NANO AQUARIUM

Small, natural aquarium may be a way to unveil eye-catching aquascaping arrangement which binds roots, rocks and selected plants together.

Nano aquariums are small, 10-gallon tanks, usually destined for plants.

Equipping a nano aquarium, one should follow patterns evolved by Tokashi Amano—a godfather of natural aquaristics.

Because of nano aquaristics, one can arrange a small section of nature on his own desk, in his workplace or relaxation zone.

Such aquariums gives the person an opportunity to create a successful project—with little amount of time and money.

The shape of aquarium will affect the way whole composition will be seen—longer tanks are much easier on the eyes than taller ones. Let’s talk about elements that are essential to create a natural aquarium. The most important of them are carefully selected substrate and lighting. Aquarium substrates need to be nutrient rich. Substrates are produced in the shape of regular or irregular spheroids; during production they are enriched with minerals and humic compounds. We should keep in mind that these substrates can not be washed out before they are placed in aquarium. Such laying will cause that plants will have constant access to minerals acquired by root system. Generally, one-colored substrates should be used; however, if we have bigger experience with composing, we could use decorative, sandy gravel which will contrast with our basic substrate. Next elements used in tank decoration are driftwoods and rocks. Red Moor Woods and Iron Woods are suitable because of their self-sinking abilities which make aquarist’s job with tank arrangement much easier. As for rocks, Dragon Stones and Seiryu Stones should be used. For more details on choice and usage of rocks and driftwoods, see our separate article. Rocks and driftwoods should not occupy more than one third of aquarium’s volume; it will help to harmonically appose rocks, driftwoods and plants. Choosing plants, we have to follow the rules of lighting demand. Such plants as anubias, moss, cryptocoryne and vallisneria will help us to create an aquarium which do not require additional CO²-providing systems. Picking plants unrelated to lighting specifics, we should pay attention to the seize, color and shape of plant, as well to its growth fastness. Plants with small leaves will make our tank look bigger. For nano aquariums TC plants seem to be perfect choice. There are plenty of plants—carpet plants, plants of secondary priority. Right techniques of plant cutting will make our plants look smaller and denser. Currently high-quality LED lamps are used in tanks. They are giving adequate range of lighting; they have enough power to keep every nano aquarium plants living. We should also remember about water filtration in our aquariums. It is necessary to keep our tank—as well as plants and fishes, like danios and tetras, that lives in it—well-maintained. Caridean shrimps may also turn out to be helpful since they are algae-eating species.

Good luck!