Video credit: ShrimplyBeautiful. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzj_WEGPXuI. 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
- Fluval Flex tank
- Fluval Chi tank
- Nicrew LED light for planted tank
- UNS rimless tank
- ADA tank
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 embedded video as a setup in this class, not an exact shopping list. It walks through a real 10 gallon Cardinal Sulawesi shrimp breeding setup while the gear below shows what you can buy in 2026 if you want a similar tank, lid and light foundation.
What This Video Covers
This video from ShrimplyBeautiful covers a 10 gallon shrimp tank setup tour focused on Cardinal Sulawesi shrimp, or Caridina dennerli. You get a real world look at how a breeder arranges hardscape, filtration flow, cover for babies, and viewing light in a mid size tank that can hold a colony.
Caridina dennerli suits keepers who want something beyond Neocaridina. These Sulawesi shrimp are famous for bright red bodies with white spots and legs, and for needing very stable, warm, hard and alkaline water. The video does not state verified GH, KH or TDS numbers, so treat water needs in qualitative terms, meaning steady, mineral rich and well oxygenated rather than chasing a number you saw online.
A 10 gallon footprint is a smart scale for this species. You have more water volume to buffer temperature swings than a small bowl, plus enough floor space for rocks, crevices and biofilm to develop. That matters because Cardinals graze constantly and babies need safe micro habitat where flow is gentle and food settles.
The lid and light choices carry more weight than many beginners expect. Tight fitting lids matter more for jumping and climbing species and for reducing evaporation, which concentrates GH, KH and TDS over time. In a warm Sulawesi tank with good surface agitation, top off water adds up fast, so a lid helps keep parameters steady between water changes.
Light intensity should match whether you are running live plants or just want to see the shrimp. A bright planted tank light grows algae and biofilm quickly, which can feed shrimp, but it can also overheat a small room and trigger algae blooms if the photoperiod is too long. A softer viewing light keeps Cardinals visible without pushing the tank toward constant scraping. For more on that balance, see how to choose shrimp tank lighting for blue dream shrimp.
Tradeoffs at this level are clear. Rimless tanks look clean and give you full access for aquascaping, but they evaporate faster and usually need a separate lid or mesh top. All in one sets with built in filtration and lids are tidier and reduce jumping risk, but flow and lighting may need tweaking for shrimplets. If you like tiny water volumes, read how to change water in small shrimp bowls safely before you decide, because small bowls swing much faster than a 10 gallon.
You should not set up this way if you want a low maintenance first shrimp tank or if your room runs cold and unstable. Cardinals are not ideal as a first Caridina, and a 10 gallon warm water breeder asks for consistent top offs, mature biofilm and patience during cycling. If you want an easier start, begin with Neocaridina in the same tank size and move to Sulawesi later. Browse more options in Shrimp Tank + Lid + Light.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The video is a full tour of a setup in this class, and the table below maps the common gear you will see at this level to what you can buy today. We never claim the creator used our specific picks.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Ultum Nature Systems 45L Rimless Nano Aquarium 3.4
Prime Fluval Flex 2.0 Poly-Carb Cartridge 3-Pack
NICREW ClassicLED Plus LED Aquarium Light for 30
Prime WQTJKMDD Cardano ADA Crypto Men's Football Jersey
Prime Fluval Chi II 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit with LED
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Pros
- Exceptional water clarity compared to standard glass tanks
- Long footprint offers more aquascaping creativity than nano cubes
- High quality construction with thick glass and clean silicone work
- Comes with leveling mat for added safety and stability
- Sleek rimless aesthetic ideal for display aquascapes
Cons
- Small 3.4 gallon capacity limits fish selection and requires frequent maintenance
- Open top design leads to evaporation and offers no jump protection without a separate lid
- Light, filter and accessories sold separately, so not a complete starter kit
The Ultum Nature Systems 45L is a 3.4 gallon long style rimless tank measuring 17.71 x 6.69 x 6.69 inches, built for nano aquascaping. It suits betta keepers, shrimp breeders and planted tank hobbyists who want a wide, shallow layout in a small footprint.
Its low iron glass delivers 91 percent clarity for true to life colors with almost no green tint. The long footprint gives more swimming length and aquascaping space than a standard cube, making it excellent for carpeting plants, driftwood layouts and schooling micro fish.
Build quality is a clear highlight thanks to 5mm thick glass, precise 45 degree mitered edges and German made silicone seams. The rimless, minimalist profile looks clean in any room, while the included leveling mat adds stability and helps protect the base from shifting.
The open top design means faster evaporation and no protection against jumping fish, so a separate lid is often needed. At 3.4 gallons, stocking is limited and water parameters can shift quickly, which makes it better for experienced nano keepers than complete beginners.
Overall, the UNS 45L offers premium clarity and craftsmanship in an ideal long nano format. If you want a high end canvas for a desktop aquascape or shrimp colony, this is one of the best small rimless options available.
Capacity: 3.4 gallons, 13 liters, Model 45L long tank for nano aquascaping.
Dimensions: 17.71 x 6.69 x 6.69 inches, 45 x 17 x 17 cm with 5mm low iron glass.
Construction: 45 degree mitered edges, German silicone bonding, rimless open top design.
Included: Precut leveling mat for support and slip resistance.
Pros
- Guaranteed compatibility with Fluval Flex 2.0 tanks for a precise fit
- Combines mechanical and chemical filtration in one compact cartridge
- Removes odors, discoloration and harmful toxins for clearer water
- Quick and easy to install with no tools or mess
- Trusted Fluval quality backed by strong user satisfaction for water clarity
Cons
- Fits only Fluval Flex 2.0 models, not compatible with other aquariums
- Needs replacement every 2 to 4 weeks, so ongoing upkeep is required
- Disposable cartridge design offers less customization than reusable filter media
The Fluval Flex 2.0 Poly-Carb Cartridge 3-Pack is a replacement filter media made exclusively for Fluval Flex 2.0 aquariums, models 15050 and 15052. It is ideal for betta, tropical and nano tank keepers who want simple, reliable filtration without fiddling with loose media.
Each cartridge delivers true 2-in-1 filtration, with a polyester pad that captures fine debris and a carbon core that polishes water. In daily use, it keeps water crystal clear while reducing odors, yellowing and dissolved toxins that stress fish.
The slim, carbon impregnated stick design slides directly into the Flex 2.0 filter chamber for a snug, rattle free fit. Build quality feels consistent from cartridge to cartridge, with even carbon distribution and sturdy padding that holds up well between changes.
Compatibility is narrow, so it will not work in other Fluval lines or third party filters. As a disposable cartridge, it also needs regular replacement every 2 to 4 weeks, which is less customizable than cut to fit foam or reusable biomedia.
For Flex 2.0 owners, this 3-pack is the easiest way to maintain clear, healthy water with minimal effort. It combines convenience, effective dual filtration and trusted Fluval engineering, making it a smart staple for routine aquarium care.
Model A1407 includes three Poly-Carb cartridges designed for Fluval Flex 2.0 aquariums, items 15050 and 15052. Each cartridge measures 0.98 x 1.57 x 3.15 inches and is made for fish aquariums.
Media type combines polyester mechanical pad with activated carbon chemical filtration in a stick form. Manufacturer is Hagen, UPC 015561114073, with a lightweight 3.53 ounce total package.
Replace one Poly-Carb cartridge every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain peak clarity and chemical filtration. Rinse briefly if needed, then slide the new cartridge into the Flex 2.0 media chamber with no tools required.
Use this 3-pack for routine maintenance rather than cycling a new tank, and keep biological media undisturbed during swaps. Stock up if you run multiple Flex 2.0 tanks or prefer fewer orders.
Pros
- Excellent color rendition with 91 CRI for true to life viewing
- Gentle sunrise sunset simulation supports natural fish behavior
- Adjustable mounts fit a wide range of 30 to 36 inch tanks
- Cool running aluminum build ideal for planted freshwater setups
- Supports both freshwater and saltwater fish with low medium light plants
Cons
- Spectrum adjustment only works with timer, not in manual on mode
- Designed for low to medium light plants, not enough for high light demanding species
- Best performance requires a glass or acrylic cover, not ideal for open top use
The NICREW ClassicLED Plus 21W is designed for 30 to 36 inch freshwater and saltwater aquariums with low to medium light plants. It is a smart pick for hobbyists who want better color and a natural day night cycle without a complicated controller.
Its full spectrum mix of 6500K white, 450nm blue, true 660nm deep red and green delivers balanced growth light and vivid viewing. With the timer, you can adjust spectrum across two modes plus set auto on off time, brightness and gentle sunrise sunset ramping.
Build quality is solid thanks to a slim aluminum alloy shell that dissipates heat efficiently for long daily use. Adjustable docking mounts on both sides slide easily to fit most rimless and framed tanks in this size range.
The main limitation is that spectrum control only works when using the timer, not in manual on mode. It is also not intended for high light demanding plants and works best over a glass or acrylic canopy.
Overall, this is a reliable and affordable upgrade for natural color, plant support and fish comfort. If you keep community fish or easy plants in a 30 to 36 inch tank, it offers great value and ease of use.
Model: NICREW ClassicLED Plus, 21W for 30 to 36 inch tanks. Light source includes 6500K white, 450nm blue, true 660nm red and green LEDs with 91 CRI.
Functions: 2 spectrum modes with timer control, adjustable brightness and auto on off, plus 15 or 30 minute ramp up and dim down for sunrise and sunset effect.
Fit and build: Adjustable side docking mounts for rimless and framed aquariums, slim aluminum alloy housing for heat dissipation. Dimensions are 31.2 x 4.8 x 2.4 inches and weight is about 2.43 pounds.
Pros
- Lightweight 100% polyester mesh keeps you cool and comfortable
- Professional 3D printing resists fading, cracking and peeling
- Loose fit allows full range of motion for sports and training
- Versatile for gym sessions, football leagues, school sports and everyday wear
- Simple pull on style with easy machine wash care
Cons
- Limited sizing and fit details may require careful checking for unisex use
- Thin mesh prioritizes breathability over durability for rough contact sports
- Crypto themed design appeals to a niche audience, not ideal for traditional team uniforms
The WQTJKMDD Cardano ADA Football Jersey Tank Top is a sleeveless athletic shirt designed for men who love both crypto culture and sports. It is aimed at Cardano fans, gym goers, and casual football players looking for expressive workout gear.
In real world use, the lightweight mesh cloth stands out for moisture wicking and quick drying performance. It keeps you cool during workouts, football practice, or warm weather outings while the loose cut supports unrestricted movement.
Design wise, the jersey uses professional 3D digital printing for sharp Cardano graphics that resist fading, cracking, or peeling. The 100 percent polyester pull on construction feels breathable and light, with simple care for everyday training.
The main tradeoffs are the niche crypto theme and minimal fit guidance, which may not suit traditional team uniforms. The ultra breathable mesh is also built for comfort rather than heavy contact durability.
Overall, this is a fun, comfortable, and functional tank for crypto enthusiasts who want athletic style with personality. If you follow Cardano and need a breathable jersey for the gym, games, or casual wear, it is worth considering.
Brand: WQTJKMDD, Department: Mens, Material: 100 percent polyester mesh cloth.
Closure: Pull On, Fit: Loose athletic tank, Care: Machine wash, low dry or air dry.
Print: Professional 3D digital printing, Use: Football, gym, training, school sports and casual wear.
Pros
- Stylish modern glass design that looks like decor, not just a fish tank
- Bright, cool running LEDs mimic natural sunlight without heating the water
- Soothing fountain sound and flowing water loved by many betta owners
- Compact all in one filter, light and fountain saves space and setup time
- Roomy 5 gallons for a betta, shrimp or snail compared to tiny bowls and cubes
Cons
- Open fountain design causes quick evaporation, so daily water top offs are needed
- Filter cube toggle can be finicky over time and replacement cubes are expensive
- Heater, gravel and decor are sold separately, and filtration is too light for goldfish or messy species
The Fluval Chi II is a 5-gallon glass aquarium set designed as a Feng Shui inspired centerpiece for home or office. It is made for beginners and betta, shrimp or snail keepers who want a stylish tank with sound, light and motion in one compact unit.
The standout feature is the top-mounted combination filter, fountain and LED light. The waterfall gently cascades over the cube to oxygenate water while 7600K lighting from above and below creates bright, natural looking illumination that shows off fish beautifully.
Build quality feels premium with clean glass lines and a modern rectangular shape that fits easily on desks and counters. The all in one cube keeps equipment hidden, and cool running LEDs provide strong light without heating the water like older bulbs.
There are tradeoffs to know. The open top fountain evaporates quickly so you will need to top off water often, and the filter cube switch has frustrated some long term owners. Filtration is basic, so it suits low bioload pets only and you will still need to buy gravel, plants and a heater.
Overall, the Chi II is a beautiful choice if you want ambiance as much as an aquarium. Buy it for a single betta or small invertebrates in a calm space, maintain it regularly, and it delivers relaxing sound, elegant looks and solid everyday performance.
Brand: Fluval, Model: 10505, Tank Volume: 5 gallons, Dimensions: 10L x 10W x 14.37H inches.
Lighting: Top fountain LED plus 17 underwater LEDs at 7600K color temperature for a natural daylight effect.
Filtration: Integrated cube filter with filter pad and foam pad, continuous waterfall flow for oxygenation.
Build: Rectangular glass tank in modern style for indoor use, best for betta fish, shrimp and snails with low bioload needs.
This kit does not include gravel, plants or a heater, so plan to add those for a healthy betta setup. Rinse all decor well and cycle the filter before adding fish.
Place the tank on a level, water resistant surface away from direct sun to limit algae and evaporation. Check water level daily since the fountain increases evaporation.
Stock lightly with one betta or a few shrimp plus a snail, and perform regular small water changes. Avoid goldfish or other high waste fish that will overwhelm the gentle filtration.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video tour | setup | a similar setup in this class | Fluval Flex tank | A grounded, currently sold option in the shrimp tank lid light category. |
| Video tour | gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluval Chi tank | A grounded, currently sold option in the shrimp tank lid light category. |
| Video tour | gear | a similar setup in this class | Nicrew LED light for planted tank | A grounded, currently sold option in the shrimp tank lid light category. |
| Video tour | gear | a similar setup in this class | UNS rimless tank | A grounded, currently sold option in the shrimp tank lid light category. |
| Video tour | gear | a similar setup in this class | ADA tank | A grounded, currently sold option in the shrimp tank lid light category. |
The most important choice is the tank body plus lid strategy. A lidded all in one keeps evaporation down and helps hold warmth, which suits Cardinals. A rimless tank like the UNS Ultra Clear Rimless Tank – 3.4GAL | 13L gives superb clarity with low iron glass and 45 degree mitered edges, but you will need to plan a lid or accept more frequent top offs with remineralized water.
Lighting is second. The NICREW ClassicLED Plus LED Aquarium Light, 21W is built for planted viewing with adjustable mounts, a high CRI of 91, and full spectrum output that keepers use over glass or acrylic canopy covered aquariums. That canopy note matters, because you get better color and less glare when the light sits over a proper cover instead of open water.
Filtration and maintenance are third. If you go the Flex route, stock Fluval Flex 2.0 Poly-Carb Cartridge – 3 Pack for easy swaps, since each cartridge combines mechanical and chemical filtration and the maker suggests replacement every 2 to 4 weeks. For Cardinals, prefilter intakes and baffle flow so babies are not pulled in, and rinse media in old tank water to protect the cycle.
My Experience
I have kept Neocaridina and Caridina side by side, including a 5 gallon colony in a Fluval Chi II Series Aquarium Set, 5-Gallon that measures 10 x 10 x 14.4 inches. I liked the top mounted fountain LED at 7600K for evening viewing, and the gentle cascade helped oxygenate the water without blasting shrimplets around the tank.
What I learned is that lids and light timers decide success. With the Chi style open top cube, I topped off more often and wiped mineral lines weekly. When I switched a similar colony to a rimless tank with a glass lid and a dimmable NICREW style bar on a short photoperiod, grazing behavior improved and algae stayed as a soft biofilm instead of long threads.
Comparison and Alternatives
Compare the top two approaches head to head. The Fluval Flex tank path centers on hidden filtration and a fitted lid, with the Fluval Flex 2.0 Poly Carb Cartridge system keeping debris and odor down. It suits you if you want tidy equipment, lower evaporation and simple cartridge swaps.
The Fluval Chi tank path centers on display and sound. The Fluval Chi II Series Aquarium Set, 5-Gallon includes filter pad and foam pad, plus 17 under mounted LEDs paired with a top fountain light for that 7600K daylight look. It suits a living room or office where you want to watch shrimp, but you will need to manage evaporation and shield the filter intake for babies.
If you prefer to build piece by piece, the rimless plus separate light route gives the most control. The UNS Ultra Clear Rimless Tank – 3.4GAL | 13L offers 91 percent clarity glass, German made silicone and an included leveling mat, while the NICREW ClassicLED Plus LED Aquarium Light, 21W fits 30 to 36 inch tanks with adjustable docks and sunrise and sunset ramping when paired with its timer. Scale the light length down or up to match your own tank volume.
For a tighter budget, keep the tank you already own and add only a glass canopy and a basic dimmable bar. You can also check nuc nano cube tanks for cherry shrimp tested for cube ideas that transfer well to a small Cardinal grow out, as long as you keep the lid tight and the light modest.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Use these three builds as starting points, then adapt quantity and size to your own tank volume. All three assume a cycled, mature tank with biofilm, tight lid coverage and gentle flow.
Beginner Budget Neocaridina Starter
Key gear: Fluval Flex tank with Fluval Flex 2.0 Poly-Carb Cartridge – 3 Pack on hand for maintenance. Add a sponge prefilter and a simple timer for the stock light.
Who it suits: New keepers who want a forgiving 10 gallon style colony of cherry shrimp while learning top offs, feeding and water changes in November.
Balanced Caridina Setup We Recommend
Key gear: Fluval Chi tank in the form of Fluval Chi II Series Aquarium Set, 5-Gallon scaled to your space, or a similar lidded 10 gallon with gentle filtration. Keep photoperiod short and feed sparingly to grow biofilm.
Who it suits: Keepers moving from Neocaridina to Caridina who want good viewing, steady evaporation control and simple filter upkeep.
Higher End Planted Showcase
Key gear: Nicrew LED light for planted tank, here the NICREW ClassicLED Plus LED Aquarium Light, 21W, over a clear rimless body like the UNS Ultra Clear Rimless Tank – 3.4GAL | 13L with a custom glass lid. Add leveling mat support and careful aquascaping for baby cover.
Who it suits: Experienced keepers building a Taiwan Bee or Cardinal display where color rendition, plant growth and photography matter most.
FAQ
Can I breed Caridina dennerli in a 10 gallon tank with a rimless setup?
Yes, many keepers do, but add a tight glass or mesh lid. Without a lid, warm water evaporates quickly and mineral levels creep up, which stresses Sulawesi babies. Keep flow gentle and provide rock crevices for grazing.
What light is best for a Cardinal Sulawesi breeding tank?
Choose light intensity to match your goal. If you only want to see shrimp, use a dimmer viewing light on a short timer. If you grow plants, a full spectrum bar with ramping helps, but watch for algae and shorten the photoperiod if threads appear.
Do I need special GH, KH or TDS numbers for Cardinals?
No verified GH, KH or TDS numbers are stated in this video, so keep targets qualitative and stable. Use a mineral product made for Sulawesi shrimp, follow the maker dosing chart, dose gradually and test after each change rather than copying a random number.
Final Verdict
For most people chasing this video look, a lidded 10 gallon with gentle filtration and a controllable light is the sweet spot. It holds stability for Cardinals, limits top off chores and still shows color well.
Our pick: the Balanced Caridina Setup with the Fluval Chi tank style, for keepers who want easy viewing and steadier water while learning Caridina care.
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