Nano Aquarium Mastery: Complete Guide to Freshwater & Saltwater Nano Aquatics: Expert Tips for Setting Up and Maintaining Small Aquariums - From Mini Aquarium Design to Water Care for the Aquarium Beginner

1. Nano Aquarium Basic Equipment

What does it really take to create a small underwater paradise? A nano aquarium may be compact, but the right basic equipment determines the success or failure of the miniature biotope. From water quality to lighting, all components must be perfectly coordinated to create a stable ecosystem. The following pages reveal which equipment is essential and where compromises can be avoided.

1. 1 Technical Components

Stable water parameters, optimal lighting, and the right temperature are essential for a thriving nano aquarium. Technical components take on these tasks and ensure the well-being of the inhabitants. However, the selection and use of these components present challenges, particularly in the confined space of a mini tank. Different types of filters, lighting systems, and heating methods each offer specific advantages and disadvantages. Filters ensure clear water and break down pollutants, while lighting promotes plant growth and highlights the vibrant colors of the animals. Temperature control ensures a stable environment and minimizes stress for the aquarium residents. The right balance between these factors is crucial for a healthy ecosystem. In this chapter, you will learn how to select and optimally use the appropriate technical components for your nano aquarium to create a harmonious miniature world.

The correct sizing of the technical components is crucial for the balance and well-being in the nano aquarium.

Filter systems for small aquariums

Filter systems in small aquariums ensure water quality and thus the health of the organisms. They perform mechanical, biological, and, if necessary, chemical filtration functions. The mechanical filtration removes suspended particles, while biological filtration converts pollutants such as ammonia into less harmful nitrate with the help of bacteria [s1]. These bacteria settle on filter media and form biofilms, whose performance depends on oxygen supply [s1]. Therefore, adequate oxygen levels are essential. An aeration pump, controlled via a relay and sensors for dissolved oxygen, can ensure optimal oxygen supply [s1]. Chemical filtration, often using activated carbon, removes medication residues or discoloration. However, conventional chemical filter materials must be replaced regularly [s2]. A sustainable alternative is provided by TiO2-coated cenospheres, which can reduce ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite and can be activated by UV light [s2]. Due to their structure, they can also be more easily removed and reused from the aquarium [s2]. The combination of TiO2 cenospheres with biological filters can improve water quality comparably well as the additional use of mechanical filters [s2]. For nano aquariums, small internal filters or backpack filters are particularly suitable. The latter hang on the edge of the aquarium and provide good filtration performance with minimal space requirements in the tank. The choice of filter depends on the tank size and the inhabitants. A filter that is too weak may not adequately ensure water quality, while a filter that is too strong can stress the small aquarium inhabitants.

Good to know

Backpack filter

Backpack filters are attached to the edge of the aquarium and provide good filtration performance with minimal space requirements in the tank. They are a popular choice for nano aquariums.

Filter systems

Compact filter systems for nano aquariums are available in various designs, such as internal filters, external filters, or backpack filters. They are essential for maintaining a healthy water cycle.

Mechanical filtration

Mechanical filtration, often the first step in the filtration process, removes visible dirt particles and thus contributes to the clarity of the water. It also protects the delicate gills of aquarium inhabitants.

Nano Aquarium Filter Performance Comparison

Flow Rate vs. Filter Type

HOB1: Small Hang-on-back Filter

HOB2: Medium Hang-on-back Filter

IP1: Mini Internal Power Filter

IP2: Standard Internal Power Filter

SP1: Small Sponge Filter

SP2: Large Sponge Filter

Sponge filters generally exhibit lower flow rates, making them suitable for delicate inhabitants like shrimp. Internal power filters offer a wider range of flow rates, catering to small fish and more active species. Hang-on-back filters provide the highest flow rates, suitable for larger nano aquariums with higher stocking levels or species requiring stronger currents. Choosing the right filter depends on the aquarium inhabitants and desired water movement.

LED Lighting Systems

LED lighting systems offer significant advantages for nano aquariums compared to traditional fluorescent tubes. Their compact design allows for flexible placement and individual customization of lighting conditions in the tank. The high energy efficiency of LEDs reduces power consumption and heat generation, which is particularly beneficial for small aquarium volumes. Another advantage is the long lifespan of LEDs, which reduces maintenance costs. The ability to adjust different color temperatures and light spectra allows for optimal adaptation to the needs of aquarium inhabitants and plants. For instance, blue light can promote coral growth, while red light supports photosynthesis in plants [s3]. When selecting LED lighting, pay attention to the PAR values (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), which indicate the amount of light available for photosynthesis. A PAR value that is too low can inhibit plant growth, while a value that is too high can lead to algal blooms. Controlling the LEDs with a timer allows for the simulation of natural day-night cycles, contributing to the well-being of aquarium inhabitants. Some systems even offer the ability to simulate sunrise and sunset or moonlight phases. For example, a gentle transition from blue moonlight to white daylight can reduce stress for fish and promote natural behavior. When installing the lighting, ensure that the LEDs are evenly distributed over the water surface to avoid shadowing and ensure optimal illumination of the entire tank. Additionally, the light intensity should be adjusted to the needs of the respective plants and animals. A densely planted nano aquarium with demanding species requires higher light intensity than a tank with few, robust plants. By selectively controlling the light color and intensity, the aesthetics of the aquarium can be customized, highlighting the vibrant colors of fish and plants. It should be noted that different light wavelengths can influence the growth and development of aquarium inhabitants. For instance, certain wavelengths can positively affect the hatching and survival rates of larvae [s3]. By considering these factors, LED lighting systems can create an optimal environment for the inhabitants of the nano aquarium. The combination of flexibility, energy efficiency, longevity, and diverse control options makes LED lighting the ideal choice for nano aquariums.

Good to know

PAR Value

The PAR value indicates how much light is available for the photosynthesis of plants. An adequate PAR value is essential for healthy plant growth in the nano aquarium.

Timer

A timer controls the duration of lighting and simulates the day-night rhythm, which is important for the well-being of aquarium inhabitants. Some timers can even simulate sunrises and sunsets.

️ [i1] Photosynthesis

Nano Aquarium LED Light Intensity

Simulated daily light cycle for a nano aquarium.

The graph illustrates a gradual increase in light intensity, simulating sunrise, reaching a peak at midday, followed by a gradual decrease mimicking sunset. This cycle promotes healthy plant growth and mimics natural light patterns beneficial for aquarium inhabitants.

Heating and Temperature Control

Temperature control in a nano aquarium is crucial for the well-being of its inhabitants. Fish, invertebrates, and plants each have specific temperature requirements that are vital for their growth, health, and reproduction. Fluctuations, especially abrupt temperature changes, can cause stress and increase susceptibility to diseases. Typically, regulating heaters are used to maintain the desired temperature consistently via a thermostat. When selecting a heater, pay attention to the appropriate wattage, which depends on the volume of the aquarium. An underpowered heater may not sufficiently raise the temperature, while an overpowered heater can lead to undesirable temperature fluctuations. The placement of the heater should ensure even heat distribution throughout the tank, with proximity to the filter outlet often providing optimal heat distribution. Additionally, cooling plays an important role in summer. At high ambient temperatures, the water temperature in a nano aquarium can rise quickly. Solutions include fans that blow across the water surface, lowering the temperature through evaporative cooling. For precise temperature control in the aquarium, similar to microfluidic systems that require accurate temperature regulation for processes like the polymerase chain reaction [s4], the use of a thermometer is recommended. Digital thermometers with alarm functions offer the advantage of alerting the aquarist when the set limits are exceeded or not met. This allows for timely measures to keep the temperature within the optimal range. Various techniques for temperature regulation, known from other fields, can also be found on a smaller scale. For instance, the Joule heating [s5] is not practical for nano aquariums but illustrates the principle of precise temperature control through electrical conductivity. Insights into the importance of precise and stable temperature conditions in microfluidic systems [s5] can also be applied to aquaristics. A stable temperature environment is essential for biological balance and minimizes stress for aquarium inhabitants.

Good to know

Digital Thermometers

Digital thermometers display the temperature electronically. Some models for aquariums have an alarm function that alerts the aquarist when the temperature is outside the set range.

Joule Heating

Joule heating is a physical principle where electrical energy is converted into heat when current flows through a conductor. Although it is not practical for nano aquariums, it illustrates the possibility of precise temperature control through electrical conductivity.

Microfluidic Systems

Microfluidic systems are tiny structures where liquids are manipulated in a confined space. They require precise temperature control, similar to nano aquariums, to ensure optimal conditions for biological or chemical processes.

Polymerase Chain Reaction

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method for amplifying DNA. It is commonly used in molecular biology and requires precise temperature regulation, often conducted in microfluidic systems.

Nano Aquarium Temperature and Energy Consumption

Temperature stability and energy usage over a day.

The chart shows a stable temperature maintained within a narrow range, suggesting effective heater control. The slight energy spikes correspond to heater activation, indicating efficient, on-demand heating. The overall low energy consumption reflects the small volume of a nano aquarium.

Concrete Advice

Integrate the heating element directly into the filter outlet to ensure even heat distribution and save space.

Use a controllable, small fan to lower the water temperature in summer while simultaneously increasing oxygen supply.

Install a timer for the filter to create nighttime rest periods for the aquarium inhabitants and reduce energy consumption.

Place reflectors around the LED lights to maximize light output and promote plant growth.

Use an external temperature sensor to accurately measure water temperature and optimally control the heating element.

Employ a small surface skimmer to remove biofilm from the water surface and improve oxygen uptake.

Combine a small internal filter with an air lift to enhance filter performance while creating a gentle current.

Use transparent hoses for the filter and air lift to visually integrate the technology into the aquarium.

Attach the filter with suction cups to the back wall to save space in the tank and allow for clear visibility.

Choose filter media with varying porosity to effectively remove both coarse and fine dirt particles.

Replace part of the filter material with porous lava rock to increase the colonization area for beneficial bacteria.

Clean the filter regularly in stagnant aquarium water to avoid harming the