They're cute, fit on your desk, and make you feel like you have your own little piece of the Amazon at home: nano aquariums. But don't be fooled—precisely because they're so small, they react more quickly to mistakes. It's a bit like trying to care for a bonsai tree: beautiful, but you have to know what you're doing. With the right plants, a few cheerful shrimp, and a clever setup, you can even create a mini-jungle in a few liters of water. And yes... even your desktop can suddenly become a tropical paradise. 🌿
A nano aquarium (under 20 liters) is great for shrimp and snails, but too small for fish. Keep it out of direct sunlight, use a nutrient-rich substrate, plant plenty of slow-growing plants, and cycle it without fish first. Only when ammonia and nitrite levels are undetectable should you introduce your inhabitants.
What exactly is a nano aquarium?
A nano aquarium is essentially a small aquarium—usually under 20 liters. This makes them ideal if you have limited space or simply want a compact project. You can place them on a cabinet, windowsill, or even next to your computer. However, their small size makes them more sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and water quality. This makes them perfect for shrimp and snails, but usually too small for fish. With a good filter, plenty of plants, and a little patience, such a mini tank can become a stable ecosystem.
How do you set up a nano aquarium step by step?
- Choose the right spot: Out of direct sunlight and out of reach of cat paws or grabby children's hands.
- Create the substrate: A nutrient-rich layer, sloping slightly backward for depth. Do not rinse—this may release a little ammonia initially.
- Installing hardscape: Wood and stones provide structure. Tip: Soak the wood beforehand to prevent it from floating.
- Filling: Slowly pour in water through a hose or airline so as not to disturb your soil.
- Planting: Background with, for example, Cryptocoryne wendtii 'green', middle zone with Staurogyne repens, and foreground with Pogostemon helferi. Use long tweezers for precision work.
- Installing the technology: Turn on the lights for about 8 hours a day and install a filter with sufficient filter material.
- Cycling: Let the tank run for 3–4 weeks, test for ammonia and nitrite. Only add inhabitants when both are zero.
- Maintenance: Change 50% of the water with dechlorinated water every week and prune the plants.
Checklist
- Location and surface chosen
- Soil substrate and hardscape installed
- Fill and plant slowly with tweezers
- Light and filter set
- Water values tested — fishless cycling
- Weekly water changes and cleaning
Conclusion
Small but mighty—a nano aquarium can be a real gem in your home. With a little patience, the right plants, and proper maintenance, you can quickly build a stable ecosystem that you'll enjoy every day. Have questions or want to show off your mini-scape? Feel free to send me a message; I'd love to see it! 📲
