How to Start a Planted Nano Tank

Planted nano tanks are small tanks (generally less than 5 gallons) that are relatively easy to start up. These tanks are perfect for someone who is getting started with fish tanks, or for someone who does not have a lot of space, time or money to keep a larger tank. Planted nano tanks can range in size from 12 oz. (beta bowls) all the way up to 5 gallons.

Things You'll Need

  • 2.5 to 5 gallon clear glass container or a pet-store-bought fish tank
  • Substrate
  • Small tank filter (optional)
  • 25W halogen desk lamp
  • Fertilizer
  • 1 fish
  • 1 or 2 small aquatic plants
  • Towel (optional)
  • Strainer (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rinse out the object you will be using for a tank with warm water and then let air-dry. Do not use any chemicals or soap on it.

    • 2

      Rinse out the substrate. With finer substrate, put it in a cloth and then run water over it. This should be done with about 1 cup of substrate at a time. Grainier substrate, gravel and rocks can be put in a strainer and rinsed off in the sink. Rinse out again. Substrate needs to be free of all dirt and dust that it may have collected.

    • 3

      Pour the substrate into the tank and spread it around until it is visually appealing to you. In most cases, filling the tank a quarter of the way may be enough.

    • 4

      Develop a layout for the tank. The layout includes items that you need to buy--such as plants and any decorations (e.g., driftwood)--and where to put them (e.g., foreground or background).

    • 5

      Place any non-living things in the tank.

    • 6

      Install filter (optional). Most filters rest on the top of the tank with a small suction tube heading into the water. Follow the instructions on the filter for complete details.

    • 7

      Gently pour water into the tank. Water can be store bought or from the tap. Slowly pour the water to avoid kicking up the gravel and damaging the landscape. This can be best achieved by slowing pouring it over a solid decoration so it can disperse the water around it.

    • 8

      Fertilize the water. Exact amounts will be based on the type of fertilizer you use and the amount of water the tank holds.

    • 9

      Let the water rest. The chemicals in the water need to settle and condition the water. If you are not using a filter, let the water rest for about a week before adding fish. With a filter, two days should be plenty of time.

    • 10

      Set up your light. A desk lamp can be placed near the tank to help maintain the balance of the ecosystem. This light can be turned off at night.

    • 11

      Add your plants and fish. Place the plants into the tank by gently placing the roots under the substrate. Gently pour the fish into the tank. Betas or Florida flagfish are good choices, or you can use several guppies or shrimp. Plants such as dwarf anubias, java fern, java moss, Christmas moss and other dwarf species of aquatic plants will work well.