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Mini Aquariums: Good Things Come in Small Packages

Mini Aquariums: Good Things Come in Small Packages

Updated on July 21, 2023
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Don Spaeth
Petco’s National Aquatic Care, Education and Programs Manager
Small Freshwater Aquarium

It is no secret, small, AKA “Nano” tanks have grown in popularity over the past couple years and continue to gain momentum. Remember though, aquatic care is critical to any successful aquarium regardless of the size. So, is a small aquarium the right choice for you?

Aquarium keeping can be a very rewarding endeavor but not everyone has the space for a large aquarium. Those living in apartments, a child’s bedroom or a college dorm room may not have the room for anything but a smaller size aquarium. Not only do smaller aquariums take up less space but have a much smaller initial investment than a larger aquarium, making it less stressful on the pocketbook.

Maintenance & Water Parameters

Now do not let their small size fool you; a small aquarium will require just as much, if not more maintenance and wellness checks as its big brother. Although you may spend a little less time with algae scrubbing, the water parameters in a smaller volume of water can change rapidly. Because of this smaller water volume, temperature and water chemistry can shift quickly which can be fatal to aquatic life if gone unchecked.  This can be even more critical for the new aquarium going through the nitrogen cycle. No need for alarm though, this can be avoided by sticking to a routine, testing water parameters, and being relentless at performing water changes.

Taking a few precautions will help prevent deteriorating water conditions. Select an appropriately sized filter and be sure to change the filter media in conjunction with your routine maintenance schedule. Location, location, location! Ensure the aquarium is not located near a window, in a drafty area or too close to a register vent causing warm or cool air to directly hit the aquarium. That sun beaming through a window may feel good on a cool morning, however those little rays of sunshine can quickly heat up a small body of water. Controlled feedings are a must! Detritus can build up quickly in a small aquarium and overing feeding can add to this buildup, quickly increasing nitrate levels and stress to aquatic inhabitants. And last but not least, bio loads. With all the wonderful aquatic life to choose from it is very easy to get caught up in selecting and adding too much aquatic life than what a small aquarium is capable of safely housing.

Planted Shrimp Tank

Live Plants and Shrimp for Small Tanks

Which brings us to the fun part! Choosing aquatic life that pairs well with “Nano” tanks.  One hobbyist favorite is live plants. Plants not only give a natural, vibrant appearance to the aquarium, but they also provide added filtration and aeration. Since water parameters can fluctuate in a small aquarium, plants can assist with water quality and stability by absorbing ammonia, nitrates, decaying matter and carbon dioxide, also helping with reduced algae growth since they will compete with algae for nutrients.

Gaining a large following, shrimp continue to grow in popularity. There are a couple different species from Bee shrimp (Caridina cantonensis), Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), and Ghost shrimp (Palaemonetes paludosus). These highly active and social shrimp are unique additions to any small aquarium.  

Guppies in small freshwater aquarium

Recommended Fish for a Small Tank

There are a multitude of options when it comes to small fish species that do well in a small sized aquarium. Some of the more popular choices are Guppies, Rasboras, Killifish and Pygmy Catfish. A couple specific favorites consist of the Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei). The male Endler’s have some striking color patterns and are a relatively easy species to breed, even within the small aquarium. Chili rasbora (Boraras brigittae) is a peaceful fish with a stunning, almost iridescent appearance.  There are even some cichlids that make great additions to the nano tank. Yes, I did say cichlids, the Agasssiz’s dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizi) is a small sized cichlid that only grows to 3”!  Let your imagination swim wild!

Entering the aquarium hobby can be extremely rewarding. If you take the leap into having a nano aquarium, ensure you take your time and do not rush it. There are hundreds of plants, invertebrates, and fish to choose from but always do your homework and research prior to purchasing to set yourself up with a successful endeavor that can bring hours of enjoyment. 

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