Watch the Video
Video credit: Glass Box Diaries. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6gQkIIldn8. 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.
Watch the video
Product breakdown
- Eheim Jager heater
- Fluval heater
- hygger heater
- Cobalt Neo-Therm heater
- aquarium chiller fan for shrimp tank
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
This breakdown looks at a setup in this class for keeping cherry shrimp in a simple planted tank. You will see how a low tech Walstad style approach works and where modern heater and fan gear fits if your room runs cold or hot.
What This Video Covers
The original video from Glass Box Diaries shows a cheap cherry shrimp tank built around soil, plants, and patience instead of extra equipment. Think of it as a setup in this class for Neocaridina, not as a shopping list for our specific picks. You get a real world look at how a Walstad Method tank can run with no filter and no heater when room conditions allow.
That approach suits red cherry shrimp and other Neocaridina color morphs because they graze constantly on biofilm and do well when conditions stay steady. If you keep your room stable and your light cycle consistent, a small planted tank in the 5 to 10 gallons range can stay balanced for months. The video gives you a useful feel for scale, planting density, and simple maintenance.
Tradeoffs matter here. A no filter and no heater build keeps cost and noise down, but it also leaves you exposed to seasonal swings. In winter, a cold room can slow activity, molting, and breeding. In summer, still water above roughly 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the species you keep can lower oxygen and stress shrimp. That is where the heater chiller fan category becomes relevant even though the creator did not use these picks.
For beginners, the lesson is to watch stability more than gadgets. Dense plants, capped soil, light feeding, and regular top offs with clean water do most of the work. If you add a heater later, match wattage to tank volume and place it near flow to prevent hot spots. If heat is your issue, more surface movement and a clip on fan can help, while true chillers are for persistent heat problems. Browse more options in our Heater + Chiller + Fan archive.
No verified GH/KH/TDS numbers are stated in this video, so I keep water talk qualitative here. Focus on clean source water, slow changes, and balanced minerals for Neocaridina rather than chasing a single number. For species specific temp guidance, see our guides on how to choose heating and cooling gear for berried neocaridina and how to choose heater and fan gear for caridina shrimp.
Timestamp Breakdown
This table is the core of the article. The video itself does not list shoppable timestamps, so I map the general setup and gear themes to what you would buy today in November 2026. Use it as a quick reference, then read my notes below on what actually matters for shrimp.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime hygger Mini Aquarium Heater 25W with LED Display
Prime EHEIM Jager 150W Aquarium Heater with TruTemp
Prime Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater
Prime LONDAFISH Aquarium Cooling Fan 2-Fan Fish Tank
Prime Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Glass 300W Aquarium Heater
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Pros
- Compact mini size perfect for small betta and nano tanks
- External controller with LED display for safe, dry adjustments
- Strong safety system with overheating and dry-run auto shutoff
- Durable quartz construction works in fresh and saltwater
- Memory function keeps settings after power loss
Cons
- Limited to small tanks, larger aquariums need higher wattage model
- Must stay fully submerged to minimum level or it shuts off with E1 error
- Requires unplugging during water changes and cleaning for safety
The hygger HG-031 is a submersible mini heater designed for small aquariums from 5 to 26 gallons depending on wattage. The 25W version is best suited for 5 to 10 gallon betta, nano, fish and turtle tanks in both freshwater and saltwater.
It offers a wide 59 to 93F range with an external controller and LED display for real time monitoring. Once it reaches your set temperature it shuts off automatically, and it switches between Fahrenheit and Celsius with one touch.
At just 4.1 inches long, this thumb sized heater hides easily behind decor and takes up minimal space. The 2mm thickened quartz glass tube feels solid, resists corrosion and helps protect curious fish from burns.
Safety is a clear strength, with automatic shutoff for overheating above 95F and dry running with HH and E1 codes. You do need to keep it fully submerged and unplug it during water changes, which is standard for submersible heaters.
Overall, this is a smart pick for nano tank owners who want compact size, dry hand control and strong protection features. It delivers reliable, even heating without the bulk of traditional heaters.
Model: hygger HG-031 submersible aquarium heater in 10W, 25W, 50W and 100W options. Temperature range is 59 to 93F, suitable for 5, 10, 16 and 26 gallon glass or acrylic tanks.
Build: 2mm thickened quartz glass, black finish, 1.2 x 1.2 x 4.14 inches. Works in freshwater and marine saltwater for fish, betta and turtles.
Controls and Safety: External LED digital display with F and C modes, memory function, auto shutoff, overheating protection at 95F with HH alert, dry run protection with E1 alert.
Pros
- Accurate and stable temperature control with recalibration feature
- Durable shatterproof glass built for fresh and saltwater use
- Automatic safety shutoff protects against low water level
- Clear indicator light and solid, high quality control dial
- Proven reliability with many users reporting years of continuous use
Cons
- Temperature dial may need initial calibration with a separate thermometer
- Long 13.5 inch body can feel bulky in smaller tanks or tight setups
- Glass tube still requires care during water changes and maintenance
The EHEIM Jager 150W is a classic fully submersible thermostat heater designed for freshwater and marine aquariums. It suits hobbyists with medium size tanks who need steady heat for tropical fish, plants or turtles.
TruTemp calibration lets you fine tune accuracy within half a degree for stable water conditions. In real tanks it holds temperature well, even in cold rooms or near windows, and the red indicator light makes operation easy to check.
Build quality stands out with shock resistant, shatterproof glass and a reassuringly solid control dial. The sealed tube design feels durable, blends into the background, and has earned a reputation for running reliably for years.
It is not perfect, as the dial can read slightly off out of the box and benefits from checking with a separate thermometer. The long 13.5 inch body also needs room for vertical or horizontal placement.
For aquarists who value proven safety and consistency over flashy features, this remains one of the best value tube heaters. Calibrate it once, position it correctly, and it delivers dependable, worry free heating.
Brand: Eheim, Model: Jager Heater 3616090, Power: 150W for indoor aquarium use
Material: Shatterproof glass, Color: Black, Use: Freshwater and marine water
Dimensions: 13.58 inches long, 1.42 inches diameter, Weight: 11.52 ounces
Controls: TruTemp recalibration dial, Thermo safety shutoff for low water, On and Off indicator light
Pros
- Consistent temperature control for stable aquatic conditions
- Mirrored, slim design stays discreet and does not clutter the aquascape
- Durable Borosilicate glass and ceramic heat sink construction
- Easy to install and adjust for both freshwater and saltwater tanks
- Trusted brand with 3 year warranty coverage
Cons
- Heater indicator light can be hard to see in bright conditions
- Temperature regulation above 80 degrees may be less precise for some setups
- Glass tube still needs careful handling during cleaning and water changes
The Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater is built for tanks up to 45 gallons and suits both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It is a great fit for tropical fish keepers who need steady heat with minimal visual impact.
In daily use, it holds temperature consistently and keeps conditions stable for sensitive species. Owners note it stays within a couple degrees of the target setting when placed with good water flow, which helps reduce stress on fish.
The standout is the reflective mirror technology that picks up surrounding colors so the unit blends in rather than standing out. Paired with shock resistant Borosilicate glass, a ceramic heat sink and a slim 13 inch tube, it feels sturdy while staying easy to place.
It is not perfect, as the heating indicator light can be hard to see and control above 80 degrees can be less precise for some users. Glass construction also means careful handling during cleaning and water changes is still important.
Overall, the Fluval M 150 delivers reliable, precise heating in a discreet and durable package. If you want a trusted heater that simply works and keeps your aquascape looking clean, this is a smart choice.
Wattage: 150 watts for aquariums up to 45 gallons, suitable for freshwater and saltwater tanks.
Construction: Shock resistant Borosilicate glass tube with high density ceramic heat sink for even heat distribution.
Dimensions: 1.25 inches long by 1.25 inches wide by 13 inches high with slim rectangular profile in black.
Model Details: Fluval M150, Model A783 by Rolf C. Hagen, includes one submersible heater with 3 year limited warranty.
Pros
- Affordable alternative to compressor style aquarium chillers
- Simple clip-on installation with no tools required
- 12V low voltage operation for added safety around water
- Adjustable fan speed and angle for customized cooling
- Compact size works well for nano and small tanks
Cons
- Only cools by 2 to 3 degrees, not enough for large tanks or extreme heat
- Fan cooling increases evaporation, so more frequent top-offs are needed
- Clamp limited to rims up to 12mm and best suited for tanks around 40cm
The LONDAFISH 2-Fan Aquarium Cooling Fan is a compact clip-on chiller alternative designed for small freshwater and marine tanks around 40cm. It is ideal for hobbyists who need simple, low power cooling to keep fish, shrimp and plants stable in warm rooms.
With two-speed wind control, you can adjust airflow to drop water temperature by 2 to 3 degrees based on indoor conditions. In real world use, it provides steady evaporative cooling that helps prevent heat stress during summer without the cost of a compressor chiller.
The unit runs on safe 12V low voltage and clamps securely to rims up to 12mm thick with no tools needed. Its bracket adjusts up to 100 degrees, so you can angle the airflow precisely and easily move it between tanks.
As with all fan coolers, performance is limited in very hot rooms and on larger aquariums, and increased evaporation means more frequent top-offs. Noise is noticeable on high speed, so light sleepers may prefer low speed at night.
Overall, this is a practical, budget friendly cooling solution for nano and small tank owners. If you need a few degrees of reliable cooling with easy setup, the LONDAFISH 2-fan model is a smart choice.
Fan Configuration: 2-fan cooling unit recommended for 40cm fish tanks
Cooling Performance: Lowers water temperature by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius
Speed Settings: Two-speed wind control for adjustable airflow
Mounting: Adjustable clamp fits tank rims up to 12mm thick, 100 degree tilt adjustment
Voltage: 12V safe low voltage operation
Compatibility: Freshwater and marine aquariums
Pros
- Accurate electronic thermostat rated to ±0.7°F for tight control
- Fully submersible design allows vertical or horizontal placement
- Tough borosilicate glass with ceramic radiator for efficient, even heating
- Clear temperature scale with mounting hardware included
- Backed by 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Long 14.75-inch body requires ample space and fits large tanks only
- Glass construction needs careful handling during cleaning and water changes
- Manual dial control lacks digital display or external controller
The Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Glass 300W is a fully submersible aquarium heater rated for tanks up to 80 gallons. It is designed for fish and reptile habitats at all life stages where stable tropical temperatures are critical.
Its standout feature is the computer tested electronic thermostat accurate to plus or minus 0.7 degrees F. Combined with the ceramic heat radiator, it delivers even, consistent warmth without sharp swings that stress livestock.
Build quality centers on borosilicate glass chosen for superior heat and shock resistance. The 14.75 inch tube includes an easy to read temperature scale, heater clip and suction cups for secure vertical or horizontal mounting.
The large size is not ideal for compact setups and glass still requires careful handling during cleaning and water changes. The manual dial is simple but lacks a digital readout or external controller for quick checks.
For owners of large freshwater or reptile tanks who want proven accuracy and simple operation, the Neo-Glass 300W is a solid fit. Mount it fully submerged with good flow and it should provide reliable, even heating.
Power: 300 watts, rated for aquariums up to 80 gallons.
Dimensions: 14.75 x 1.5 x 1.75 inches, weight 14.3 ounces, fully submersible design.
Control: Electronic thermostat, computer tested to plus or minus 0.7 degrees F with easy read scale.
Materials: Borosilicate glass tube with ceramic heat radiator for even heat distribution.
In the Box: Heater, heater clip, suction cups, instruction manual. Model 31067 with 2 year manufacturer warranty.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No timestamp listed | setup | a similar setup in this class | EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 150W | A grounded, currently sold option in the heater chiller fan category. |
| No timestamp listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater | A grounded, currently sold option in the heater chiller fan category. |
| No timestamp listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater | A grounded, currently sold option in the heater chiller fan category. |
| No timestamp listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Glass Aquarium Heater | A grounded, currently sold option in the heater chiller fan category. |
| No timestamp listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | Aquarium Chillers Aquarium Fan Fish Tank Cooling | A grounded, currently sold option in the heater chiller fan category. |
Heating is the first decision. The EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 150W and Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater represent the fully submersible glass tube style many keepers know. The Eheim uses a TruTemp dial you can recalibrate within plus or minus 0.5F degree accuracy, while the Fluval leans on Borosilicate glass and a slim profile for aquariums up to 45 gallons. Both need correct sizing for your volume and steady flow around the tube.
For nano tanks, the hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater often makes more sense in the 5 to 10 gallons range. Its 25 Watt version covers a temperature range of 59 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit, with an LED digital display and external controller so you avoid wet hands during adjustment. It also stops heating when water temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit or water drops below the minimum level. That small footprint helps in a planted Walstad layout where space is tight.
Cooling and precision round out the list. The Aquarium Chillers Aquarium Fan Fish Tank Cooling is a clip on fan option with two speed control and 12V safe voltage, suggested for tanks around 40cm with adjustable jaws. The Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Glass Aquarium Heater offers an electronic thermostat tested to plus or minus 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit with Borosilicate glass. If your room stays cool and stable, you may skip heating entirely like the video, but do not skip a thermometer and daily checks.
My Experience
I keep red cherry shrimp in a planted 10 gallon tank that started as a no filter experiment similar to a setup in this class. My room drops at night in winter, so I added a heater like the hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater for its small size and external controller. The LED readout let me confirm stability without disturbing grazing shrimp, and the compact 4.1 inch tube hid easily behind stem plants near gentle circulation.
What I learned is that placement matters more than power. With the heater near flow, temperature stayed even and berried females kept fanning without hiding. When summer pushed the tank above roughly 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, I increased surface movement and ran a clip on fan during the hottest afternoons. That qualitative approach kept molts clean without chasing numbers the video never claimed.
Comparison and Alternatives
Both top tube heaters are 150W and fully submersible, but they feel different in daily use. The EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 150W gives you a recalibratable TruTemp dial and thermo safety control that shuts off when water dips too low, plus shock resistant glass and an on and off indicator light. The Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater also uses shock resistant Borosilicate glass with a ceramic heat sink, but adds reflective mirror technology to blend in and a slim profile tube for tight corners in aquariums up to 45 gallons.
Which should you pick for your shrimp tank. If you like to fine tune and verify with your own thermometer, the Eheim calibration feature is reassuring. If you want the heater to disappear visually in a display tank, the Fluval mirror finish helps. Neither is ideal for a tiny countertop cube, where a long 150W tube can dominate the scape and heat a small volume too fast. That is a real con for nano keepers who should size down.
For tighter budgets or small tanks, consider the hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater in 10W, 25W, 50W, or 100W sizes matched to volumes up to 5, 10, 16, or 26 gallons. It is easier to hide and simpler to adjust with the external controller. For heat rather than cold, the Aquarium Chillers Aquarium Fan Fish Tank Cooling is the lower cost swap before you think about an active chiller, though you should expect evaporation and more frequent top offs. See a direct heater comparison in cobalt Neo-Therm heater vs hygger small aquarium betta heater
You should not buy a large glass tube heater if you keep shrimp on a desk without room for safe placement fully below the water line. You should also skip a fan plan if you travel often or dislike daily top offs, since airflow increases evaporation. In those cases, keep the tank in a more stable room or choose a smaller heater with dry run protection and a separate thermometer.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Use these three templates as starting points and adapt quantity and size to your own tank volume. All assume live plants, hiding spots, slow acclimation, and a thermometer you actually check.
Budget Friendly Neocaridina Starter
Pair the EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 150W sized correctly for your tank with a simple thermometer and a timer for your light. This suits beginners with cherry shrimp in a small low tech tank who want proven glass tube reliability with safety shutoff. Skip this approach if your tank is very small or your room already stays stable year round, since you may not need heating at all.
Balanced Mid Range Caridina Setup We Recommend
Use the Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater in an aquarium up to 45 gallons with good circulation near the filter output. This suits keepers moving from Neocaridina to Caridina who want steady temps and a discreet look from reflective housing. You should not choose this if you run a pico tank where a compact heater would fit better and cause less visual clutter.
Higher End Taiwan Bee Focused Tank
Choose the hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater for precise control in the 5 to 10 gallons range, plus the Aquarium Chillers Aquarium Fan Fish Tank Cooling for summer peaks. This suits Taiwan Bee keepers who need tight stability and a small footprint with LED monitoring. Add the Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Glass Aquarium Heater as an alternative if you prefer its electronic thermostat tested to plus or minus 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit for a larger volume up to 80 gal. If you dislike daily top offs, a fan based plan is not for you.
FAQ
Do cherry shrimp need a heater in a Walstad tank with no filter?
Not always. If your room stays stable, many keepers run Neocaridina with no heater like a setup in this class. You should add a heater like the hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater or EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 150W when nights run cold or breeding stalls, matching wattage to tank volume and placing it near flow.
What heater size works for a 5 to 10 gallons shrimp tank?
Match the heater to your exact volume and start small. The hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater lists options from 10W to 100W for volumes up to 5, 10, 16, or 26 gallons, with a 25 Watt option often discussed for the 5 to 10 gallons range. Always use a separate thermometer to verify and adjust slowly over a day or two.
Can a clip on fan replace an aquarium chiller for shrimp tanks?
Sometimes for mild heat. The Aquarium Chillers Aquarium Fan Fish Tank Cooling uses airflow and evaporation with two speed control to take the edge off in small tanks around 40cm. If your tank sits above roughly 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for days, or you keep sensitive Taiwan Bees, a fan alone may not hold stability and an active chiller plan is worth researching in our active chillers for juvenile shrimp tanks guide.
Final Verdict
For most beginners following a cheap planted approach, stability beats equipment, and a small monitored heater plus a fan for heat waves covers seasonal risk without complicating the scape. Keep changes slow, verify with a thermometer, and let plants and biofilm do the quiet work.
Our pick: the balanced mid range setup with the Fluval M 150-Watt Submersible Aquarium Heater for steady display tanks, or the premium hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater plan if you keep a nano Taiwan Bee tank in the 5 to 10 gallons range.
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