Aquariums have surged in popularity, given the ever-increasing appeal for keeping fish, but have you ever come across a nano aquarium?
If you are an aquatic life fanatic who is in search of an aquarium, you are in for a treat because this article will help you explore some of the premium quality nano aquariums.
What Is a Nano Aquarium?
The much-hyped nano aquarium is basically a fish tank that comes with a capacity of fewer than 20 gallons.
The term ‘nano’ is used to refer to its ability to be stored anywhere indoors without taking up too much space, so a nano aquarium for your room is a possibility.
These fish tanks are made for small fish.
Nano reef tanks are preferred over ordinary fish tanks because they are more suitable habitats for active fish types.
Aggressive natured fish, if kept in small fish tanks, can die sooner than their average life expectancy as they are constantly in the mood to swim, but space inhibits substantial movement.
Thus, if you have a passion for aquatic life and own a few species of fish that you’d like to keep in your room, a nano aquarium is what you need to ensure a longer life expectancy of your fish.
Benefits of a Nano Aquarium
If you have decided to install a nano aquarium in your home or office, you are fortunate as it comes equipped with various benefits:
- Nano aquariums are a cost-effective option, given their size. A small fish tank is not as expensive as an otherwise large aquarium. Moreover, a nano aquarium requires minimal setup and inexpensive lighting and can be cleaned easily, saving up money that would otherwise be spent on monthly cleaning and maintenance.
- A nano aquarium is compact, so it can be moved easily. On the contrary, a large aquarium needs a fixed space for installation. If you are bored of keeping the small fish tank in the living area, you can simply move it to another room of your choice. Thus, mobility is another plus point.
- Maintenance, as previously mentioned, is minimal for a nano aquarium because there isn’t much space for too many fish in there. You can only keep a limited number of fish species in the aquarium, so you also save water and can change conveniently.
- Another benefit of a nano aquarium is that it requires minimal space, so if you haven’t allocated a separate space to it, you can put it on your desk. There is no need to make extra space to fit in a nano aquarium.
With so many of these advantages, you can adorn your office space or house with a nano reef tank and fulfill your aquatic life obsession as well.
Drawbacks of a Nano Aquarium
Nano aquariums do come bearing a few drawbacks that have been identified as follows:
- Given the small size and limited capacity of these fish tanks, you can only keep a few fish species. You cannot risk crowding the small space with too many fish, as it would eventually kill them. Moreover, for nano reef tanks, you need to consider a range of factors such as natural temperament of the fish, how large it is likely to grow, hardiness of the fish and whether or not it is reef safe.
- Nano aquariums are usually handled by experienced aquarists primarily because temperature requirements are significant. Stability of temperature, nutrients and salinity must be ensured in a nano reef tank.
- There is little to zero room for accidents with a nano aquarium. Even if you put in more than the required amount of food, it can turn into bacteria soon enough to pollute the entire tank and kill all the fish. On the contrary, a bigger tank does not pollute easily owing to its substantial capacity.
- With a nano reef tank, the choice of corals is another prolonged consideration where the space limits options based on factors such as coral hardiness, coral movement, aggressiveness, and A few aquatic life enthusiasts choose nano aquariums mostly because these are more about corals than fish, but when coral options become restrained, it can disappoint a few individuals.
Who Needs a Nano Aquarium?
A nano aquarium is for people with an obstinate passion for aquatic life.
It can be a hobby or simply an obsession with fish or marine life, which you can fulfill through a marine setup in your room or workspace.
If you have such a hobby, a nano aquarium is all that you need.
This aquarium serves the needs of people who are looking for aquatic fish tanks with the following traits:
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Small and does not take up too much space
- Compact and mobile
- One that accommodates just a few fish and coral species
Bear in mind that due to its intricate temperature, salinity and nutrient control, these small fish tanks must not be handled by amateurs.
If you are alien to this concept, seek professional advice before setting up a nano aquarium.
It could end up nasty for your beloved fish and coral species.
Top 10 Nano Aquariums to Choose From
Given below is a list of the 10 best nano aquariums that you can choose for your home or office.
A detailed review of each aquarium has been given.
Top 3 Recommendations
1. Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED
- Programmable hinge top hood with 24-hour timer loaded with bright white, blue and color enhancing LEDs
- Features 30-minute gradual sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset timer
- Integrate backwall filtration chambers to hold biological, mechanical and chemical media
- Backwall chamber includes submersible pump, dual intakes and adjustable return nozzles
- Compatible with all BioCube accessories
- Fits with Coralife Designer BioCube Aquarium Stand Size 29/32
The Coralife LED aquarium comes in a sleek design with bright LED lighting.
It has an integrated 24-hour timer for different light colors with white, blue and color-enhancing LEDs.
It has also been powered with sun and moon functions to mimic the natural day and night cycle for supporting the growth of plants.
Its built-in filtration mechanism allows it to keep water quality to its optimal level.
The refugium setup has been made all the more easy with the clear glass back panel included within the tank. This aquarium is compatible with all Biocube accessories.
Pros
- Bright blue and white LEDs ensure beauty and plant growth
- Biocube mimics the natural daylight and moonlight settings within the tank
- It features a quiet submersible pump
- It also features an adjustable return nozzle
- Available in 2 sizes: 16 and 32
Cons
- Does not comes equipped with a heater for tropical fish
2. Fluval Flex LED Freshwater Kit
- Freshwater 15 gallon aquarium kit with bold curved front design
- 7500K LED lamp supports plant growth and enhances fish colors with fully adjustable White plus RGB LEDs for endless color blends and LED remote can also control fun special effects (i.e. fading cloud cover, lightning bolts)
- Powerful 3-stage filtration for superior water quality and oversized mechanical (foam), chemical (carbon) and biological (Biomax) media included
- Multi-directional dual outputs for customized water flow
- Hidden rear filter compartment and stylish honeycomb wrap conceals water line and sides of rear compartment
Another great option from Fluval is this Flex LED freshwater kit that can hold up to 15 gallons of water.
This aquarium has dimensions of 16*15*15 inches and is the ideal choice for keeping in the home or office.
It has been powered with a 3-stage filtration technology that keeps good water quality within the tank at all times.
In order to keep the plants and fish stress-free, oversized mechanical, chemical and biological media have been put in place. Hence, water clarity is not an issue with this nano aquarium.
This nano aquarium from Fluval comes equipped with bright 7500K LED lights that have been included in the aquarium kit to support the growth of plants and improve fish colors.
A remote control may be used to operate RGB and W lights within the fish tank. You can choose to customize the aquarium as per your color specifications.
Pros
- Equipped with a powerful 3-stage filtration technology
- Bright LED light ensures the growth of plants within the tank
- Equipped with a Flex Pad remote control to operate red, blue, green and white lights
- Available in two sizes: 9 and 15 gallons
- Its distinctive style makes it the optimal choice for home and office décor
- Spacious for keeping a variety of fish and plant species.
Cons
- Does not come equipped with a heater
3. MarineLand Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit
- SLEEK DESIGN: Rounded corners and clear glass canopy allow viewing from multiple angles.
- DAYLIGHT/MOONLIGHT LIGHTING: Bright white LEDs create a shimmering sunlight effect; blue LEDs produce a moonlit glow.
- EASY ACCESS: Hinged LED lighting and sliding glass canopy.
- SIZE: 5-gallon aquarium fits Marineland Rite-Size Z Filter Cartridges.
- HIDDEN FILTRATION: Advanced, 3-stage filtration is out of sight, enhancing aquarium viewing.
This stylish aquarium has been designed by MarineLand for holding up to 5 gallons of water in a curved glass structure.
It comes equipped with 3-stage back-panel filtration which is not visible to the eye. An adjustable flow filter pump has also been built in for a consistent flow.
It has been powered with LED lighting that enables natural daylight and moonlight settings within the tank, supporting the growth of plants.
A 3-way switch has been provided to switch between different light options from white and blue, off, and only blue.
This nano aquarium has been equipped with a glass canopy that slides back to allow easy feeding and water dosing within the aquarium.
This is probably the most basic nano aquarium design that is both stylish and easy to use and maintain.
Pros
- Includes a sliding glass canopy for easy access
- Can hold up to 5 gallons of water
- Advanced 3-stage filtration technology keeps water pure
- White LEDs mimic actual sunlight
- Blue LEDs mimic actual moonlight
- Stylish yet easy to maintain
Cons
- Comes in a single size
- Too small to fit a variety of fish and plant species
- Does not come equipped with a heater for tropical fish
4. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
- Aquarium KIT Curved-front crescent-shaped aquarium kit is perfect for one goldfish or up to three community tropical fish
- INCLUDES FILTER Includes Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter to keep your tank clean and provide a healthy environment for pet fish
- HIDDEN LIGHTS Bright-white energy-efficient LED lights are hidden inside the low-profile black cover
- SEAMLESS TANK Offers unobstructed viewing of your underwater environment
- 5 GALLON TANK Small size that’s perfect for a bedroom living room or dorm room (15 inches x 9 inches x 11 inches)
Tetra has remained the premium choice of aquatic life enthusiasts when it comes to buying aquariums, aquarium décor, and fish food.
This aquarium has been equipped with 16 LEDs that ensure energy-efficient lighting within the aquarium, spread evenly.
It comes equipped with a mechanical filter that takes water from the aquarium into the filter cartridge.
This filter cartridge uses a dense, dual-sided mesh to capture any and all debris or waste.
This is how the internal system filters the impure water in the aquarium, keeping the water crystal-clear at all times.
This aquarium kit has also been powered by ultra-activated carbon that may be used to keep the tank odor-less and to prevent discoloration.
This nano aquarium with dimensions of 16.6*11.2*13.2 inches and a weight of 1 pound is suitable for keeping a single goldfish or accommodating up to 3 community tropical fish.
Pros
- Available in two sizes: 3 and 5 gallons
- Bright LED lights ensure energy conservation
- LED lights are also easy and durable to use
- Whisper filtration system keeps the tank water clean
- The curved acrylic front gives it an elegant shape and look, suitable to keep at home or in the office
Cons
- Does not come equipped with a heater
- The size may be too small to fit more than 3 fish
5. Innovative Marine All-in-One Aquarium
Another nano aquarium in this top 10 list is this all-in-one fish tank designed by Innovative Marine.
This aquarium comes in a standard size to hold 10 gallons of water within its 12*15*13-inch structure.
This advanced NUVO Fusion 10 has ample display space for aquascaping, so keep all the décor that you can think of within this aquarium.
There is sufficient space for you to keep a variety of school fish and other species as well. Additionally, you can make space for real plants and corals if you’d like.
This nano aquarium has been designed with built-in overflows, a rubber leveling mat, and a return pump for water purification.
The material used is a high-clarity low iron glass with a depth of 6 mm, making it all the more durable.
Pros
- Available in a 10-gallon size
- Comes equipped with an 8W 110V/60Hz 13-92 GPH return pump
- Equipped with a flexible hose and return elbow (directional flow nozzle included)
- Spacious enough to keep many fish species, décor, and plants
- The glass material adds to its durability, making it unbreakable
Cons
- Lights are not included in the aquarium kit and must be purchased separately
- An optional upgrade available for the removable 3-stage filter basket is not included in the package
6. AcquaticHI Nano Desktop Aquarium
If you need a mini desktop aquarium for keeping tiny betta fish, shrimp or moss balls, this nano aquarium has been made just for you!
The tank comes in dimensions of 3.2*4.7*3.9 inches and has a water capacity of ¼ gallons, making it a stackable choice for home, office and even for your children’s room/nursery.
This tank is the ideal choice if you are buying it for your children who are fascinated by aquatic life but aren’t old enough to have a large aquarium within reach.
It comes in three different colors to match the kid’s room theme. You can also combine more than one tank to adorn the allocated space.
This mini tank can be used as a mini aquarium, planted tank, plant terrarium, insect terrarium and even a piggy bank to keep all your loose coins and notes secure.
The package consists of a fish tank, a USB LED light and a set of blue stones for embellishment.
Pros
- Available in 3 colors: white, black and yellow
- Starter aquarium for amateurs and beginners
- Multifunctional use as per your convenience and needs
- Small enough to be used as décor around the house or in the office
- Can keep multiple tanks for different species of fish, insects and other animals
Cons
- Too tiny to keep more than a few fish
- Cannot be used for goldfish; only for tetra or something similar in size
7. Fluval 10528A1 Evo V Marine Aquarium Kit
- 5 gallon glass aquarium for saltwater fish
- Stylish honeycomb design conceals rear aquarium filter compartment and aquarium water line while looking ultra modern
- Powerful 3 stage filtration with oversized mechanical, chemical, and biological Fluval filter media
- Multi-functional canopy with easy feed door
- Sleek, all aluminum waterproof casing; convenient LED aquarium light touch start day & night illumination
- The 5 gallon (19 L) fish tank is 20.5 L x 11.6 W x 7.5 H inches (52 x 29.5 x 19 cm); Wattage: 10 W; Lumens: 759 lm
This nano aquarium from the famous manufacturer Fluval has been designed to house saltwater fish.
The tank comes with a water capacity of 5 gallons, making it the perfect accessory for your desk or countertop.
This nano aquarium from Fluval has been powered by 11000K LEDs that ensure a higher light output throughout the tank, keeping the coral and other plants fueled just right.
These lights are powerful enough for growing and keeping corals healthy indoors.
It has been equipped with a 3-stage filtration technology to ensure good water quality within the tank.
You have a choice of filter media with mechanical, chemical and biological to choose from.
Change the media intermittently to keep the fish and coral stress-free at all times.
This nano aquarium comes in a stylish design featuring a honeycomb pattern that gives a sturdy look to the overall aquarium.
The filtration area remains out of sight, giving a clean and modern appearance to the aquarium.
There is no better home décor than this Evo V marine aquarium kit.
Pros
- Comes in dimensions of 8.3*21.3*13.7 inches and an overall weight of 13.7 pounds
- Equipped with powerful 3-stage filtration, ensuring top-notch water quality
- Bright LED light ensures the growth of coral
- Equipped with a touch-start day and night illumination
- Can hold up to 5 gallons of water
Cons
- Comes in a single size
- Not spacious enough for keeping too many fish species
8. Fluval 10531A1 SEA EVO XII Aquarium Kit
- 13.5 gallon glass aquarium for saltwater fish
- Stylish honeycomb design conceals rear aquarium filter compartment and aquarium water line while looking ultra modern
- Powerful 3 stage filtration with oversized mechanical, chemical, and biological Fluval filter media
- Multifunctional canopy with easy feed door
- Sleek, all aluminum waterproof casing; convenient LED aquarium light touch start day & night illumination
- The 13.5 gallon (52 L) fish tank is 22 L x 11.5 W x 15 H inches (56 x 29 x 38 centimeter); Wattage: 16 W; Lumens: 1383 lm
The aquarium kit from Fluval has a honeycomb design and can hold up to 13.5 gallons of water.
This aquarium has been powered with a 3-stage filtration technology to keep the water quality good at all times.
Furthermore, to keep the tank environment stress-free, mechanical, chemical and biological media have been incorporated.
It comes equipped with an aluminum casing which is waterproof and sleek.
The tank may be operated using the easy-to-use touch day and night illumination mechanism.
To aid the filtration process, a multi-functional canopy has been put in place with easy-feed access door.
This EVO aquarium kit comprises of a glass aquarium, LED lighting, low-voltage transformer, circulation pump, foam filter block, BioMax insert and activated carbon insert.
Pros
- Has a water capacity of 13.5 gallons
- Equipped with day and night illumination mechanism
- 3-stage filtration ensures top-notch water quality within the tank
- Multi-functional canopy enables easy access
- Bright 14000K LED lighting ensures ideal conditions for the growth of plants and corals
Cons
- Comes in a single size
- Does not come equipped with a heater for tropical fish
9. Lifegard Aquatics Full View Aquarium
- FULL-VIEW AQUARIUMS: Maximize your viewing enjoyment with this full-view aquarium that features a patented angled design front that is clear and unique. See the true colors of your fish with these aquariums that feature clear glass and all the supplies you need to keep the water fresh and free from debris.
- AQUARIUMS WITH BUILT-IN FILTER: Seamlessly circulate water and offer a healthy home for freshwater or saltwater aquaria with this full-view aquarium that features a built-in side or back filter and unique air or a CO2 injection option through the back wall to remove debris and dirt and keep water crystal clear.
- COMPLETE AQUARIUM KIT: When opting for the Lifegard full-view aquarium, know that you get all the supplies you need including a full-spectrum LED light, internal power filter, aquarium heater, algae magnet, telescopic net and LED thermometer.
- GLASS LID INCLUDED: Find the insulation and the access you need with this Lifegard Aquatics full-view aquarium that is supplied with a glass lid, clips and a base insulation pad. This full-view aquarium is available in a 5 or 7 gallon model.
- LIFEGARD Brand is YOUR GO-TO RESOURCE FOR AQUARIUM, POND & AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS: Lifegard Aquatics features an extensive line of high-quality aquaculture products that include fountains, pumps, bulkhead fittings and commercial aquatic and pond equipment. From crystal aquariums to full spectrum LED lighting, trust in Lifegard for all of your aquatic needs.
This full view aquarium from Lifegard Aquatics can hold up to 7 gallons of water.
Its low voltage thermostat keeps the water temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
This temperature adjustment comes automatically and does not require changing every now and then.
This basic aquarium does not come equipped with lighting and a filter needs to be purchased separately too.
Hence, with this nano aquarium, you are only provided with a tank and no other accessories.
The tank is spacious enough to keep more than a few fish and coral species.
Pros
- Comes in dimensions of 15*16*11 inches and with an overall weight of 16 pounds
- Equipped with a low-voltage thermostat
- Can hold up to 7 gallons of water
Cons
- Comes in a single size
- Does not come with lighting
- Does not come with a filter
10. MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit
- SLEEK DESIGN: Rounded corners and clear glass canopy allow viewing from multiple angles.
- DAYLIGHT/MOONLIGHT SETTINGS: Bright white LEDs create a shimmering sunlight effect; blue LEDs produce a moonlit glow.
- HIDDEN FILTRATION: Advanced, three-stage filtration is out of sight to enhance aquarium viewing.
- EASY ACCESS: Hinged LED rail light and sliding glass canopy.
- DIMENSIONS: The Marineland Contour 3 Aquarium measures 9.5" x 10" x 10".
This nano aquarium from Marineland can hold up to 3 gallons of water, so it may be used to accommodate a few fish species only.
This makes for a great compact aquarium that may be used as a home or office décor.
It has been powered with a 3-stage filtration technology that features an adjustable flow-filter pump and a Rite-Size Z cartridge, ensuring good water quality within the tank at all times.
The tank has been equipped with rail light on the top that adds to its overall beautiful appearance while providing plants with sufficient light indoors.
The LEDs come with daylight and sunlight controls for supporting the growth of corals and other plants.
Pros
- Comes with a rail light on top
- Easy to use and maintain
- LED lighting features daylight and moonlight settings within the tank
- Powered with a 3-stage filtration technology
- Filter cartridge is included
- Available in 2 sizes: 3 and 5 gallons
Cons
- Does not come equipped with a heater for tropical fish
- Too small to fit a variety of fish and plant species
Tips for Setting Up a Nano Aquarium Successfully
If you have chosen the nano aquarium you want installed in your office or home, be aware of the specific requirements that come attached with these small fish tanks.
As previously identified, water quality, temperature, and fish features must never be overlooked while choosing to set up an aquarium with less than a 20- or 30-gallon capacity.
Consider the following essential tips if you aspire to successfully set up a nano aquarium:
Choose an Aquarium Kit
You need a fully-equipped aquarium kit for the tank.
This kit comes equipped with integrated filtration and lighting. An aquarium kit will include everything that you need in order to set up your fish tank, such as the glass aquarium, LED hood, internal filter with the cartridge, and a guide to set it all up.
The choice of kit will largely depend on the aquarium size and design that you want to buy for the allocated space.
Choose a Suitable Place
You must decide on a suitable place to keep the aquarium. Is it for your office or do you wish to install it in your room?
Once this has been decided, make sure the weight of the fish tank does not exceed the weight capacity of the table or cabinet you have chosen to place it onto.
In case you are not sure whether the selected space can hold up or not, don’t shy away from investing in an aquarium stand. It will further add to the beauty of your nano aquarium.
Choose a Theme
The theme here refers to the choice of plants, species, and livestock.
It is essential to choose the right plants for the aquarium based on factors such as space, hardiness, and movement of the fish.
Based on the size of your tank, you must choose plants that should not overrun the species and are compatible with the species.
The choice of coral will depend on movement, hardiness, and aggressiveness. Ensure cross-compatibility before putting together species that cannot coexist.
Choose Suitable Lighting
Light intensity is significant for fish tanks.
For nano aquariums, too much light is not required, but sufficient lumens must be ensured so that light can reach all tank areas equally.
LEDs have become the choice of lighting for most nano reef tanks.
Although lighting comes as part of the aquarium kit, it may be upgraded if need be.
Choose lighting specific to the species to ensure longevity as each species has a different requirement for light intensity and spectrum.
Plants also require 10-12 hours of lighting on a daily basis, so time accordingly. Consult a professional if necessary.
Monitor Water Quality Regularly
Water quality cannot be overlooked at any cost. For smaller tanks, this becomes even more important.
On a weekly basis, change 20-30 percent of the water in the tank to avoid toxins from building up.
This will maintain good water quality in the tank and will add to the life of your fish, which is put at risk with polluted water.
Keep a Check on the Stability
Stability with regards to nutrients is crucial.
Nitrate, magnesium, and calcium are some of the nutrients that need to be kept at stable amounts within the fish tank.
An over or under-dosage can be detrimental to the fish and plants alike. A calcium reactor may be used to supplement calcium and alkaline. Testing these two on a regular basis is a must.
Keep Changing Filter Media
In order to avoid stressing out the fish in your nano aquarium, the filter media ought to be changed continuously.
This may be changed as per the instructions laid out in the manual by the manufacturer. In addition to this, avoid tucking your hand into the tank to rearrange corals or for any other reason.
The coral and fish could become stressed due to frequent touching, and it could also pollute water if done time and again.
Consult a Professional If Things Go Wrong
Power outages are no surprise and neither are equipment breakdowns.
Thus, keep a close eye on the tank and make sure everything is working as it ought to.
Test for chemical stability and ensure partial water changes religiously.
In case of any sign of disruption to the aquatic life, consult a professional and get the issue fixed as soon as possible.
You fish’s lives depend on it, after all!
How to Stock a Nano Aquarium
A small fish tank can house small fish that do not require too much space to move around.
For the more aggressive fish, small tanks can be a real problem.
If you are considering setting up a nano aquarium in your room, you’d want to look at a few small, active and colorful fish to keep you amused all day long.
Here are a few suggestions that might come handy when you decide to stock your precious fish tank.
It is usually recommended to keep schooling fish into nano aquariums and from the same species.
The fish will act in a similar way, keeping to a single harmony.
Catfish
One fish species that can be put in a nano tank is catfish, specifically the dwarf Otocinclus catfish, which falls in the perfect small size category for nano aquariums.
The Cory catfish is yet another great choice of fish to keep in the aquarium to clean up excess food and plant leaves, keeping them from turning into toxins.
These fish can be used as natural filtration for the tank.
Danio Margaritatus
These fish are not just beautiful but also quiet and peace-loving and can coexist. A group of 6 happy Danio margaritatus is all you need for your nano aquarium.
Killifish
Pseudepiplatys annulatus is a clown killifish that will be perfect for a small fish tank.
These fish come bearing a behavior of their own, so if you are thinking of keeping a tank for a single species, this might just be it.
These fish tend to demonstrate their natural behavior in unison, thereby needing an aquarium with their own kind.
Ember Tetra
This tiny South American fish is red in color and can coexist in a school of 8 to 12.
These 12 fish can fit easily in a 5-gallon tank, so for larger aquariums, you can get a whole lot of these red beauties.
Dwarf Pencilfish
This is yet another tiny fish that makes for a good fish choice in a nano aquarium. Nannostomus mortenthaleri is the real deal amongst these pencilfish that comes in a bright ruby-red color for enhanced visual appeal.
These are just a few suggestions that you might want to consider for your nano aquarium.
Just make sure you take into account factors such as compatibility, behavior, beauty, diet, water conditions and habitat before finalizing anything.
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