{"id":145233,"date":"2017-11-25T15:20:44","date_gmt":"2017-11-25T14:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/blog\/uncategorized\/nano-aquarium-inrichten\/"},"modified":"2025-02-21T10:38:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T09:38:40","slug":"setup-nano-aquarium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/planted-box.com\/en\/blog\/aquascaping-design\/setup-nano-aquarium\/","title":{"rendered":"How to set up your nano aquarium?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I absolutely love nano aquariums! Some people think it’s a compromise for those who just don\u2019t have space for a big tank. I don\u2019t think so.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

3 things to keep in mind with a nano aquarium<\/h2>\n

Are you setting up a nano aquarium? Awesome! There are three key things to consider when making your choices.<\/p>\n

Pick the right plants<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first point: plant selection! For the design of your nano aquarium, make sure you pick the right plants. Since you\u2019re working with an exceptionally small aquarium, not all plants will fit. For example, Vallisneria isn\u2019t the best choice, but needle grass is a great option. By the way, here\u2019s a tip for trimming plants in your nano aquarium: use these aquarium scissors<\/a>, which fit perfectly in your wrist, making trimming much easier!<\/p>\n

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Needle grass & moss grow perfectly in a nano aquarium. Source: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pick the right fish<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not only is the size of your aquarium plants important here, but also the size and volume of your tank. That\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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These shrimp are loving it! Source: aquascapingaquarium.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Example: If you want to keep angelfish, then forget about a nano aquarium, as these fish simply don\u2019t belong in such a small aquarium. Boraras brigittae, for example, are a much better choice.<\/p>\n

Pick the right environment & consider specific requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

How to create extra depth in your nano aquarium<\/h2>\n

One of the most fascinating aspects of designing a nano aquarium is the way you can create depth<\/a>. If your nano aquarium holds only 30 liters, you\u2019ll 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\u2019t do that by simply making everything smaller. \ud83d\ude42 In fact, the idea is to work in reverse.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/p>\n

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This nano aquarium places thick wood in the front and thin wood in the back. Source: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other tips for adding depth to your nano aquarium include:<\/p>\n