Mary Allen
Small but mighty: Nano aquariums are becoming more and more popular, not only because of the small amount of space they take up, but above all because of the surprisingly versatile design options they offer. An underwater world is created in the smallest of spaces, which can be both decorative and species-appropriate. Newcomers and connoisseurs appreciate the miniature aquariums as easy to care for and as a highlight in the household, which does not take up several square meters, but can be presented individually and attractively. For which fish nano tanks are suitable, what the situation is with the planting and, above all, which technology is necessary, are just a few of the many questions that repeatedly revolve around nano aquariums and should definitely be clarified thoroughly before purchasing them.
What is a nano aquarium anyway?
The term inevitably implies the association with “small”. But how small is nano then? In the scientific sense, nano refers to one billionth of a unit. So if you were to minimize the standard size of a standard 112-liter aquarium accordingly, nano tanks would have to hold around 0.000000112 liters. That would even be significantly less than a single tear.
In fact, the nano versions come in sizes from 12 to 36 liters. Essentially, however, they never reach the dimensions of a “full-grown” tank and remain below 54 liters. Although they are still larger than a billionth, they are still much smaller and take up less space, but above all they are lighter – and cheaper – than standard aquariums.
While a tank with a three-digit liter volume is usually in place and has to stay, the small nano-aquarium can also be moved or spontaneously find a new place in the facility.
But small also inevitably means less space for fish. They have to be able to manage in a small space and of course still have demands on the floor, the equipment, plants, and technical conditions. How is all of this ever supposed to fit into a nano tank – and above all, still be species-appropriate?
Differences between nano aquariums
Nano aquariums are usually used in freshwater aquaristics. So-called nano-reef aquariums with seawater are only rarely used, if at all then for rearing saltwater fish or for growing appropriate plants, corals and prey animals.
In contrast to normal aquariums, the nano versions are also often used as purely decorative containers without any fish. Inside there are often only caves, plants, shells, maybe a few shrimp or snails.
However, certain types of fish can certainly be used. However, keeping fish in the nano aquarium is often criticized for not being species-appropriate. This is mainly due to the many, albeit small, mistakes made by the keepers, which unfortunately have serious effects on the entire biotope with the small amount of water. One more reason to get detailed information in advance.
Nano cymbals are available both as a cube (cube) and in the typical rectangular shape. The well-known goldfish bowl is rightly a rarity because it simply doesn’t offer enough space for species-appropriate fish keeping.
A particular trend in nano-aquaristics are tanks that are integrated into pieces of furniture, such as the coffee table. A removable glass top provides access to the basin, the technology is hidden inside the furniture and the piece looks seamlessly uniform on the outside.
At the same time, in the area of interior design, there is a trend towards nano-aquariums with 3D effects and atmospheric LED lighting, for example in doctor’s surgeries to calm patients. The cymbals can also have a high column-like shape in order to better represent the air bubbles of the pump, whereby the bubbles and noises provide additional fascination.
The so-called aquascaping is also becoming increasingly popular: Small miniature worlds with mountains and valleys, beaches and forests. The focus here is on the meditative work with the underwater details. Some have a Zen garden, others a nano aquarium.
Which residents are suitable for nano tanks?
All the circumstances already mentioned must not be expected of any fish. It is important to find out exactly which species are suitable for small water volumes, whether and how they can be combined and to what extent their natural needs can be met in the mini-pool. This applies to fish as well as to all other potential residents.
Suitable fish species
Above all, dwarf carp are very popular in nano aquariums. They are quite small in physique, have low territorial requirements and prefer to live in narrow areas anyway. Nevertheless, based on the number of fish, the aquarium should hold at least 30 liters, if not more.
Other possible candidates are rasbora of the Boraras genus (e.g. the mosquito rasbora), dwarf bluefish, guinea fowl rasbora and various tetras. Already known as nano-fish, glow-light tetras and the universally popular neon tetras, also just called neons, are particularly suitable. So the list is by no means short.
Even exotic species such as Siamese fighting fish (Betta Spelndens) can thrive in pairs in the nano aquarium. The delta-winged dwarf catfish, as a nocturnal and bottom-living fish, is also suitable for socializing, as is the sickle-spotted armored catfish.
The number and size of the fish should be carefully considered, i.e. kept in pairs for slightly larger specimens with harem behavior and kept in groups of 10 to a maximum of 20 animals for the very small fish species.
The combination of different fish species is possible in principle, but not highly recommended. The needs for water temperature and quality would have to match almost exactly, because there is not really much leeway given the small volume of water. Even the smallest fluctuations could endanger the health of one of the species.
Prawns, snails, and Co.
Dwarf shrimp are probably the most common in nano aquariums, especially Neocaridina davidi. They like to socialize with snails, such as the tower snails and the ramshorn snails, which, by the way, can also be kept without shrimp.
In addition, dwarf crayfish are suitable for mini tanks, although not necessarily in combination with the shrimp, as they imitate their brood.
Since all of these underwater dwellers can also take on magnificent colors, they are in no way inferior to fish in terms of decoration. It may still come as a surprise to some that snails in particular are experiencing a real surge in popularity. The antler snail, for example. Or the Big Stripe Mosaic Racer. Not to forget the Batman snail. The species look as exciting as the naming is creative. One more colorful and extravagant than the other.
Aquatic plants for aquascaping projects
Those who would rather create a real miniature world, based on huge structures from nature, can easily limit themselves to plant and abstract inhabitants and thus realize breathtaking projects.
In this sense, aquascaping means nothing other than building aquarium landscapes. A wide variety of materials are used, such as:
- Lava stones: Thanks to their porous structure, they are perfect for moss and epiphytes. They are light but stable. With a little skill, they recreate green reefs or forest-inspired layouts because they look like treetops overgrown with moss.
- Dragon Stones: The angular, perforated surface contrasts with the warm color of the stones.
- They look like huge splinter stones, shaped by time and the forces of nature.
- Frodo Stones and Ryouh/ Seiryu: They bring a rugged appearance and imitate mountains and similar formations.
In addition, slabs of slate, bones and special sediments, wood and natural materials are refined basic elements for constructing a landscape on a small scale. They are enlivened with aquatic plants, the appearance of which is also reminiscent of the patterns and shapes of large plants:
- Moss ball: The moss ball is actually a green alga, but it actually sometimes grows spherical and looks extremely decorative. Above all, it is soft and easy to care for.
- Dense-leaved Rotala: Thanks to the intense red color, its wavy, delicate leaves offer a great contrast to green plants. It is often used for accentuation.
- Squirrel pennywort: This plant is reminiscent of clover at first glance, but also has a creeping habit and could even be cultivated outdoors.
This is just a small insight into what would be possible in a nano aquarium. Basically, there are hardly any limits to the imagination, except spatially. And this is exactly what seems to be the attraction for many aquascapers. But here, too, water quality, temperatures, lighting and cleaning must not be neglected. The aquarium is still a biotope and must be cared for as such.
Equipment and things worth knowing for nano aquarists
Nano aquariums are no longer a fickle trend, but have almost become a cult. The following is growing immensely and so more and more enthusiasts come together, discuss, experiment and experience exciting things in the narrowest water habitat.
Not to be forgotten in all this is the technical equipment, which is essential for the respective aquarium inhabitants, regardless of whether the tank is excessively large or comparatively tiny.
What to do with the technology?
External filters in particular have proven their worth, as they do not block any additional space in the water and do not have to perform too well. The nice thing about nano aquariums is that they can be equipped very sparingly. Everything has to be there as usual, but it can be a little smaller and simpler. Be it the reduced lighting, the slightly weaker heating system or the smaller pump.
Nevertheless, timers, measuring stations and the like must still be fully integrated. This also applies to other aspects of nano-aquaristics.
Nano care tips
A nano pool also has to be cleaned, requires a partial water change, cleaning in the event of algae infestation and regular checks of the water quality. Of course, the whole thing takes place in a limited way. The critical thing is rather that the smallest carelessness or even mistakes immediately throw the entire system out of balance.
A large aquarium may be able to compensate for small fluctuations in water hardness, perhaps even a surprising drop in temperature. In the nano aquarium this usually means: total system failure. Even if the relationship between soil, plants and living beings has been optimally chosen, the smallest amounts of parasites can infest half the tank in a flash or similar dramas can occur.
Therefore, the experienced nano aquarium enthusiast should always explicitly keep an eye on his aquarium keepers. It’s better to be a bit too picky than to risk the beautiful miniature underwater world. There is always more work involved in some mini pools than in an entire swimming pool.