Nano aquarium. Launch and care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The underwater world is completely different and extremely fascinating. This explains why a large number of people desire to have an aquarium. Watching fish is soothing and relieves stress, and the aquarium itself fits perfectly into the design of any room.

But have you heard that it is expensive, troublesome, besides the aquarium takes up a lot of space? The development of nano-aquariums makes it possible to get fish, having at your disposal even 1 m2 free area. We will talk about the nuances and subtleties when buying and starting a small aquarium in this article.

Nano aquarium - what is it?

The prefix "nano" means "dwarf" in Greek. This prefix denotes something small. In modern aquaristics, nano-aquaria is commonly referred to as an aquarium with fresh water up to 40 liters. For aquariums with sea water, this value is 80-100 liters. Leading manufacturers today offer turnkey aquarium complexes with a volume of only 2.5 liters!

The most popular nano aquarium shape is cubic.

On the market alsomany other options are offered. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account that it is difficult to install equipment correctly in an aquarium with round walls, and it is also inconvenient to clean such surfaces.

Despite its small size, the nano aquarium is a sustainable ecosystem. In such a system, there is a relationship between living organisms and their environment.

Pros and cons of a small aquarium

The main reason for the popularity of nano aquariums is their size. For installation, you do not need a large area. Any flat, level surface will suffice. It can be a table, shelf or bookcase. In addition to mobility, these aquariums have a number of other advantages:

1. Low price. For a 10-liter nano-aquarium, you will pay from 500 to 4000 rubles approximately, depending on its shape, manufacturer and configuration. The cost of aquariums for 50 liters starts from 6-7 thousand rubles.
2. Quick design change. If desired, you can easily change the scenery of your aquarium. You can do it yourself, or you can turn to the services of companies that specialize in aqua design. Aquascaping is very popular these days. This is a technique in which a landscape of a real-life space or a fantastic imaginary world is created in an aquarium.



3. Easy maintenance. A small aquarium is easier to clean, easier to care for plants and soil.
4. Possibility of observation. Nano Aquariums showcase all of their inhabitants, adding to the spectacle.

Besides pluses, there are also minuses. He is associated withthe size of a nano aquarium. In a small volume, any fluctuations in temperature or water parameters violate its stability. This can have a detrimental effect on the biological balance and lead to the death of the population. For this reason, beginner hobbyists are often discouraged from setting up nano aquariums. To reduce risk, choose fully stocked options from trusted manufacturers.

Aquarium size

So, you have weighed the pros and cons and decided to purchase a nano-aquarium. One of the main questions that may arise is what volume to choose. The size of the aquarium directly depends on who can be settled in it. Be sure to take into account the opinion of professionals in this matter.

Aquarium less than 8 liters is used for plants. In such a volume it is difficult to maintain the desired temperature of the water. In addition, imagine how you would live on an area of, say, 4-10 square meters. Can you live? Yes. Comfortable, convenient? Hardly.

In aquariums from 8 to 20 liters, it is already possible to settle some types of fish, but a colony of colored freshwater shrimp will be the best choice.

For a nano-aquarium of 20 liters or more, the choice of residents is already significantly larger. If you make such an aquarium complete (with soil, plants, good lighting and equipment), then the fish will feel quite comfortable in this environment.

Pay attention to famous aquarium manufacturers: AquaEL, Juwel, Dennerle. Of the more budget options - "Biodesign" (Russia).

Dennerle Nano Aquariums are often chosen for their performance. AtHigh quality ultra clear glass is used in manufacturing, which allows you to get an absolutely stunning picture. The photo below shows a Dennerle nano-cube with a volume of 30 liters.

Freshwater or marine?

Sea nano aquarium is also called nano reef.

Having a "little sea" at home is very tempting, but it should be understood that the volume of such an aquarium should be much larger than freshwater. For marine aquariums, the "nano" size is 80 liters or more. They are more expensive and more difficult to maintain. This is due to the need to more carefully monitor water parameters.

If you already have a successful experience of running a freshwater aquarium, then you can opt for a nano reef.

Equipment

When buying a nano-aquarium, you should definitely think about the necessary equipment for it. There are 2 options here:

1. Buy an aquarium with already built-in equipment, turnkey.
2. Purchase a separate aquarium, separate equipment.

For those who are just taking their first steps in the aquarium trade, it is better to purchase a ready-made nano-cube, fully equipped with the necessary equipment. The only limitation is the issue price.

The second method is less expensive, but requires a more careful approach and some knowledge. Be sure to take into account the size of the aquarium itself, so as not to end up with bulky structures that will spoil the appearance. Essentials you will need:

• filter andcompressor;
• lighting lamp;
• heater with thermostat.

The filter for nano-aquarium and its characteristics are selected individually: type, power, flow rate. Not only the volume is taken into account, but also the "population" of the aquarium. Aeration is done by compressor or filter.

You should also think about lighting. Modern aquariums are sold with built-in lighting, but often this is not enough. For the growth of he althy plants, it is recommended to install an additional fluorescent lamp.

To maintain the required temperature in the aquarium you need a heater. Most fish for small aquariums come from southern latitudes, who are used to living in water with an average temperature of + 23 … + 25 ° С. You can do without it if you put an aquarium in a warm room and choose unpretentious inhabitants.

Be sure to look out for other accessories: nets, tweezers, small scrapers, carbon dioxide (CO2) injection systems.

Design

When choosing plants, you need to consider the size of the leaves so that it is suitable for your aquarium size.

Most often choose plants that do not require good lighting and grow slowly. Various mosses, small species of ferns and anubias are best suited.

Stem plants also look good if you don't mind taking more time to care for them. There are a number of plants for which the supply of carbon dioxide is important, this must also be taken into account.

Who-who lives in the little house?

In small aquariums, it is best to keep 1-2 species of fish. If these are small schooling fish, then they look especially advantageous. Recommended fish for nano tank:

1. Labyrinth. A big plus of such fish is their unpretentiousness. You can do without aeration, as these fish can breathe atmospheric air directly. The most popular representatives of this group are guppies and bettas. It should be remembered that males are fighting fish, their neighbors must be selected very carefully, most often they are settled one at a time. An example of the resettlement of cockerels is shown in the photo below.



2. Small cyprinids. Most often, cardinal or microrasbora are chosen from this type of fish. Cardinals tolerate water temperature fluctuations well; 6-7 pieces can be placed in a 30-liter aquarium. Microrasboras come in many varieties, but they are all very tiny (average size is about 2 centimeters) and look great in a flock.
3. Small characins. Of the variety of this species, we recommend that you pay attention to the tetra and neon. Peaceful tetras are perfect for a small aquarium. Nimble neon lights have long held a place of honor in the hearts of aquarists due to their coloration.

Dwarf catfish and viviparous fish are also often chosen when filling nano tanks. Bright guppies and baby formosa, pygmy catfish and many others will decorate your home pond.

Start Aquarium

So, you have chosen, bought and solemnly brought home an aquarium and everything you need for it. What's next? First, choose a place where your little miracle will be located. It should be a dark place out of direct sunlight.

Next, follow these steps:

1. Wash the aquarium. Use tap water without using any additives. The water should be warm, not hot. After the aquarium is dry, stick the decorative film on the back wall.
2. Treat the plants. To do this, a few days before planting, place the plants in a container of water and add a special disinfectant. Or treat them with a weak solution of potassium permanganate just before planting in the aquarium.
3. Put some plant food on the bottom of the aquarium. The recommended layer is approximately 2 centimeters.
4. Place the gravel for the nano aquarium on top. Pre-rinse it with hot water or hold it in boiling water for 5 minutes. The gravel layer is approximately 1 centimeter. It looks attractive and prevents water pollution.
5. Decorate your aquarium with decorative items. It can be stones, roots, snags, labyrinths. Shrimps, crabs, crustaceans, and some types of fish definitely need places where they can hide.
6. Add water to two-thirds of the aquarium. Water must first settle and be at a temperature of at least 20 ° C. It is recommended to first add a special conditioner to the water (about 2 drops per 1 liter of water). Pour water carefully so as not to move the soil.
7. Place plants on 80% of the ground area.
8. Set the filter andadd water. Leave 5-6 centimeters of space between the surface and the lid.
9. Install the lamp and protective glass.

Wait, but what about the fish and other living creatures, you ask. This is the final stage of the launch.

After you have done these steps, you must wait 2-3 days, and then replace 30-50% of the water. Don't forget to use conditioner. You may see some cloudiness in the aquarium at this stage, this is normal. Your own water nano-world creates its own microclimate.

Before you release the fish into the aquarium, you must make sure that there is no plaque on the plants. After the fish are in the water, observe their behavior for the first time. Don't feed right away, let them get used to their new home first.

If after a couple of days the fish are active, the water does not become cloudy, then you can congratulate yourself on the successful launch of the nano-aquarium!

Care

In order not to get a flowering swamp instead of a beautiful aquarium, you need to take care of it in a timely manner. At first, you can make yourself a care schedule:

• replacement of 50% of water once a week, it is better to defend the water and add a special conditioner;
• topping up as it evaporates;
• weekly plant care - top dressing and timely pruning;
• cleaning the bottom about 1 time in 2 weeks;
• glass cleaning;
• feeding the fish, try to strictly follow the feeding recommendations.

Wonderful world

We offer you photos of nano aquariums for inspiration andideas.

The main focus in this example is on the plants. To get a similar result, you must know the rules for planting each type of plant and follow the planned arrangement.

The theme of landscapes is a favorite technique of aquascapers. It has its own directions, requirements and rules, understanding of which allows you to get a perfectly balanced picture.

Don't be afraid to experiment. You can get ideas from anywhere! If you are not confident in your abilities, then first try to copy the design that you like. This will give impetus to further development.

Arm yourself with the acquired knowledge, connect your imagination, be patient and get a result that will delight you for a long time. With proper care, you will become the proud owner of your own personal nano-reservoir.