How to set up your nano aquarium?

I absolutely love nano aquariums! Some people think it’s a compromise for those who just don’t have space for a big tank. I don’t think so.

For me, a nano aquarium is a deliberate choice to create a unique aquascape. In a small aquarium tank of about 30 to 50 cm, you can easily build an environment where smaller aquarium plants, as well as tiny fish or shrimp, can thrive. But the real question is: how do you get started with the design of a nano aquarium?

3 things to keep in mind with a nano aquarium

Are you setting up a nano aquarium? Awesome! There are three key things to consider when making your choices.

Pick the right plants

The first point: plant selection! For the design of your nano aquarium, make sure you pick the right plants. Since you’re working with an exceptionally small aquarium, not all plants will fit. For example, Vallisneria isn’t the best choice, but needle grass is a great option. By the way, here’s a tip for trimming plants in your nano aquarium: use these aquarium scissors, which fit perfectly in your wrist, making trimming much easier!

Pick the right fish

Not only is the size of your aquarium plants important here, but also the size and volume of your tank. That’s why a second key point in setting up a nano aquarium is choosing fish that are compatible with your aquarium plants, the aquascape itself, and the size of your nano aquarium.

Example: If you want to keep angelfish, then forget about a nano aquarium, as these fish simply don’t belong in such a small aquarium. Boraras brigittae, for example, are a much better choice.

Pick the right environment & consider specific requirements

A nano aquarium is much more delicate and has a smaller margin for error than a tank with, say, 100 liters of water. If you accidentally use replacement water with a completely different KH, the impact will be much bigger than in a tank of over 100 liters. So keep this in mind and pay extra attention to the maintenance of your nano aquarium!

How to create extra depth in your nano aquarium

One of the most fascinating aspects of designing a nano aquarium is the way you can create depth. If your nano aquarium holds only 30 liters, you’ll have to get really creative with depth perception. The trick when setting up a nano aquarium is to create the illusion of space. And you don’t do that by simply making everything smaller. 🙂 In fact, the idea is to work in reverse.

Most aquascapes place small plants in the front and bigger ones in the back. If you apply the same tactic in a nano aquarium, everything ends up looking smaller. A trick is to place slightly larger, leafy plants in the front and smaller plants in the background.

Example:

Other tips for adding depth to your nano aquarium include:

• Applying the golden ratio
• Raising the substrate towards the back
• Investing in a nice background
• Playing with different leaf sizes and colors
• Creating small pathways in your aquarium

Which plants for a nano aquarium?

As mentioned, you’ll want to choose plants that don’t grow too big and that go well with the fish in your nano aquarium. After all, these plants will provide hiding spots for your fish and enough oxygen. And, of course, they need to look great too! Here are my favorite plants for a nano aquarium:

• Anubias Nana (dwarf anubias, heart-shaped spear leaf). This aquarium plant has stunning leaves and is perfect for a nano aquarium. Attach the rhizome of this slow-growing plant to a piece of wood or a rock.
• Vesicularia dubyana (Java moss). A classic, and for good reason. Java moss can also be attached to a rock or wood. Sure, you’ll need to trim it occasionally, but it creates a stunning effect and keeps shrimp happy. 🙂
• Microsorum Pteropus ‘Windelov’ (Java fern). Another plant to attach to something that doesn’t grow too fast. Okay, technically, it’s not a ‘small aquarium plant,’ but since it grows slowly, you can easily control its size so it thrives in your nano aquarium.
• Cryptocoryne Parva (dwarf cryptocoryne). An ideal plant for a nano aquarium since it doesn’t grow taller than 5 cm.
• Certain Echinodorus (dwarf amazon sword). With enough nutrients, this plant, whose leaves stay under 5 cm, will do well in a nano aquarium.

Small aquarium ideas for your nano aquarium

Looking for more ideas for setting up your nano aquarium? Check out these examples for inspiration!

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Conclusion

Setting up a nano aquarium is all about making the right choices before you begin:

• The right plants
• The right fish & shrimp
• The right maintenance & placement choices

Make sure to do your research (You’re off to a great start by reading this article 🙂 ). For the aquascape itself, check out plenty of nano aquarium designs and get inspired by others. Still not sure? Let me know in the comments!