Nano-aquariums: varieties, selection and design

Fashion for the design of residential and office premises using tanks with decorative aquatic inhabitants and plants does not slow down. Therefore, for some aquarists, no less attractive containers were invented that made it possible to keep fish and grow flora in small analogs of familiar aquariums. Our article is devoted to nano-aquariums.

Today, under the name "nano-aquarium", aquarists do not mean a separate kind of tank for closed fish farming, but a whole group of aquariums, which are distinguished by the features of their spaciousness, a variety of shapes and other parameters.

Nano-aquarium is a reservoir, the volume of which can vary between 5-30 liters, it can contain freshwater or marine flora and fauna. In accordance with this, a special group of aquatic inhabitants and plants that are able to live, reproduce and grow in a small enclosed aquatic environment is distinguished. Today, in specialized stores, individual varieties of fish, crustaceans and aquatic cultures are sold specifically for nano-aquariums.

Such tanks, commonly used in residential, office and public buildings, are distinguished by their high decorative appeal. However, before acquiring such products, you should thoroughly study its strengths and weaknesses.

First, consider the merits.

• In light of its small volumes, Compared to conventional aquariums, such varieties will not take up much space on a table, nightstand, window sill or any other surface. This moment will be especially relevant for rooms that do not stand out for their large area or for furniture, on which, due to the specifics of their operation, there are many other necessary decorative or functional things.
• It will be much easier to look after nano-aquariums. This feature is also directly related to the small capacity of the tank, in light of which it is recommended to purchase such containers for beginner aquarists and children.
• For such products there is no need to buy a large number of plants, soil and inhabitants, which is associated with cost savings.
• Creating a specific design and layout will be easier.
• If desired, the nano-aquarium can be easily moved or moved to another place in a room or place in another room. Such a moment with conventional aquariums will cause a lot of difficulties.

Cons are also available here:

• maintaining appropriate conditions in a small ecosystem will require certain knowledge, since the slightest deviations can lead to the death of all aquatic inhabitants and cultures;
• for more experienced aquarists, small aquatic ecosystems will not always be interesting;
• in order to maintain all parameters in the norm, it may be necessary to purchase specialized equipment, which is characterized by its high cost.

Among the assortment of decorative aquariums, you can find models that differ from each other in shape and size. The most popular are containers in the form of a cube.

Nanocubes can be of the following sizes:

• 10 l;
• 20 l;
• 30 l

The shape and size of nano-aquariums are selected based on personal preferences and the presence of a free surface. In order to choose such decorative products correctly, it is worth following some recommendations.

• On sale there are containers made of ordinary durable glass, as well as products from acrylic. The advantage in terms of operation and performance is on the side of the latest varieties. This is due to the high strength of raw materials.
• From the density of the material and the smoothness of the walls the ability of the tank to maintain water temperature will also depend. In addition, algae fouling rate is also determined by the surface quality. Round and acrylic aquariums in this case are more practical.
• As for the forms, then the most convenient for operation will be a small rectangular nano-aquarium or a square tank.
• When decorating an aquarium with decorative films, which are usually used for back walls, it will be more comfortable to work with straight and even surfaces. It will be much more difficult to stick similar material on round walls.
• An important nuance regarding the choice of a miniature aquarium, It is considered to be equipped with the necessary equipment. It is most correct to purchase models with a set of necessary filters, aerators, lamps and other important components.
• If you plan to place the aquarium using brackets or other fasteners, it is worthwhile to understand that with water and aquatic inhabitants it will be much harder. Therefore, it is important to foresee the load.
• Before you consider the choice of inhabitants, as well as compatibility of one species with another.You should also additionally consider the issue of design themes, so that all the components harmoniously combine with each other.

The design of the nano-aquarium provides for the placement of additional devices in it, which can maintain normal all the necessary parameters that are important for the life of aquatic inhabitants and cultures.

To start the aquarium, its owner will need the following equipment:

• filter;
• aerator;
• heater;
• lighting devices.

Aerators that saturate the aquatic environment with the necessary amount of oxygen and CO2 are selected, taking into account the displacement and features of certain types of river or marine inhabitants, which will be kept in a closed environment. Heating devices not always needed, this question will also be directly related to the characteristics and needs of the aquatic fauna, the situation with such a device as oxidizing agent.

Heaters with a thermostat are designed for tanks with a volume of more than 8 liters, deserves special attention thermal cable. So that nano-aquariums are always in good condition, you can additionally purchase scrapers and siphon. The power of the latter will vary, taking into account the number of inhabitants of the reservoir and the plants inside.

An important moment regarding the equipment of the aquarium will be lighting selection, because the light will be a vital component for fish and other inhabitants of the aquarium. Small aquariums up to 20 liters can be equipped with a lid with built-in lamps. The optimal power for them will be 3 watts per 4-5 liters of fluid.

For very tiny containers, you can limit yourself to ordinary table lamp, regularly adjusting the light intensity using the height and angle of inclination above the aquarium. It is allowed to use LED backlighting, which can become an additional element of decor.

Making a decorative reservoir involves the following work:

• installation and commissioning of necessary equipment;
• selection and laying of soil;
• planting plants or placing decorative artificial crops;
• launch of fish or other inhabitants.

After the equipment is placed in its place, it is worth considering the options for soil for the aquarium. As a rule, small containers will not require the use of a large amount of soil, so it would be more appropriate to purchase a specialized substrate. As plants, you can use mosses, algae, dwarf ferns. etc. In the role of decorative design elements, the use of stonesdifferent in shape and size snags, can choose reef option decorating containers. Inhabitants are selected based on personal taste preferences.

So that the soil in the aquarium is as nutrient as long as possible, on a thin layer of special top dressing is poured out before laying. Thus, the frequent need for soil replacement and transplanting of growing aquarium crops can be avoided.. To maintain a clean aquatic environment, it is recommended that every third day a third of the fluid in the tank be replaced.

The choice of inhabitants of the decorative reservoir will depend on their size, personal preferences of the aquarist, the compatibility of certain breeds.

The most suitable fish species are:

• erythromicron microprobe;
• cockerel fish;
• dwarf tetradon;
• flare epiplatis;
• oryzias;
• guppies, etc.

Small round tanks with evergreen flora and vibrant aquatic inhabitants can be a wonderful decoration for any room. Streamlined forms will be able to harmoniously fit into any interior, making the nano-aquarium a bright accent.

Use for decorating coral "houses" will turn a small tank into real work of artwhere it will be possible to grow attractive aquatic inhabitants.

Well-organized backlight will be a real find for those aquarists who want to see in their homes unique and fascinating underwater landscapes in the most attractive color.

You will learn about how to properly launch a nano-aquarium from the video below.