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Nano Aquariums - How to build a miniature aquarium

Do you want to know everything you need about Nano Aquariums? Here we will explain what they are, what fish and what plants you can use and the main characteristics of a miniature aquarium.

WHAT IS AN AQUARIUM NANO?

In the hobby of freshwater aquariums, a Nano Aquarium is generally defined as an aquarium in which the urn is below the volume of a standard aquarium (60x30x30cm) of 54 liters.

Among the most popular ballot boxes are cube nano aquariumswhich are quite recommended for shrimp. There are also with rectangular shape standard, more suitable for Aquascaping. Their rather small dimensions make them less suitable for breeding and keeping fish (with the exception of Betta splendens), but they are perfect for freshwater invertebrates such as snails and prawns. In recent years, there has been tremendous growth around the maintenance of shrimps and nano aquariums for Caridins and Neocaridines.

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These small aquariums They are equipped with internal or external filters specially adapted to their size and, thanks to their low weight and size, the nano-aquarium they can be placed anywhere without the need for furniture that can support heavy weights, a good choice to start with a small urn could be the Blau Nano Aquarium Kits.

Also, the term Pico it is used for a extremely small nano-aquarium with a capacity of less than 10 liters. Due to their small size, the peak aquariums They generally work without equipment like a filter and heater, and without any animals. They stay only as nano planted aquariums.

IS AN AQUARIUM NANO MORE UNSTABLE?

Many aquarium hobbyists are convinced that the biological system is more stable in larger urns and more unstable in smaller urns. It is common for beginners to get tips for starting a hobby with a larger aquarium. This does not have to be the case: The ecosystem can function well or poorly in a large aquarium, since this does not have much to do with the actual size of the aquarium but rather with the maintenance that this receives. Aquarium technical equipment has been reduced so much in recent years that it can be easily used in a small nano aquarium. Special equipment such as filters, lighting, heaters and other accessories for small aquariums are available to everyone.

Taking all this into account, nano aquariums are highly recommended for beginners. They even have the following advantages: Due to their small size, electricity and water costs are lower, as well as the initial costs for decoration, substrate, aquatic plants, fertilizers and other products for their maintenance. Currently these products are also available in small formats which are cheaper and more tailored to the needs of these aquariums. Thanks to their compact dimensions, nano aquariums can be integrated almost anywhere, even with very limited space, and they don't look as bulky and massive as large urns that require special aquarium furniture for their weight.

AQUATIC PLANTS FOR NANO AQUARIUM

A nano aquarium is quite suitable to serve as a planted aquarium or aquascaping aquarium. Groundcover plants covering the substrate and smaller mosses have become very popular. For now, they have become part of the standard stock of any well-stocked aquarium specialty store.

Nano Aquarium Planted by Sergio Maestre

Here is a small description of aquatic plants that are well suited to a nano aquarium:

Christmas Moss: This moss has long fronds shaped like small branches of Christmas trees. Anchors to surfaces such as wood and rock. In sufficient light, it develops a compact growth form, sometimes with slightly drooping shoots.

Hemianthus Callitrichoides "Cuba": This is one of the smallest aquarium groundcover plants. A sophisticated plant with light green rounded leaves, with rapid growth. If there is enough light and nutrients available in the water column, the Cuba will produce visible oxygen bubbles between its leaves

Riccardi Chamedryfolia: This coral moss has very small leaves and is therefore ideal for a nano aquarium. This moss grows on wood or stones and forms rounded cushions. Coral moss grows slowly, but requires a little more light and nutrients than other mosses, as well as a good supply of CO2 for healthy growth.

Fissidens fontanus: Also called Phoenix Moss, it is a moss of singular beauty. Its delicate leaves are very small and shaped like feathers. This moss forms rounded cushions and can adhere to both decoration and substrate.

Eleocharis sp. "Mini": An excellent upholstery in the shape of grass or lawn. The plant spreads through stolons, at a medium speed. The thin stems are light green. Eleocharis sp. "Mini" has a lower growth height than other Eleocharis species. That is why we believe that this plant is suitable for a small aquarium.

Micranthemum Micranthemoides (Hemianthus Glomeratus): It is a stem plant that due to its small leaves, is very suitable for a nano aquarium. It forms dense clumps and can be used in the middle or rear of the aquarium. It requires a complete fertilizer routine that contains macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as CO2, for this plant to grow fast and healthy.

Cryptocoryne Parva: This is a very small Cryptocoryne variety. The green leaves of this plant are slightly lanceolate. Like almost all other Cryptocoryne, this plant is undemanding, but sufficient light and a nutrient-rich substrate will make it grow much better. Cryptocoryne Parva is ideal for use in the middle and foreground of a nano aquarium.

Bucephalandra sp.: In recent years, the different varieties of Bucephalandra have become increasingly present in the hobby. These slow-growing epiphytic plants are undemanding and small in size. The different shapes and colors of the leaves make them a perfect plant to collect. They can be used to add a little green to rocks or wood.

Close-up Nano Aquarium

FISH FOR NANO AQUARIUM

These fish they are not always suitable to keep them permanently in an aquarium with less than 60l volume. The size of some species of Rasbora or Boraras of two or three centimeters is somewhat more accurate, but nevertheless, these fish are good swimmers and need an appropriate aquarium size, they won't feel comfortable in less than 20 liters water.

Even in a nano aquarium, a functional ecosystem is important to its inhabitants. In this regard, you should pay special attention to a good technical team, to the filtration in particular. Furthermore, lfish need aquatic plants, a suitable substrate and sufficient decoration such as stones and wood. All of these materials provide colonization surfaces for bacteria where they multiply and contribute to the degradation of contaminants. Since oxygen is required for this, a good current and adequate movement of the water surface are needed to improve gas exchange between the water and the ambient air. In addition, aquatic plants provide oxygen and rocks and wood to feel safe and have a place to take refuge. This so-called hardscape also improves the overall structure of the aquarium design.

It Must be done a weekly water change as regular maintenance. In this way accumulated substances are removed and fresh water is supplied. We recommend a water change of at least 50% of the total amount of water in the aquarium, this is something that can be done quite well in nano aquariums, since the total volume of water is not very high.

As a general rule, the volume must not be less than 30 liters when they hold fish in a nano aquarium, smaller aquariums are suitable for holding invertebrates such as snails and prawns. Format is also important: Cube-shaped aquariums are less suitable for keeping fish due to their shape, rectangular aquariums offer better length and therefore more room for swimming.

Here we will show some small fish species and those that you can keep in a nano aquarium.

Dario Dario: This small fish comes from India and is usually kept in stores. It grows to a maximum length of 3 cm. Males are red and blue colors, females are gray. Since this little cichlid is not a very active swimmer it can be kept in a nano aquarium. It should be noted that males are territorial and will defend their territory. Dario Dario females need nests. For this, you should calculate approximately 30 liters of water volume per fish. Unlike South American cichlids, Dario Dario from India can be kept at room temperature. Animals feed exclusively on live food, which must be small. Newborn Artemia nauplii are an option for this. Also, if there are shrimp in the aquarium, their young are potential prey for these cichlids. This is something to keep in mind.

Killi Clown: Epiplatys Annulatus is an African killi that only grows to a size of about 4 cm. Its black and white striped pattern is striking: the males also have a colorful tail. These animals generally stay close to the surface of the water. Killi Clowns are surface oriented ambush predators, it is advisable to add floating plants, with this, the fish will find cover and the floating plants will also prevent them from jumping. To attempt breeding, the water must be soft and acidic. Since the fish need a little more space to swim, a good length of the aquarium is recommended.

Betta splendens: A single betta can be kept in a nano aquarium. The aquarium must be at least 30 liters in volume and must be densely planted, the plants offer these fish hiding places and "hammocks" where to sleep. The use of floating plants is also suitable here. Betta fish prefer a calm water surface, so the current should be as weak as possible. A dark substrate may be fine but it is not a must. It has always been recommended on many occasions that you have to keep several females for each male, but recently it has been shown that the stress level of females is very high. The best option is to keep only one Betta Splendens.

Dwarf Puffer Fish: This is its trade name, its scientific name is Carinotetraodon Travancoricustiene and it has its origins in India. It is described as a pure freshwater puffer fish (therefore no need to add salt to aquarium water) and prefers soft, acidic water. Its maximum size is about 3cm. Furthermore, this aquarium fish has a specialized diet and feeds mainly on small snails such as planorbis or physidae. As an alternative, they can sometimes also get used to other live and frozen foods. Even young shrimp are on their menu. If the puffer fish does not get enough food, it will attack the other inhabitants of the aquarium (other fish and shrimp), where it usually attacks the eyes and fins. Dwarf balloons can be kept in slightly larger nano aquariums.

Rasbora Mosquito: A small school of dwarf rasboras can be kept. The recommended types of rasbora are: as micros, merah, brigittae and urophthalmoides.

Gurami Licorice: Small labyrinthine fishes of the genus Parosphromenus are suitable for keeping them as the only population in a densely planted nano aquarium. Parosphremenus are very calm and quite shy aquarium fish, which take refuge mainly in their hiding places. Lighting should be dim. When strong lighting is used, shaded areas can be created by using floating plants and wood. There should be as little current as possible, especially on the surface of the water. Parosphremenus are used for extreme water values ​​and sometimes require conditions similar to black water with very mild and acidic water and in addition to many humic substances. Animals should be fed exclusively small live food. Please note, therefore, that these fish are slightly more difficult to care for and are not very suitable for beginners.

Invertebrates in a Nano Aquarium: Invertebrates, such as snails and shrimp, are also very suitable for keeping in a smaller aquarium of about 20 liters (for shrimp); a well-structured 30-liter aquarium with many hiding places (for dwarf crabs) or a 10-liter aquarium with aquatic plants for snails. Both snails, prawns and dwarf crabs not only look good in a nanocube, but they also enrich the aquarium ecosystem, as they are excellent degraders of organic matter, sludge, animal parts and dead plants that are on the menu. of these invertebrates. In addition, some of them feed on different species of algae and keep the aquarium clean.

Other articles of interest may be:
How to Eliminate Aquarium Algae - Causes and Most Effective Treatments
Caridines and Neocaridines - File and Care Aquarium Prawns

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