Here, I will share my favorite fish and plants for a tiny aquarium. Often referred to as a nano aquarium (typically 5-10 gallons or smaller), it’s important to choose fish and plants that are well-suited for the limited space. Here’s a guide to the best fish and plants for your tiny aquarium. This is my opinion and experience also location based. You may try it on your own.
Best Fish for a Tiny Aquarium:
1. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
– Size: 2.5-3 inches
– Care Level: Easy
– Notes: Betta fish are popular for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. They do best alone due to their territorial nature.
2. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
– Size: 1.5 inches
– Care Level: Easy
– Notes: These small, colorful fish are peaceful and thrive in schools of 6 or more. They’re perfect for nano tanks.
3. Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
– Size: 0.7 inches
– Care Level: Intermediate
– Notes: Tiny and brightly colored, chili rasboras are best kept in schools and prefer well-planted tanks.
4. Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)
– Size: 1 inch
– Care Level: Easy
– Notes: These small bottom-dwellers are social and do well in groups. They help keep the tank clean by scavenging.
5. Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei)
– Size: 1-1.5 inches
– Care Level: Easy
– Notes: Endlers are colorful and active, and they breed easily in captivity. Males are more vibrant and stay smaller.
6. Dwarf Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
– Size: 1-1.5 inches
– Care Level: Easy
– Notes: While not fish, dwarf shrimp are excellent for tiny tanks. They come in various colors and help with algae control.
7. Scarlet Badis (Dario dario)
– Size: 1 inch
– Care Level: Intermediate
– Notes: These fish are small and vibrantly colored, but they are shy and prefer densely planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Best Plants for a Tiny Aquarium:
1. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)
– Care Level: Easy
– Light Requirement: Low
– Notes: Java moss is versatile and can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or left floating. It provides excellent cover for small fish and shrimp.
2. Anubias Nana
– Care Level: Easy
– Light Requirement: Low to Medium
– Notes: This hardy plant grows slowly and stays small. It can be attached to rocks or driftwood, making it ideal for tiny tanks.
3. Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula)
– Care Level: Intermediate
– Light Requirement: Medium to High
– Notes: Dwarf hairgrass forms a beautiful carpet at the bottom of the tank, creating a lush, green landscape.
4. Marimo Moss Ball (Aegagropila linnaei)
– Care Level: Easy
– Light Requirement: Low to Medium
– Notes: These unique spherical plants are low-maintenance and add a distinctive look to the tank while helping to absorb nutrients and improve water quality.
5. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
– Care Level: Easy
– Light Requirement: Low to Medium
– Notes: Java fern is a slow-growing, hardy plant that does well in low-light conditions. It can be attached to rocks or driftwood and is ideal for beginners.
6. Anacharis (Egeria densa)
– Care Level: Easy
– Light Requirement: Medium
– Notes: Anacharis grows quickly and helps oxygenate the water. It can be planted or left floating, and it provides good coverage for small fish.
7. Cryptocoryne (Cryptocoryne spp.)
– Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
– Light Requirement: Low to Medium
– Notes: Crypts are great for tiny tanks because they grow slowly and stay relatively small. They come in various colors and shapes, adding diversity to your aquarium.
Tips for Setting Up a Tiny Aquarium:
– Stock Lightly: Overcrowding can quickly lead to poor water quality in a small tank.
– Regular Maintenance: Small tanks require more frequent water changes and monitoring to maintain stable conditions.
– Choose the Right Filter: Use a gentle filter that won’t create too much current for the small fish.
– Aquascaping: Use smaller decorations and plants to create a balanced and visually appealing environment.
By carefully selecting the right fish and plants, you can create a thriving, beautiful tiny aquarium that fits perfectly into your space.
