Blubber Cove Arch Aquarium Cave – Minimalist Corner Hide for Shrimp & Bettas

The Blubber Cove Arch Aquarium Cave is a sculpted arch-shaped corner hide for aquascapers who want their decor to disappear into the aquascape rather than dominate it. The refined curved silhouette tucks flush against the back-corner glass, while the open arch creates a natural in-and-out passage for shrimp, bettas and nano fish. A subtler alternative to bolder cave designs — minimalist, structural, and unmistakably built for design-led aquascapes. UK 3D-printed in aquarium-safe PETG.

Why the arch shape works

Most aquarium caves are closed shells with a single opening — visually heavy, often clashing with planted-tank aesthetics. The arch design solves that. The open span lets light pass through, gives fish multiple entry and exit points, and reads as a natural rock arch rather than a moulded ornament. It's the cave for aquascapers whose tanks are entered into competitions — or just photographed often.

Features

• Sculpted arch silhouette — refined, minimalist alternative to closed caves
• Corner-fit shape — sits flush against the back 90° corner glass
• Flat top for substrate or moss layering — disappears further into the scape
• Open span — multiple entry points, light passes through, fish never feel trapped
• Smooth interior — safe for delicate fins and shrimp moults
• 3D-printed in the UK from aquarium-safe PETG plastic
• Designed for planted, blackwater, hardscape and minimalist aquascapes

Specifications

• Material: Aquarium-safe PETG plastic
• Standard size: 135 × 135 × 70 mm (tunnel openings 35 × 30 mm)
• Large size: 191 × 191 × 100 mm (tunnel openings 49 × 42 mm)
• Shape: Sculpted arch / bridge profile
• Placement: 90-degree back corner of tank (visible, above substrate)
• Colours: Black, White, Marble Effect, Moss Green, Sand
• Made in: United Kingdom
• Brand: Blubber Cove

Suitable species

• Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp
• Betta splendens (Siamese fighting fish)
• Corydoras (panda, bronze, pygmaeus)
• Kuhli loaches and weather loaches
• Nano community fish — chili rasbora, ember tetra, celestial pearl danio
• Dwarf cichlids (apistogramma, kribensis)

Choosing the right size

• Standard (135 × 135 × 70 mm): nano tanks 20–60 litres, shrimp colonies, single bettas
• Large (191 × 191 × 100 mm): mid-size tanks 60–200 litres, communities, larger nano-fish shoals

Aquascape styling tips

The arch shape pairs especially well with: java fern and anubias mounted on driftwood adjacent to the cave · moss carpets across the flat top · iwagumi-style stone arrangements either side · low-light substrate (aquasoil, sand). Avoid overplanting directly in front of the arch opening — the negative space inside the arch is part of the visual.

Also suitable for reptile and amphibian setups

The arch design also works as a vivarium or terrarium hide. Compatible with axolotl tanks, crested gecko enclosures, leopard gecko setups and small reptile/amphibian habitats. PETG is non-toxic in humid environments and the open arch makes it easy for pets to enter and exit.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from your other corner caves?

The shape. This is the sculpted arch — a refined, open silhouette that suits minimalist and planted aquascapes. Our other corner caves are: the Tall Mangrove (bolder pillared design for vertical interest), the Wide Corner (extra-wide entrance for big-bodied fish), and the Underground (designed to be buried under substrate).

Will my fish actually use it?

Yes. The open arch means fish never feel trapped, which makes them more likely to use it as a daytime rest spot. Shrimp claim the interior shadow as a colony grazing zone, and bettas often perch under the arch top.

Is it safe for shrimp?

Yes. PETG is shrimp-safe with no copper or leaching. The smooth interior won't catch moults.

Can I plant on top of it?

Yes — the flat top is designed for moss carpets, low-light plants or hardscape additions. Many buyers layer Java moss or anubias directly across the top for a fully natural look.

Will it fit my tank?

The Standard fits tanks from 20 litres up (Fluval Spec, nano cubes). The Large suits 60–200 litre tanks. Both need a 90-degree internal corner — most rectangular tanks.

Does it work in a bow-front or curved tank?

Not ideally — the corner-fit shape is designed for 90° back corners. For curved tanks, our Aquarium Cave Hideaway (rounded dome) sits better.

Why buy from Blubber Cove

Original aquascaper-designed pieces, 3D-printed to order in our UK workshop in aquarium-safe PETG. No painted resin, no imports, no surprises. Free UK delivery over £30.