Nano aquariums don’t have to be boring just because they are small. In fact, the right décor and a few live plants can turn a tiny aquarium into a thriving underwater environment. All it takes is some basic aquascaping skills and a little bit of planning.
Learning the art of aquascaping takes time, but you can improve your skills quickly simply by using them. The best way to learn how to aquascape is to do it. Arranging and rearranging tank elements to find what works is a hands-on lesson in aquascaping.
Aquascaping concepts are simple and can easily be applied to nano aquariums. Here’s what you need to know in order to start creating stunning nano aquariums.
Aquascaping Essentials for Nano Tanks
To create a beautifully aquascaped nano tank, you’ll need some equipment to help you maintain ideal tank parameters. Choose your tank first so you know how large it is – the size and shape of the tank will also help inform your decisions regarding decorations.
Square nano aquariums are perfect for desktop setups because they take up minimal space. This shape does, however, limit your design options. A longer, narrow tank might make it easier to create multiple focal points within the tank. If you’re having trouble deciding, cut out a piece of paper of cardboard in the dimensions of several tanks you’re considering and play around with different décor elements on top to get a feel for how the different tanks would look.
Once you’ve selected your tank, the next step is to purchase your equipment and décor materials.
Here are the basics you’ll need to aquascape a nano tank:
- Aquasoil – Aquatic plants require a nutrient-rich substrate in order to thrive. You may be able to put substrate like sand or fine gravel over it but be sure to start with a layer of aquasoil.
- Hardscape – Driftwood and rocks add dimension to your tank and they can be used to create focal points. Experiment with different combinations and arrangements to find a design you like.
- Filtration – A quality filtration system is essential for removing waste, decaying plant mater, and dissolved chemicals from your tank water. It’s best to use a combination of chemical, mechanical, and biological filtration.
- Lighting – While fish-only tanks don’t necessarily require lighting, an aquascaped planted tank does. LED lighting is generally the most cost-effective choice and works well for planted tanks.
- Carbon Dioxide – You can certainly be successful with a low-tech tank, but adding CO2 will help you achieve a lushly planted tank with minimal algae issues.
- Fertilizer – Liquid fertilizers are ideal for aquascaped tanks and generally only need to be added once or twice a week, depending on the lighting and carbon dioxide in the tank.
You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune equipping your nano tank. The benefit of smaller aquariums is that you don’t need to buy big equipment. Do your research, however, to make sure the equipment you buy is reliable and not just inexpensive.
Composition Tips
Aquascaping is an art form and a fantastic opportunity to exercise your creativity. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but there are some key concepts you may want to keep in mind.
First, avoid overcrowding your tank with decorations. Keep the design simple and remember that your plants will grow in and eventually take up more space. Think about the proportions when creating your design also – empty space is just as important as filled space.
As you’re working on your design, take breaks to step back and view the tank from afar. Things look different up-close, and you may decide that the balance is off when you view the tank from another angle. Don’t be afraid to play around with your décor elements, rotating them to make different shapes to see what arrangement works best.
Here are some additional composition tips to consider for nano aquariums:
- Don’t try to make your design perfectly symmetrical – you want to strive for something natural, and nature isn’t perfect.
- Avoid putting large pieces of hardscape material directly in the middle of your tank – place it off to one side instead.
- Try a concave design with décor elements higher on the sides and lower in the middle – this creates the impression of open space in the middle.
- Create a balanced visual effect by placing décor elements higher on one side of the tank and lower on the other side.
- Find balance between the foreground, middle ground, and background by using hardscape materials as well as carpet plants and taller plants.
- Choose a background for your tank that doesn’t distract from the design – a simple black background works well, or you can get creative with a gradient background.
- Think about the color of your plants when arranging them in your tank – be sure to plant densely to ensure that the plants catch roots and grow well.
When selecting décor elements for your tank, keep it natural – especially with substrate. If you’re using substrate on top of aquasoil, go with fine natural-looking gravel or cosmetic sand. Don’t be afraid to mix and match with different sections of substrate! Just be mindful that it could make vacuuming the bottom of the tank tricky during water changes.
Tips for Maintaining an Aquascaped Nano Tank
Stable water chemistry is ideal for aquascaped tanks, but especially for nano aquariums. Even a small change in tank parameters can throw off the balance and provide an opportunity for algae to grow. Maintenance for aquascaped tanks not only involves water changes and cleaning filter equipment but trimming and fertilizing the plants.
Here are some tips for maintaining your aquascaped nano tank:
- Perform water changes at least once a week. New tanks may need frequent water changes but, with adequate filtration and plenty of plants, you may eventually need to do them less often.
- Change about 20% of the tank water for nano aquariums. Use a small gravel vacuum to siphon detritus from the bottom of the tank but avoid disturbing the substrate too much.
- Dose the tank with liquid fertilizer once a week (follow the instructions according to your tank volume) – avoid overfertilization or you might end up with algae growth.
- Prune your plants once a week to encourage growth and to shape them as desired. For stem plants, you can replant the trimmed stems as long as there are at least a few leaves on them.
To start your journey through aquascaping contact Shrimpy Business and get your essentials!