10 Top Tips for Setting up a Nano Tank
Some people who live by themselves are quite content, but others are lonesome. If you are one of the lonesome people and you are allergic to the usual house pets, they are not good choices for you. Some people keep birds, but there is another alternative. If you live in a small apartment, you can set up a nano aquarium. You will not have to worry about a cat clawing your furniture or walking a dog when it’s cold and wet. You can avoid these problems by setting up a nano tank. Nano aquariums are small versions of regular-sized aquariums. They are usually saltwater tanks with a capacity of one to 10 gallons depending on the size of the tank. The water quality in a nano aquarium must be kept in balance in order to maintain good bacteria to aid the tank’s filtration system. Too many fish can upset the balance of the tank’s environment. Allow the tank cycle to build a natural filter and become active before introducing other fish or invertebrates.
Learn all you can about nano aquariums by thoroughly researching the subject. You need to know all about nano aquariums: how to set them up, what species of fish are suitable inhabitants, where to place a tank in your home and learn how to maintain to tank after setting up and populating your tank. Now wouldn’t a couple of fish be a little company?
- Tank, size of your choice
- Cover for the tank with an attached light
- Appropriate capacity filter and pump
- Sea salt
- Standard aquarium heater
- Appropriate gravel and sand
- Food for your fish
- Nitrates and nitrites
- Ammonia test kit
1. Look around the room where you plan to locate your aquarium. Determine exactly where to place the tank and stand and decide on an appropriate sized tank for your room. You will probably want to locate the tank away from direct sunlight. The sun may heat the water to the detriment of your fish.
2. Measure the dimensions of the spot where you have decided to place the tank. Write down those measurements and take them with you when you shop for your tank. Living in an apartment, you probably have space for only a small tank. Look at the floor model display of aquariums to get an idea of how one will fit in your space. Measure the tanks to determine which one will be an appropriate fit.
3. Select your tank and appropriate filter and pump. Nano aquariums require pumps with a higher flow rate than larger aquariums. You need a pump capable of turning over the water in the tank seven to 10 times per hour. That means the pump of a 1 gallon tank should have a flow rate of seven to 10 gallons every hour.
4. Dissolve the salt in the water, and then pour saltwater into your tank. Read the instructions that came with the salt and the tank. Bring water to the recommended salinity level, for the creatures you plan to introduce to your aquarium. If you are using chlorinated water, you will need a de-chlorinator to remove the chlorine from the water.
5. Place the submersible heater on the side or bottom of the tank. Set the temperature to the recommended level for the creatures you plan to add to the tank. Carefully place the cover on the tank and give the heater a few hours to warm the water. Regulate the heater to attain the needed temperature and recheck again the following day. Now you are well on your way to setting up your nano tank.
6. Patience, patience, patience. Take your time and don’t rush to finish your project. It takes patience to get the temperature set at the correct level and to get all the equipment adjusted right.
7. Following your instructions, set up and attach the pump and filter. Hook up the hoses necessary to operate the pump and filter and turn them on. Verify the water temperature. Frequently pumps and other equipment can raise the temperature in the tank. It may be necessary to alter the temperature setting of the heater to counteract the increased heat.
8. Add gravel and living sand, which has organisms to aid in filtering, to the aquarium water. At this point, you have probably purchased live sand; if not, you can get a little bit live sand from an operating aquarium to add to your own tank. Add from about half inch to several inches of sand to your tank. If you decide to use several inches of sand, be sure to obtain a few of the small, varied species of worms that act as detritivores to aid in the natural filtering capacity of the live sand.
9. Let the tank run to cycle the water. For about two weeks, put just a few fish food in the tank every day. The live sand or the aquarium filter will break down the food as microorganisms in the tank flourish and multiply. Cut down on the quantity of food going into the tank if the water becomes cloudy. The cycling sequence encourages the biological filtration to sustain healthy environment for fish and invertebrates.
10. Periodically check the nitrogen cycle by using a commercially available test kit. Monitoring levels of ammonia and nitrogen is a must for a healthy balance for fish. Follow your instructions to verify that the tank’s natural filtration is correct, only then should you start adding fish and invertebrates. Inevitably some of the water in the tank will evaporate, and you will need to add de-chlorinated freshwater to top off the tank. Again, de-chlorinate your water if necessary. Keep check on the salinity of the water; you will occasionally need to add a little saltwater to maintain the nitrogen balance.
You can enjoy watching your favorite fish swim around in their new aquarium. You have diligently completed the task of setting up a nano tank. All is peaceful and quiet, and the only sound to bother you is the sound of Charlie the Tuna bumping the side of the aquarium with his nose.
For more information about setting up your nano tank contact us here We are always happy to help: )
Perry's Aquatic Centre - 6 Market Rasen Road, Dunholme, Lincoln LN2 3QR
Call us on: +44(0)16738 60727 Nano Tank