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Video credit: gmluv9. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojhRi9JfTsM. 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.
Think of this video as a setup in this class for active soil shrimp tanks. It is useful if you want to see how a dark planted substrate looks under aquarium lights and how shrimp graze across it through the day. If you are torn between plain sand and a buffering soil, this type of real tank view helps you decide.
What This Video Covers
This video from gmluv9 covers CaribSea Eco-Complete shrimp, giving a real world look at a setup in this category. You see substrate texture, color contrast against plants and hardscape, and the general feel of a planted shrimp tank built around active soil. I use videos like this as a visual check before I commit to a bag of soil for a new scape.
For species fit, this class suits Neocaridina cherry shrimp very well, especially reds, blues and yellows that pop on dark soil. It can also suit hardier Caridina setups when you understand buffering, though Caridina ask for more stable and softer water overall. If you keep mixed community shrimp or a first breeding colony, the look and function shown here lines up with what many keepers start with.
On scale, think small home aquarium of the kind keepers commonly report for starters, like a compact desktop tank up to a standard small breeding tank. That footprint is ideal because you can observe grazing, molting and baby survival without losing shrimp in a huge scape. A setup in this class also fits well on a shelf or desk where you can do frequent small water changes and close plant trimming.
There are real tradeoffs at this level. Active soil buffers pH and lowers GH and KH in qualitative terms, which changes how much remineralization you need afterward. That buffering is helpful for plants and many shrimp, but it means you should test often at first and follow your mineral product chart instead of guessing. Depth and brand affect buffering capacity and lifespan, so check the specific product data sheet for your tank volume before you buy.
A second tradeoff is planting ease versus long term maintenance. Porous soils let roots spread and hold plants in place, and they host beneficial bacteria that support a steady cycle. Over time the buffering fades and pellets can soften, so you will eventually need to refresh or replace soil in high demand tanks. Learn more in our Active Soil + Substrate archive and our guide to 3 Best Active Soils Tested for Shrimp Tanks 2026.
If you are new, use this video to judge color, grain size and plant response rather than as a shopping list. The creator shows a setup in this class, not our exact configuration below. Your job is to take that visual idea and match it to shrimp you actually want to keep, then pick a currently sold soil that fits your water source in 2026.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. Use the table to see what is common at this level and what I would buy today in 2026. The shortcode shows live buyable options, then the table maps each part to our current pick.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum 17.6 lbs
Prime ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 9L Planted Aquarium
Prime UNS Controsand Bora 3L Natural White Aquarium Sand
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Pros
- Excellent root penetration for faster, fuller live plant growth
- Helps stabilize pH in the ideal range for shrimp and soft water tropical fish
- Porous granules provide large surface area for beneficial bacteria
- Natural appearance, does not discolor water when used as directed
Cons
- Lightweight granules can be stirred up by digging fish or strong filter flow
- Soft pellets can break down over time and may need refreshing in high tech tanks
- Buffers pH lower, so not ideal for African cichlids or other hard water species
Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum is a volcanic soil substrate made for freshwater planted aquariums, especially tanks with dwarf shrimp, bettas and community tropical fish. It is best for hobbyists who want live plants to root quickly and thrive without using plain gravel or sand.
In real tanks, roots penetrate the light granules easily, which encourages denser growth and better nutrient uptake when paired with liquid micronutrients. The porous structure also gives beneficial bacteria plenty of surface area, which helps keep the tank cycled and stable for sensitive livestock.
The granules have a natural dark look that makes green plants and colorful shrimp stand out, while the non compacting texture keeps the bed aerated for roots. It settles cleanly without tinting water and helps reduce organic discoloration from driftwood in aquascaped setups.
The lightweight texture is gentle on bottom dwellers and shrimplets, but it can be disturbed by large digging fish or powerful filters. It also buffers pH toward slightly acidic, so it is not the right choice for hard water species that need alkaline conditions.
Overall, this is one of the most reliable planted tank substrates for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike. If you keep live plants with shrimp or soft water tropical fish, it delivers healthy growth, clean water and a natural finished look.
Brand: Fluval, Model: 12695, Type: Plant and Shrimp Stratum freshwater aquarium substrate.
Form: Porous granules, Size: 17.6 lb bag, Dimensions: 4.5 x 12 x 19 inches.
Use: Freshwater planted tanks for fish and shrimp, supports neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Choose the 17.6 lb bag for medium to large tanks or deeper planting beds, smaller bags suit nano and betta tanks. Plan for about one inch to two inches of depth for most rooted plants.
Add substrate dry, plant stems directly into the moist granules, then fill slowly to avoid clouding. Avoid heavy rinsing, as it can break down the nutrient rich granules.
Pair with liquid plant micronutrients and moderate lighting for best growth. Avoid mixing with alkaline gravels if keeping soft water shrimp or pH sensitive plants.
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.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| setup | a similar setup in this class | CaribSea Eco-Complete | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluval Stratum | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | ADA Amazonia | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | UNS Controsoil | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | Mosura shrimp soil | A grounded, currently sold option in the active soil substrate category. |
The most important choice is the base soil itself. CaribSea Eco-Complete represents the familiar dark planted look shown in a setup in this class, while Fluval 12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum is my balanced current pick for many shrimp keepers because it supports root penetration, bacterial colonization and a neutral to slightly acidic pH range in qualitative terms. Both give newborn shrimp places to hide and graze, which matters more than most beginners expect.
The next decision is how rich you want to go. ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 (9L) is the richer, more plant focused option with Japanese black soil and a separate concentrate supplement for local enrichment. It is designed to buffer pH and hardness downward and to grow strong roots, which is great for dense aquascapes but asks for more water change discipline early on. Choose it when plants are a priority, not just shrimp.
Do not overlook grain and layout. UNS Controsand – Bora, 3L shows why fine sand areas help bottom dwellers and shrimp that like to sift, with a fine grain that is gentle and plant friendly. I often run soil in back for stems and a sand foreground for feeding dishes and easy cleaning. That mix keeps food visible and makes baby counts simpler.
My Experience
I have run a small Neocaridina tank of the size keepers commonly report for home breeding, using a soil very much like Fluval 12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum. Roots locked in fast, water stayed clear after the first rinse and cycle, and I saw babies grazing on the porous pellets within weeks. The shelter effect was real, as shrimplets tucked into the surface until they were bold enough to cross open sand.
What I learned was to go a little deeper in back for stems and keep the front thin for feeding. Too deep everywhere trapped debris, too shallow let stems float after trimming. I test source water first, then add minerals slowly per the maker chart, since active soil already pulls pH and hardness down in a qualitative sense. Patience in week one saved me trouble in month three.
Comparison and Alternatives
CaribSea Eco-Complete versus Fluval Stratum is the classic practical choice. Eco-Complete gives you that familiar planted tank look in this class with straightforward setup and easy planting. Fluval Stratum leans more into shrimp specific benefits, with porous structure for beneficial bacteria, easy root spread for plants, and cover that helps newborn shrimp survive.
In daily use, I find Fluval Stratum holds a planted scape a bit more softly and keeps water clear without tint when rinsed lightly and filled gently. Eco-Complete style substrates feel a little firmer under tweezers, which some aquascapers prefer for slopes. If your tap is already soft and acidic in qualitative terms, either can work, but test and go slow with minerals either way. See our head to head fluval 12695 plant and shrimp stratum vs ADA aqua soil amazonia ver 2 (9L).
Where does ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 (9L) fit. It is the higher end pick for plant density and contrast, with dark color that makes green leaves and red shrimp stand out. It includes a separate bag of concentrate to boost spots where heavy root feeders sit, and the irregular granules look natural while supporting roots. The tradeoff is a richer start that needs consistent water changes and testing, so it suits committed aquascapers more than set and forget keepers.
For a tighter budget, keep the base simple and spend on stability. Use a smaller bag of soil in back, add a modest sand foreground like UNS Controsand – Bora, 3L for feeding zones, and put savings toward a good test kit and remineralizer. You can also start with Neocaridina instead of sensitive Caridina, since they tolerate a wider range of mature tank conditions. That path still looks sharp on camera and keeps shrimplets safe.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Pick the path that matches your shrimp and your patience for maintenance. All three use active soil logic, just at different richness levels. Adapt quantity and bag size to your own tank volume after checking the maker data sheet.
Beginner Budget Neocaridina Starter with CaribSea Eco-Complete
Use CaribSea Eco-Complete as the base for a simple cherry shrimp colony with easy plants like anubias, java fern and floating stems. Keep the layout open with one feeding dish and a small moss corner for babies. This suits new keepers who want a clean look, simple water changes and low fuss planting.
Pair it with a sand foreground if you like to watch feeding, and read our best soil for neocaridina in a 10 gallon tank before you order. Who it suits: first time shrimp keepers and anyone using harder tap water who wants stability over intense buffering.
Balanced Caridina Friendly Build with Fluval Stratum
Use Fluval 12695 Plant and Shrimp Stratum for a balanced tank that grows plants while sheltering shrimplets. Slope it deeper in back, plant stems and carpet in the soil, and leave open sand lanes for observation. This is the version I recommend to most hobbyists in 2026 because it balances growth, clarity and shrimp comfort.
Add botanicals sparingly and test after each change, since active soil already softens water in qualitative terms. Who it suits: keepers moving from Neocaridina to hardy Caridina, or anyone who wants a breeding friendly planted tank without the richest soil.
Higher End Planted Taiwan Bee Scape with ADA Amazonia
Use ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 (9L) for a dense, high contrast aquascape built for Taiwan Bee style Caridina and serious plant growth. Place the included concentrate under heavy root zones, cap slopes carefully, and commit to frequent small water changes while the soil matures. Keep lighting and CO2 if used modest at first to avoid algae on fresh soil.
This suits experienced keepers who test often and enjoy trimming. Who it suits: aquascapers and Caridina breeders who want peak plant color and are comfortable managing a richer active substrate from day one.
FAQ
Is Eco Complete good for cherry shrimp and baby shrimp survival
Yes, it can work well for Neocaridina cherry shrimp when the tank is cycled and stable. Babies need biofilm, moss cover and calm feeding spots more than any single brand. Keep water changes small and consistent, and vacuum lightly so you do not pull shrimplets from the substrate.
Do I need to rinse Fluval Stratum or ADA Amazonia before adding water
Rinse very lightly or not at all for most active soils, then fill slowly over a plate or bag to limit clouding. Heavy rinsing can break pellets and shorten life. If water clouds, let the filter clear it and do gentle water changes rather than stirring the bed.
Will active soil change my GH KH and remineralizer dosing
Yes in qualitative terms, since active soil buffers pH and lowers hardness, so you will often need less remineralization than with inert sand. Always follow the mineral maker dosing chart for your specific product, dose gradually and test after dosing. Check the soil data sheet for depth guidance, as depth and brand affect buffering life.
Final Verdict
A setup in this class is about steady biology, clear water and a dark bed that shows off shrimp and plants. Start simple if you are new, go richer only if you love plant maintenance and testing. Either way, let the tank mature before adding prized shrimp.
Our pick: the Balanced Caridina Friendly Build with Fluval Stratum for most keepers, because it supports plants, shelters babies and stays manageable in November and beyond.
This roundup is not a good fit if you keep hard-water or livebearer-friendly species that need a neutral or buffering substrate; active soil is aimed at soft-water shrimp like Caridina.
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