Blubber Cove Nano Shrimp Tunnel – Compact Buried Cave for Nano Tanks

The Blubber Cove Nano Shrimp Tunnel is a compact slim-profile buried tunnel sized specifically for nano aquariums. At 133mm long and just 40mm tall, it fits in tanks where larger caves dominate the space — 10L Fluval Spec, 20L cubes, shrimp bowls and small breeder tanks. Buries fully under shallow substrate against the back or side glass, giving your shrimp colony a hidden territory without sacrificing the limited tank real estate nano scapes are built around. UK 3D-printed in aquarium-safe PETG.

Why nano tanks need a different cave

Nano aquariums (anything under 30 litres) have a problem with most aquarium decor — it's all designed for medium tanks. A standard 200mm+ cave eats half the substrate in a 20L nano, leaving no space for plants, scape, or swimming room. Shrimp keepers and nano hobbyists end up either skipping caves entirely or making expensive mistakes ordering oversized decor. This tunnel solves that. Sized for the realities of nano keeping, priced at the entry point — get shelter into your nano tank without compromising the scape.

Features

• Compact 133mm length — fits nano tanks from 10 litres up
• Slim 40mm profile — buries fully in shallow nano substrate
• Against-glass design — runs along the back or side wall, out of the visible scape
• Entry-level price — the affordable way to add proper shelter to a nano tank
• Smooth interior — safe for delicate shrimp moults and fry
• 3D-printed in Northumberland, UK from aquarium-safe PETG
• Ideal for shrimp colonies, betta nano tanks, and breeding grow-out setups

Specifications

• Material: Aquarium-safe PETG plastic
• Standard size: 133 × 42 × 40 mm
• Large size: 168 × 52 × 48 mm
• Placement: Against back or side glass, buried under substrate
• Tank size: Standard suits 10-30 litres · Large suits 30-50 litres
• Substrate depth needed: 4-5cm minimum to fully bury
• Colours: Black, White, Beige, Marble Effect, Green
• Made in: Northumberland, United Kingdom
• Brand: Blubber Cove

Ideal for these nano setups

• Shrimp colony tanks — Neocaridina cherry shrimp, Caridina crystals, blue dreams
• Betta nano tanks 15-25L with shrimp tankmates
• Shrimplet grow-out tanks (separating fry from adults)
• Fluval Spec, Edge and other nano kit tanks
• Planted nano aquascapes (iwagumi nano, Walstad-style bowls)
• Breeding setups for nano fish — chili rasbora, ember tetra, CPD

Suitable species

• Neocaridina shrimp — cherry, blue dream, yellow, green jade, snowball
• Caridina shrimp — crystal red, crystal black, bee shrimp
• Sulawesi shrimp colonies
• Endler and guppy fry during grow-out
• Shrimplets of any peaceful colony species
• Chili rasbora and other micro nano fish

How to install in a nano tank

1. Place the tunnel against the back or side glass before adding substrate
2. Pour 4-5cm of sand, fine gravel or aquasoil over the top
3. Keep both tunnel openings clear so shrimp can flow through
4. Plant moss or small low-light plants directly above to hide the substrate bulge
5. Within hours, shrimp will start exploring — colonies typically claim it within a day

How is this different from your other slim tunnels?

Two versions of the same slim-profile design, sized for different tanks:

• Nano Shrimp Tunnel (this one): compact 133mm length, sized for nano tanks 10-30L
• Slim Aquarium Tunnel: longer 210mm and 266mm sizes, for medium and larger aquascape setups 40L+

If your tank is under 30 litres, this is the right size. Above 30 litres, the longer Slim Aquarium Tunnel suits better — the extended interior gives larger shrimp colonies more grazing space.

Frequently asked questions

Will it actually fit in my 10-litre nano?

Yes — at 133mm long it fits comfortably along the back glass of even small 10L tanks (most are 250mm+ long). Place it against the back wall to keep the substrate field clear for plants.

How many shrimp will use it?

A colony of 10-30 shrimp will use the tunnel as shared territory, with several inside at any time. For larger colonies (50+ shrimp), you'll want either two of these tunnels placed apart, or the longer Slim Aquarium Tunnel for more interior space.

Will it work without burying it?

Yes, but it looks better buried. The slim profile is designed to disappear under substrate — left visible on top, it reads as a plastic block rather than a natural feature. If you can't bury it (bare-bottom tank), our Coral Shelter Set of 3 is a better choice for visible nano decor.

Is it safe for shrimp moulting?

Yes. PETG is shrimp-safe (no copper, no leaching) and the smooth interior won't catch moults. Shrimp often moult inside enclosed tunnels because they feel safest there.

Will fry grow up in it?

Yes — shrimplets often hide inside the tunnel after hatching, where adults are less likely to disturb them. Many nano breeders specifically use compact buried tunnels for this reason.

Can I use it for bettas?

Yes — bettas in nano tanks (15L+) use it as a cave retreat. Useful especially if you keep a betta with shrimp; the shrimp use the tunnel as escape territory.

How do I clean it?

Leave it buried permanently — debris washes through during water changes. For deep cleaning, lift gently from substrate, rinse in tank water, reposition. Never use soap or detergent.

Why buy from Blubber Cove

Original aquascaper-designed pieces, 3D-printed to order in our Northumberland workshop in aquarium-safe PETG. The Nano Shrimp Tunnel is our entry-point cave — proper aquarium hide for nano keepers without the price tag of larger decor. Free UK delivery over £30.