amazonia concentrate supplement placed under the soil to feed roots without clouding the water column. In real tanks, it buffers pH to slightly acidic soft water, supports strong root growth and helps reds and greens look richer.
The granules have a natural irregular shape with ideal size and density for planting and for holding slopes. The deep black color creates sharp contrast against plants and fish while giving a natural riverbed look that stays attractive over time.
The main drawback is the initial ammonia release during the first few weeks, which requires fishless cycling and frequent water testing. New hobbyists may also find the concentrate pellets strong if overdosed, and carpeting plants still need good light, CO2 and maintenance to thrive.
Overall, Amazonia Ver 2 remains the benchmark aquasoil for high tech planted tanks with cleaner water and fewer algae issues than the original. If you want premium substrate that rewards proper cycling with thriving plants and fish, this is the one to buy.
Brand: ADA, Model: Amazonia Ver 2, Volume: 9 Liters, Weight: 7 kg. Style: Japanese black soil for freshwater planted aquariums.
Includes base black soil plus separate Amazonia concentrate supplement for targeted root nutrition. Granule structure is designed for root development, aquascaping and natural appearance.
Best for freshwater Nature Aquariums with aquatic plants and soft water tropical fish. Not intended for marine or hard water cichlid setups.
Rinse is not required. Place concentrate pellets on the tank bottom where heavy root feeders will grow, then cap fully with Amazonia Ver 2 soil.
Fill slowly to avoid disturbing the substrate, then cycle fishless for several weeks with regular water changes and ammonia testing. Add plants early and livestock only after ammonia and nitrite read zero.
Use good lighting, CO2 and filtration for best carpet growth, and recharge with root tabs over time as nutrients are consumed.
Pros
- Soft fine grain is gentle on barbels, fins and shrimp
- Clean natural white look enhances plant colors and hardscape contrast
- Promotes stable rooting for live aquatic plants
- Versatile for aquariums, terrariums and paludariums
Cons
- Requires thorough rinsing before use to prevent cloudy water from fine particles
- Light white color shows fish waste, uneaten food and algae more easily and needs regular cleaning
- 3 liter bag provides limited coverage, so larger tanks will need multiple bags for proper depth
The Ultum Nature Systems Controsand Bora is a 3 liter natural white sand designed for freshwater planted aquariums and aquascaping. With a fine 0.4 to 0.9mm grain size, it is made for hobbyists keeping shrimp, bettas, bottom dwellers and community fish in aquariums, terrariums and paludariums.
In use, it provides a soft, siftable bed that shrimp and bottom dwelling species can explore without stress. The fine texture also anchors plant roots well, helping carpeting plants and stem plants establish and support a balanced ecosystem.
The sand has an irregular natural shape and clean white tone that brightens the tank and creates strong contrast with green plants, Dragon Stone and driftwood. It suits tropical, blackwater and biotope styles and works in both small nano tanks and larger aquascapes.
Maintenance is the main tradeoff. Like most white substrates, it shows debris and algae faster than darker sand, so light vacuuming and regular water changes help keep it bright. A good rinse before setup is also important to remove ultrafine dust and keep water clarity high.
Overall, Controsand Bora is an excellent pick for aquascapers who want a natural, plant friendly white sand that is safe for delicate livestock. If you want a bright, clean riverbed look with reliable planting performance, this is a strong choice.
Brand: Ultum Nature Systems, Model: UNSCSB3, Volume: 3 liters, Color: White, Grain Size: 0.4 to 0.9mm, Material: Natural sand.
Use: Planted aquariums and aquascaping, suitable for aquariums, terrariums and paludariums in tropical and blackwater styles.
Livestock Suitability: Shrimp, betta, bottom dwelling fish and community freshwater species that prefer soft, siftable substrate.
Pros
- Maintains high pH naturally for Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria cichlids
- Live bacteria plus porous grains support strong biological filtration
- No rinse, dust free formula makes setup cleaner and quicker
- Black sand creates striking contrast that makes fish colors pop
- Adds essential minerals to support long term water stability
Cons
- Black color shows waste and debris easily, needs regular vacuuming
- One 20-pound bag may not cover larger tanks, multiple bags often needed
- High pH buffering is not suitable for soft water fish, plants or shrimp
CaribSea Eco-Complete African Cichlid Zack Sand is a 20-pound black substrate made specifically for African Rift Lake cichlids and other high pH fish. It is ideal for hobbyists setting up Malawi, Tanganyika or Victoria biotopes who want stable chemistry from the start.
The standout benefit is automatic pH buffering with calcium, magnesium and carbonate to resist the drops common in cichlid systems. Packed in a water conditioning solution with live purifying bacteria, it helps cycle new tanks faster while supporting long term biological filtration through its porous grains.
The fine Zack sand texture looks natural, encourages digging and sifting, and makes the colors of African cichlids stand out against the black background. The aragonite based grains are uniform and require no rinsing, so setup is cleaner and quicker than with typical sands.
Black sand does show uneaten food and waste more readily, so regular vacuuming is needed to keep it looking sharp. Because it actively buffers for high pH, it is not a good choice for soft water communities, tetras, discus or shrimp that need acidic conditions.
For dedicated African cichlid keepers, this is a convenient all in one solution that combines chemistry, biology and aesthetics. If you want Rift Lake conditions without constant chemical dosing, Eco-Complete is a proven, low maintenance foundation for a healthier tank.
Brand: CaribSea, Model 00777, 20-Pound black Zack sand for African cichlids.
Material: Aragonite based sand with calcium, magnesium and carbonate for pH buffering.
Biological: Contains live water purifying bacteria, packed in conditioning solution, no rinsing required.
Use: Freshwater Rift Lake cichlid aquariums, product dimensions 20 x 2 x 13 inches, made in USA.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full video | setup | a similar setup in this class | CaribSea Eco-Complete | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluval Stratum | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | ADA Amazonia | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | UNS Controsoil | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Mosura shrimp soil | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. |
Substrate choice drives everything else in this kind of tank. A porous volcanic soil gives nitrifying organisms room to colonize quickly, which helps the tank settle, and it gives newborn shrimp shelter until they are bold enough to graze in the open. That shelter effect is one reason planted shrimp tanks often show calmer shrimplets than bare bottom setups.
Buffering is the second big choice. Active soils soften conditions in a qualitative way, which is why you should retest after the soil settles and follow your mineral product dosing chart instead of guessing. If you want very stable high pH for other livestock, this softening path is not for you, and you should pick a different system from the start.
Depth and handling round it out. A gentle slope looks natural and gives stems room to root in back while keeping the front open for feeding dishes and viewing. Pour dry, mist lightly, plant with tweezers, then fill slowly to protect clarity and keep fine particles settled where they belong.
My Experience
I run Neocaridina cherry shrimp in a planted tank at a size keepers commonly report as 10 gallons, with a sloped soil bed, driftwood, and easy stems. When I used a product like Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum, roots took hold fast, the bed stayed soft for shrimplets, and water stayed clear after a careful first fill. It is designed to sustain a neutral to slightly acidic pH range and to support colonization by beneficial organisms, which matched what I saw as the tank matured.
What I liked most was how calm the babies were. They tucked into the granules for the first days, then came out to graze once they grew. The soil also helped manage organic tint from wood and kept the look clean without constant polishing. I learned to leave the bed alone, trim plants above the substrate, and siphon lightly above the surface so I did not crush the soft granules.
Comparison and Alternatives
The two main active soil picks here are Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum and ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 (9L). Both sit in the same planted shrimp category, but they feel different in the hand and in early setup. For a closer look at soil against sand style beds, see our Fluval Stratum against shrimp sand substrate comparison.
Fluval Stratum is light and porous, sold in a 4.4 lb bag that suits nano layouts or topping up slopes. Key traits from the product data include rapid colonization support for beneficial organisms, a neutral to slightly acidic pH aim for plants and shrimp, shelter for newborn shrimp, and a formula that helps preserve water quality and manage discoloration from driftwood. In practice, it plants easily, it is forgiving for beginners, and it breaks in with modest clouding if you fill with care.
ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 (9L) is richer and more aquascaping focused. It is made with rare Japanese plant based black soil and includes a separate bag of Amazon concentrate supplement for local nutrient boosts. It helps buffer pH and hardness to a level many plant keepers like, and its irregular granules support fast root development. The con is that richer soils demand more patience at startup with water changes and testing, so you should not choose it if you want an instant add shrimp setup or if you dislike early maintenance.
For a tighter budget or a different water goal, consider CaribSea Aquatics Eco-Complete African Cichlid only with eyes open. It is mineralogically complete and made to maintain high pH and resist pH drops for African cichlid systems. That is the opposite of what most Caridina shrimp want, so do not buy this exact version for a soft water bee shrimp tank. It can make sense for a hard water Neocaridina or fish focused tank where you want stability on the alkaline side.
Another path is a fine sand style bed like UNS Controsand – Bora, 3L. It is plant friendly for root growth, fine grained at 0.4 to 0.9mm for bottom dwellers and shrimp sifting, and the maker recommends rinsing before use to protect clarity. You give up active buffering, so you will rely more on your source water and minerals, but you gain easy rescaping and a clean foraging surface that many Neocaridina keepers enjoy.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Pick by shrimp and by how much early work you accept. Adapt quantity and size to your own tank volume, build a front to back slope, and let the tank settle before adding livestock. All three versions below assume plants, gentle flow, and regular testing.
Budget Friendly Neocaridina Starter with CaribSea Eco-Complete
Use CaribSea Eco-Complete, adapted in quantity to your own tank volume, with hardy plants like anubias, java fern on wood, and simple stems in back. This suits a first cherry shrimp tank where you want simple planting and steady viewing. Who should skip it: Caridina keepers who want soft acidic buffering should choose an active soil instead.
Keep the bed level and shallow in front for feeding, slightly deeper in back for stems. Add a feeding dish, go easy on flow, and follow your mineral chart after testing, since this path does not soften water for you.
Balanced Planted Setup with Fluval Stratum
Use Fluval 12693 Plant and Shrimp Stratum, adapted in quantity to your own tank volume, with a sloped bed and a mix of carpet and stems. This is the balanced pick we suggest for most Neocaridina tanks and for soft water community shrimp tanks with plants. It suits keepers who want easy planting, shelter for babies, and clear water with careful filling.
Pour dry, mist, plant with tweezers, then fill slowly over a plate or bag. Wait for the bed to settle, test, then adjust remineralization gradually per your product instructions. Avoid deep vacuuming the soil itself, just lift debris from above.
Higher End Taiwan Bee Scape with ADA Amazonia
Use ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 (9L), adapted in quantity to your own tank volume, with a deeper back slope and dense planting. This suits experienced keepers building a Taiwan Bee or crystal shrimp display where plant color and root growth matter. It also suits aquascapers who accept early water changes and testing in exchange for strong growth.
Place the included concentrate where heavy root feeders will sit, cap lightly with soil, and plant densely from day one. Cycle fully, change water as the soil directs, and add shrimp only once conditions are stable and food is available on leaves and wood.
FAQ
Does Fluval Stratum lower pH for shrimp tanks?
It is made to support a neutral to slightly acidic range and active soils in this class soften conditions in a qualitative way. No verified GH, KH or TDS numbers are stated in this video, so test your own tank after setup. If you remineralize, follow the maker chart and adjust gradually.
How much substrate do I need for a planted shrimp tank?
Depth and brand affect buffering capacity and lifespan, so check the specific product data sheet for your tank volume and layout. Many keepers like a shallow front for feeding and a deeper back for stems. Adapt bag quantity to your footprint instead of copying someone else tank.
Can I use active soil for both Neocaridina and Caridina?
Yes, both can work, but goals differ. Neocaridina are flexible and do well in planted soil tanks with steady care, while Caridina often prefer softer and more acidic stability. For help with minerals after soil settles, see our GH and KH mineral dosing chart for baby shrimp tanks, and always dose gradually with testing.
Final Verdict
A soil bed in this class gives you planting ease, bacteria surface, and hiding places that shrimp actually use. Choose buffering only if it matches your shrimp, handle the granules gently, and let testing guide minerals. That patient approach beats chasing numbers you saw online.
Our pick: the balanced Fluval Stratum setup for most keepers in November 2026, because it is easy to plant, kind to shrimplets, and simple to maintain for Neocaridina and general planted shrimp tanks.
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