Video credit: Aquatic Journal. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDSGg7HC-DE. 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.
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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.
This process is for shrimp keepers who want clean, predictable source water and then build it back up for shrimp. You start with RO water, which is essentially blank, and you add minerals back so your colony has what it needs for molting and steady behavior.
What This Video Covers
The video from Aquatic Journal looks at why use RO water for shrimp and whether you actually need it. Think of it as a setup in this class, not an exact shopping list. It walks through the idea of removing the unknowns from tap water and replacing them with a controlled mineral mix.
That concept suits Neocaridina keepers with tricky tap water and it suits Caridina keepers who want more consistency from water change to water change. If you keep cherry shrimp in a small starter tank and your tap swings by season, this approach can help you keep conditions calmer. If you keep Crystal Red or Taiwan Bee types in a dedicated breeding tank, control matters even more.
Scale here is flexible. The same idea works for a single compact home tank and for a small rack of breeding tanks. You make RO water in batches, store it clean, remineralize it in a bucket, test it, then use it for changes. You adapt quantity and container size to your own tank volume and your weekly routine.
One tradeoff at this level is effort versus stability. Tap water is easy, but it can carry chlorine, chloramine, extra hardness, or seasonal shifts that stress shrimp. RO plus remineralize takes more steps and more test habits, but you know what is going in. For more background on that choice, see how to choose RO water vs tap water for shrimp keeping.
Another tradeoff is gear versus consumables. An under sink RO unit is a larger one time setup with filter changes over time, while a remineralizer like mineral powder is ongoing. You also need storage jugs, a clean mixing bucket, and a basic test routine. If you only do tiny top offs and your tap is already shrimp friendly, you may not need to set this up this way.
Keep water references qualitative here because no verified GH, KH, or TDS numbers are stated in this video. RO or RODI output is essentially blank and must be remineralized before use. Always follow the manufacturer own dosing chart for your specific product, dose gradually, and test the water after dosing before it goes near shrimp. For Neocaridina focused steps, see how to choose remineralizer for neocaridina RO water and browse the full RO System + Remineralize archive.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The video shows a setup in this class for RO in aquariums. The table below maps the general parts you will see at this level to our current picks you can buy today. We are not claiming the creator used our specific picks.
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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
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
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shown throughout as general setup | setup | a similar setup in this class | APEC Water RO system | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Shown throughout as general setup | gear | a similar setup in this class | iSpring RO system | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Shown throughout as general setup | gear | a similar setup in this class | Home Master RO system | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Shown throughout as general setup | gear | a similar setup in this class | Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ | A grounded, currently sold option in the ro system remineralize category. |
| Shown throughout as general setup | 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 is the RO unit itself. A 5 stage under sink style system is common at this level because it gives you staged sediment, carbon, and membrane filtration in a compact footprint. Look for clear install parts, solid housings, and filters you can actually source again later.
The second key choice is the remineralizer. RO water must be remineralized before use, so a product like Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ 200g is central to this method. It is designed to re mineralise RO water, rainwater, and fully desalinated water while adding minerals and trace elements for shrimp, snails, and the bio system.
The third choice is connection and workflow. A kit like Waterdrop KITB 1/4″ Water Line Connection Kit shows why small plumbing parts matter for a tidy install. Give yourself a leak check routine, a dedicated mixing bucket, and time to test before every water change rather than assuming a fixed scoop works every time.
My Experience
I run a small Neocaridina home tank and a compact Caridina breeding tank side by side, and switching to RO plus remineralize helped me stop chasing my tap. My routine is simple. I make water ahead of time, add mineral powder a little at a time, stir well, then test before I use it. That pause has saved me from rushing a change.
A product like the top pick performed for me by making the process repeatable. With Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ 200g I liked that it is made to raise both general and carbonate hardness for neutral water shrimp keeping, and that it includes minerals to support filter bacteria and plant growth. I still follow the manufacturer chart, dose gradually, and retest, because every batch of RO and every scoop can behave a bit differently.
Comparison and Alternatives
The two main RO picks in the table are the APEC Water RO system and the iSpring RO system. In real use they represent the same idea, which is an under sink 5 stage RO approach for home use, but they differ in layout, faucet style, and filter sourcing. Both aim to reduce a wide range of tap contaminants and give you a blank base for shrimp water.
The specific buyable options help show that difference. The APEC Water ROES-50, 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse is built around 5 stage filtration with quick connection fittings and colored tubing for setup and service. The maker notes it includes a filter set, faucet, tank, and install kit, with filter replacement timing based on incoming water quality.
The iSpring RCC7-BN NSF Certified is also a 5 stage under sink RO system with a top mounted faucet design and transparent first stage housing for quick checks. It is certified to NSF ANSI 58 in the product data and is described as reducing a long list of contaminants while polishing taste with a final carbon filter. If easy visual checks matter to you, that housing is a nice touch.
For a tighter budget, do not start by buying a second RO unit. Start with workflow. Keep your current filter setup, add clean storage jugs, a TDS free mixing bucket, and Salty Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+ 200g used exactly per its chart. You should NOT buy an under sink RO system if you rent and cannot plumb, if your tap is already stable and shrimp are breeding, or if you will not commit to remineralizing and testing every batch.
A real con to name is waste water and space. RO systems reject water, need under sink room, and need periodic filter swaps. Remineralizers also demand patience. If you dose by guesswork or pour fresh RO straight into the tank, you can stall molts and stress berried females. If sudden losses are your main issue, read why cherry shrimp keep dying suddenly before you change anything else.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Pick the lane that matches your colony goals and your willingness to test. All three use the same base idea of RO water plus controlled minerals. Adapt container size and batch size to your own tank volume.
Budget Pick: APEC Water RO System for a Neocaridina Starter Tank
Key products: APEC Water RO system for base water plus Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ for minerals, with a clean bucket and basic liquid tests. This suits a first Neocaridina starter tank where tap is inconsistent and you want calmer water changes.
Who it suits: beginners who want simple, repeatable batches and are willing to mix and test before each change. Skip it if you cannot install under sink gear or you want a fully automated water station.
Mid Range Pick: iSpring RO System for a Caridina Tank
Key products: iSpring RO system for base water plus Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ for minerals, with labeled storage jugs and a consistent change schedule. This suits a Caridina tank where stability between changes matters for molting and breeding behavior.
Who it suits: keepers who do regular small changes and like visual filter checks. It is the balanced version we recommend for most shrimp rooms because parts are easy to live with and the workflow stays simple.
Premium Pick: Home Master RO System for a Taiwan Bee Tank
Key products: Home Master RO system for base water plus Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ for minerals, with extra storage and a strict mix, rest, and test routine. This suits a Taiwan Bee tank where you want tight control and you are already testing often.
Who it suits: experienced keepers running a higher end colony who value consistency over speed. Skip it if you want the lowest upkeep, since more control always means more testing and more notes.
FAQ
Do I actually need RO water for cherry shrimp?
Not always. If your tap is clean, stable, and your Neocaridina are active and breeding, tap plus dechlorinator can be fine. Consider RO when your tap shifts a lot, contains unwanted hardness or additives, or when losses line up with water changes.
Can I use RO water straight from the unit for shrimp?
No. RO output is essentially blank and must be remineralized before use. Follow the manufacturer own dosing chart for your mineral product, add it gradually with good mixing, then test before the water touches your tank.
What is the easiest RO plus remineralize routine for beginners?
Make water a day ahead, store it clean and covered, then mix minerals in a separate bucket. Stir, wait, test, and only then do a small change. Keep notes so your next batch matches the last one, and keep changes small while a new colony settles.
Final Verdict
RO is a tool for control, not a guarantee of success. It helps most when tap water is the variable you cannot fix, and it works only if you remineralize carefully and test every batch. If you will not test, stay with stable tap and focus on feeding, cover, and slow changes.
Our pick: the Mid Range iSpring RO System setup for a Caridina style tank, paired with Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ used per its chart, for keepers who want steady, repeatable water without overbuilding. It balances install ease, filter access, and routine testing for a home shrimp keeper.
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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