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Video credit: iSpring Filter. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9ZgoSlXelI. 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
- APEC Water RO system
- iSpring RO system
- Home Master RO system
- Salty Shrimp GH/KH+
- 5 stage RO system
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
This video shows a setup in this class for installing an under sink reverse osmosis unit at home. For shrimp keepers, that means a practical way to start with a blank slate water source and then remineralize it for Neocaridina or Caridina.
What This Video Covers
This video from iSpring Filter covers ispring RO system aquarium use in a real home setting, giving a real world look at a setup in this category. It walks through the idea of a multi stage under sink install, with filter housings, tubing connections, a storage tank, and a dedicated faucet. Think of it as a reference for the class of gear, not an exact shopping list for your shrimp room.
For shrimp keeping, this class of system suits both hardy Neocaridina like Cherry shrimp and more sensitive Caridina like Crystal Red shrimp and Taiwan Bees. Neocaridina can often live in treated tap water, but many keepers still like RO for consistency. Caridina and Taiwan Bees really benefit from RO that you remineralize yourself, because you control the starting point instead of fighting seasonal tap changes.
In terms of scale, this is home under sink gear that fits a shrimp corner rather than a fish store wall. Keepers commonly report using this size of system for a small rack with a couple of breeding tanks plus top off water. You make water in batches into a clean container, then heat or cool it to match, remineralize, test, and use it for water changes.
One tradeoff at this level is convenience versus waste and space. An under sink RO gives you steady, clean water on demand, which is excellent for stable shrimp tanks. The downside is you need room under the sink for housings and a tank, plus a drain connection for reject water, and filter changes on a schedule.
Another tradeoff is purity versus control. RO or RODI output is essentially 0 GH/KH/TDS and must be remineralized before use. That blank slate is perfect for shrimp once you learn to add minerals back. If you skip remineralizing or guess the dose, shrimp can struggle to molt, so you must follow the manufacturer dosing chart for your specific product, dose gradually, and test the water after dosing. Learn more in our how to choose remineralizer for neocaridina RO water guide and our how to choose RO water vs tap water for shrimp keeping overview.
Who should not go this route yet? If you rent and cannot drill or tap a drain, or you only keep a single hardy Neocaridina bowl with stable tap water, a full under sink install may be more than you need. In that case a small countertop source or distilled water from the store plus a good remineralizer can be simpler while you learn. See the full RO System + Remineralize category for context.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The video is a setup in this class, so I mapped the general install themes to what I would buy today for shrimp. Use the table as a quick map, then read the notes below for how I would choose.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ 200g
Prime Waterdrop WD-KITB 1/4-Inch Water Line Connection
Prime iSpring RCC7-BN 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Under Sink
iSpring RCC7AK-BN 6-Stage Alkaline Under Sink RO
APEC ROES-50 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis
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Pros
- Dissolves almost completely in seconds with no long waiting time before water changes
- Promotes vibrant color, active behavior, healthy molts and reliable breeding results
- Very economical, a 200g container treats a large volume of pure water
- Benefits the whole tank including plants and biological filtration
Cons
- Must be premixed outside the aquarium and measured carefully to avoid parameter swings
- Powder absorbs moisture quickly, container must be closed immediately after each use
- Formulated for neutral pH GH/KH species, not suitable for soft water Caridina that need very low KH
Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ 200g is a specialized remineralizing powder designed to prepare neutral aquarium water for shrimp keeping and breeding. It is ideal for hobbyists using RO, rainwater or fully desalinated water who keep Neocaridina, crayfish, snails and community fish.
Its standout feature is the balanced GH to KH ratio of 1.0 to 0.5, which creates stable neutral pH water that supports healthy molting, intense coloration and consistent breeding. In real world use it dissolves in seconds and delivers essential minerals and trace elements that also benefit plants and beneficial filter bacteria.
The product comes as a fine powder in a compact 200g container with an enclosed measuring spoon for accurate dosing. The powder mixes quickly outside the tank, and just 2 grams per 10 liters reliably reaches about 6 dGH and 300 microsiemens conductance.
The main drawbacks are that it requires careful measuring and premixing, as dosing directly in the tank can cause swings. The powder also absorbs moisture quickly so you must close the container immediately, and it is not intended for soft water Caridina species that require near zero KH.
Overall, Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ is one of the most trusted solutions for creating healthy, stable shrimp water from pure RO sources. If you want stronger colonies, better survival and vibrant shrimp in a neutral pH setup, this is an excellent, easy to use choice.
Brand: SALTYSHRIMP by Salty Shrimp, Model Number SSM-SM-200, Form: Fast dissolving mineral powder in 200g container with measuring spoon included.
Function: Remineralizes RO water, rainwater and fully desalinated water to approx. 6 dGH with a GH/KH ratio of 1.0/0.5. Standard dose is approx. 2g per 10 liters for about 300 microsiemens conductance.
Best For: Neutral pH shrimp, crayfish, snails, fish, planted tanks and biofilter support. Target species includes shrimp with compact package dimensions for easy storage.
Always mix the powder outside the aquarium in a separate container of RO, distilled or rainwater. Add an evenly full measuring spoon of approx. 2g per 10 liters, stir until dissolved, then add the prepared water to your tank.
Make sure any tiny undissolved particles also go into the water, as they contain valuable minerals. Test GH and adjust the dose slightly to reach your target hardness and conductivity.
Close the container tightly right after every use to protect the moisture sensitive powder. Use regularly for water changes to keep parameters stable for breeding and molting.
Pros
- All-in-one kit removes the need to source separate valves, fittings and tubing
- Fits both Waterdrop RO systems and other major RO brands for flexible use
- Food safe NSF/ANSI approved materials for peace of mind
- Simple 1/4-inch compression connections suit DIY installers
- Lightweight, compact parts work well in crowded under sink cabinets
Cons
- Only works with 1/4-inch water lines, so check your tubing size before buying
- Installation may be tricky for beginners without plumbing experience
- Basic white plastic look offers function over premium aesthetics
The Waterdrop WD-KITB is a 1/4-inch water line connection kit made to bridge your reverse osmosis system to a fridge or ice maker. It is aimed at owners of Waterdrop 10, 15, 17UB and G2, G3 models, as well as users of iSpring, APEC, Express Water and Home Master systems.
In real world use, the kit shines by providing every key part in one box, including tee fitting, tee valve, straight fitting, compression nuts and PE tubing. That means you can split the cold water line cleanly and run filtered water straight to your refrigerator without extra hardware runs.
Build quality is solid for the category, with NSF/ANSI approved components and standard 1/4-inch NPT threads. The parts are lightweight at 6.4 ounces and compact, so they tuck easily under the sink and feel reliable for daily water flow.
There are a few limits to note. It only supports 1/4-inch lines, so it will not fit larger plumbing without adapters. First time DIY users may also want a video guide, as the fittings assume basic plumbing familiarity.
Overall, this is a smart, practical add on if you want filtered ice and water from your fridge. It is broadly compatible and well made for its purpose, making it an easy recommendation for RO owners.
Model Number: WD-KITB, Set Name: Waterdrop KITB 1/4-inch Water Line Connection Kit, UPC: 840814171363.
Included Components: Tee fitting, straight fitting, tee valve, PE tubing, compression fitting nut, 12 pieces total.
Connections: 1/4-inch NPT thread, tee, tee valve, straight and compression types, white finish.
Materials and Size: NSF/ANSI approved components, 0.37 x 1 x 10 inches, 6.4 ounces, 1 year manufacturer warranty.
This kit is designed for Waterdrop 10UB, 15UB, 17UB and WD-G2, WD-G3 RO systems. It also works with most standard 1/4-inch RO units from iSpring, APEC, Express Water and Home Master.
Use it to connect your RO output to a refrigerator water inlet or ice maker line. The tee valve lets you control flow and shut off supply for filter changes or maintenance.
Confirm you have 1/4-inch tubing and a cold water supply access point under the sink before install. Turn off water, check for leaks after connection, and flush tubing before first use.
Pros
- NSF/ANSI 58 certified performance trusted for over 15 years
- High contaminant removal including PFAS, lead, fluoride and chlorine
- No electricity required and fits under most kitchen sinks
- Premium brushed nickel lead-free faucet and food-grade components included
- Lifetime personalized support from USA
Cons
- Requires under-sink space for tank and filter housings, not ideal for very small cabinets
- Periodic filter and membrane replacements needed to maintain performance
- Produces wastewater as part of reverse osmosis process and has slower flow than tap water
The iSpring RCC7-BN is a 5-stage under-sink reverse osmosis drinking water system designed for families who want cleaner, better tasting water straight from the tap. It is a strong fit for city water and well water users concerned about lead, PFAS, fluoride, chlorine and high TDS.
In real world use, it removes up to 99 percent of over 1,000 contaminants and filters down to 0.0001 microns, with an 80 to 90 percent reduction in TDS. The result is crisp water for drinking plus clearer ice cubes, fresher coffee and tea, and better tasting cooking water.
Build quality centers on reliability and ease of ownership, with premium filter housings, food-grade tubing and a lead-free brushed nickel faucet. The transparent first-stage housing makes visual checks fast, while the check valve helps prevent backflow and the compact tank design fits under most sinks without power.
As with any RO system, you will need space for the tank and housings and routine filter changes to keep performance high. Flow is slower than an unfiltered tap and the system creates wastewater during filtration, which is normal for reverse osmosis.
Overall, the RCC7-BN is a proven, NSF/ANSI 58 certified choice for low maintenance, bottled-quality water at home. If you want a trusted under-sink RO system with easy installation and long term US-based support, it is an excellent pick.
Model: RCC7-BN by iSpring, 5-stage reverse osmosis with activated carbon and carbon block plus RO membrane.
Capacity: 75 GPD membrane with storage tank, 3.4 liters per minute max flow, supports up to 750 PPM TDS.
Installation: Under-sink, no power needed, 40 to 100 degrees F operating range, dimensions 23.62 x 15.75 x 11.81 inches.
Includes: Filter housings, filters, tubing and parts, lead-free brushed nickel faucet with top-mounted design, 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Strong contaminant reduction for cleaner, fresher tasting drinking water
- Alkaline remineralization improves flavor and adds back healthy minerals
- Straightforward installation with helpful guides and responsive support
- Clear pre-filter housing and widely available filters simplify upkeep
Cons
- Requires under-sink space for filter assembly plus storage tank
- RO process sends some water to drain and needs filter changes every 6 months
- Needs adequate water pressure and careful pre-filter flushing during setup
The iSpring RCC7AK-BN is a 6-stage under-sink reverse osmosis system designed for city and well water users who want cleaner, better tasting water with added minerals. It suits families and anyone replacing bottled water with a long term filtration solution.
Filtration performance is the standout, reducing TDS, chlorine, lead, fluoride, PFAS and over 1,000 other contaminants for crisp, fresh taste. The final alkaline stage restores natural minerals and balances pH, so water tastes smooth like spring water instead of flat.
Build quality feels solid with durable housings, quick-connect fittings, and a brushed nickel faucet included in the box. The patented top-mounted faucet fastener installs from above the counter, while the transparent first stage housing lets you see sediment buildup at a glance.
It does need room under the sink for the filter assembly plus storage tank, and like all RO systems it sends some water to drain during production. You will also need adequate water pressure and careful flushing of the pre-filters during setup to protect the membrane.
Overall, this is a well rounded, NSF 58 certified RO system that blends high level purification with great taste and DIY friendly maintenance. If you want reliable under-sink filtration with mineral boosted flavor and strong US support, it is an excellent choice.
Model RCC7AK-BN, 6-stage alkaline reverse osmosis with 75 gallons per day capacity. Certified to NSF/ANSI 58 for full system performance.
Installation is under sink with no power needed, 40 to 100 degree F range, up to 70 psi operating pressure and 750 PPM max TDS. Dimensions are 15.5 x 16 x 18 inches with storage tank and brushed nickel faucet included.
Maintenance uses a 6-month filter cycle with F4AK, F9K, F19K75 and F28K75 replacement packs available. Backed by a 1-year manufacturer limited warranty with lifetime technical support.
Pros
- Removes up to 99 percent of 1000 plus impurities including chlorine taste and odor
- High 50 GPD daily capacity with storage tank for dependable family use
- Complete all-in-one kit with faucet, tank and filters simplifies setup
- NSF Certified design with durable, long-life filters that last 6 to 24 months
Cons
- Bulky tank and filter assembly requires ample under-sink cabinet space
- Slow 0.03 GPM flow rate means filling large pots takes extra time
- Requires drain connection, 40 to 85 psi water pressure and periodic filter replacements
The APEC ROES-50 is a 5-stage under-sink reverse osmosis system designed for families and homeowners who want bottled quality water from their kitchen tap. It is best for households on municipal or well water with high TDS, chlorine taste, or concerns about lead, fluoride and heavy metals.
In real world use, it delivers up to 50 gallons per day of clean, great-tasting water while reducing up to 99 percent of over 1000 contaminants. The combined carbon plus RO membrane process effectively tackles arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, PFAS and microplastics for noticeably purer drinking and cooking water.
Design is practical and service focused, with a compact 15.5 inch filter assembly, pressurized storage tank and elegant brushed nickel faucet. Quick-connect fittings, color-coded tubing and US engineered components make installation and filter changes straightforward for most DIY users.
Drawbacks are typical for under-sink RO systems. You will need sufficient cabinet space for the tank, adequate 40 to 85 psi water pressure, and patience with the slow RO flow rate. Regular filter changes and a drain connection for wastewater are also required.
Overall, the ROES-50 remains a top tier choice for safe, great-tasting home water without ongoing bottled water hassle. If you want proven NSF certified filtration, easy maintenance and dependable daily capacity, it is an excellent long term investment.
Purification Method: 5-stage reverse osmosis with activated carbon, rated for up to 50 gallons per day. Reduces TDS up to 2000 PPM and up to 99 percent of 1000 plus impurities.
Installation and Operation: Under-sink installation with pressurized tank, brushed nickel faucet and quick-connect fittings. Requires 40 to 85 psi operating pressure and 40 to 100 F water temperature.
Dimensions and Build: Measures 15.5L x 5.25W x 17H inches with plastic housing. Includes RO system, storage tank, Filter-Max-ES50 filter set and owners manual. Filter life is 6 to 24 months based on water quality.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full video overview | setup | a similar setup in this class | APEC Water RO system | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Full video overview | gear | a similar setup in this class | iSpring RO system | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Full video overview | gear | a similar setup in this class | Home Master RO system | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Full video overview | gear | a similar setup in this class | Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Full video overview | gear | a similar setup in this class | 5 stage RO system | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
The most important choice for shrimp is not just the membrane, it is the pairing of RO plus remineralizer. I would pick a proven under sink platform like APEC Water ROES-50, 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse or iSpring RCC7-BN NSF Certified, then always pair it with Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ 200g for Neocaridina style water. Remineralize gradually and test before adding to the tank rather than assuming a fixed number of drops works for every unit.
The second key choice is stage layout and usability. A clear first stage housing helps you see when sediment builds up, and color coded tubing plus quick fittings make install and service less stressful. The iSpring RCC7AK-BN NSF Certified, 75 GPD adds an alkaline remineralization stage for drinking taste, which is nice for the kitchen but you should still use a shrimp specific mineral for tanks and verify with your own test kits.
Small parts matter more than they look. Items in the class of Waterdrop KITB 1/4″ Water Line Connection Kit remind you to plan your feed and line routing cleanly with no kinks or leaks. For shrimp, I keep a dedicated food grade hose, a clean mixing bucket used only for shrimp water, and a shutoff routine so I never flood the cabinet during a water batch.
My Experience
I keep Neocaridina and Crystal Red shrimp in small indoor tanks on a rack, and I switched to RO after a summer where my tap kept shifting. My routine now is to make RO the night before, aerate it lightly, add shrimp mineral slowly, then test before it ever touches a tank. That extra pause has made molts and berried females much more predictable for me.
Gear like the top picks here performed well for me because service is simple. I like that I can see the first stage, swap filters on schedule, and keep a log on the cabinet door. My advice is to start with one shrimp mineral you know, learn how your own unit behaves, and resist mixing products until your colony is breeding steadily.
Comparison and Alternatives
Comparing the top two platforms, APEC Water ROES-50, 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse versus iSpring RCC7-BN NSF Certified, both sit in the same familiar 5 stage under sink class that shrimp keepers know well. The APEC approach is known for long lasting, large capacity filters and simple quick connection fittings with colored tubing, plus a full kit with tank and faucet. The iSpring approach leans into easy inspection with a transparent first stage housing, filtration down to a very fine level with final polishing, and certification to NSF/ANSI 58 for the system.
In daily use, I find the differences come down to install feel and support habits. If you like a very guided DIY install with step by step videos and top mounted faucet hardware, the iSpring style install feels friendly under a tight sink. If you prefer a straightforward workhorse layout with clear filter change intervals based on incoming water quality, the APEC style layout feels calm and predictable. Either one still needs the same shrimp discipline afterward, which is remineralize and test every batch.
For a tighter budget or a first trial, consider starting with the 5 stage concept in its simplest form and putting your care into the mineral. A basic 5 stage RO system paired with Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ 200g covers the shrimp essentials without extra drinking water stages. If you later want better tasting kitchen water too, the step up to iSpring RCC7AK-BN NSF Certified, 75 GPD with its mineral boost stage makes sense, but keep tank water and drinking water routines separate. Our head to head iSpring RCC7-BN NSF certified vs APEC water ROES-50, 5-Stage under sink reverse has more context.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Budget Friendly Neocaridina Starter
Use APEC Water RO system adapted to your own tank volume, plus Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ for remineralizing. This suits a first Cherry shrimp tank where you want stable, repeatable water changes without extra features. Follow the mineral maker chart, mix in a bucket, and test before use.
Balanced Caridina Setup We Recommend
Use iSpring RO system adapted to your own tank volume, plus Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ and a 5 stage RO system routine with regular prefilter checks. This suits Crystal Red shrimp keepers who want clean source water and consistent weekly batches. It is the balance I suggest for most hobbyists moving from tap to RO.
Higher End Taiwan Bee Setup
Use Home Master RO system adapted to your own tank volume, plus a dedicated mixing station and careful logging of each batch. This suits Taiwan Bee or high grade Caridina tanks where stability matters most and you are willing to maintain filters on time. Keep drinking water use and shrimp water use on separate routines to avoid confusion.
FAQ
Do I need to remineralize RO water for shrimp? Yes. RO or RODI output is essentially blank and must be remineralized before it goes near shrimp. Follow the manufacturer dosing chart for your specific mineral, add it gradually, and test the mixed water first.
Is a 5 stage RO system enough for Caridina shrimp? For most home setups, yes, when it is maintained and paired with a shrimp specific mineral. Change prefilters on schedule, keep connections leak free, and judge by stable molting and breeding rather than by stage count alone.
Can I use my drinking RO faucet water directly in a shrimp tank? Not directly. Even if it tastes good, tank water needs shrimp focused minerals at the right balance. Make a separate batch, remineralize for shrimp, match temperature, and test before the water change.
Final Verdict
An under sink RO in this class is a steady foundation for shrimp once you respect the remineralizing step. Keep the install tidy, service on time, and treat every batch like a small recipe you verify. That habit matters more than any single badge or stage label.
Our pick: the balanced Caridina setup with iSpring RO system for most keepers moving to RO, because it pairs easy maintenance with predictable batches for both Neocaridina and Caridina.
This roundup is not a good fit if your tap water is already soft and low in TDS; a full RO system adds cost and maintenance you may not need.
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