Nano tanks are usually considered to be tanks that are smaller than 10 gallons and mostly they are chosen by beginners as the cost of setting up a nano tank is cheaper compared to the regular tanks. Let’s explore if setting a nano tank is easier or challenging
How to set up a nano tank
Nano tanks come in with a lot of benefits. It is said that they help in maintaining a more stable habitat, allow rearranging of the aquascape, easy to maintain, etc. It is also important to remember that there are contrary views because of the smaller complications that are involved. However, nothing can go wrong if the process is carried out well. This article will take you through a step by step process of how to aquascape a nano tank.
Required supplies
- Nano tank
- Substrate
- Hardscape Rocks
- Aquatic Plants
- Aquarium lights
- Aquarium Filter
Required tools
- Tweezers
- Glue
- Water sprayer
Total cost: USD 100
Duration
Total time: 3 hours
Step 1 – Selecting the tank
Select a good quality tank with the right dimensions that you can afford, pick a tank from a well know brand
Step 2 – Rough layout
Make a rough sketch of how you want to place your plants and hardscape, this homework is required to achieve the desired output
Step 3 – Preparation
Select hardscapes that will complement the size of the Nano tank. Prepare your hardscape by cleaning and drying them so that they do not cause any damage to the aquarium habitats.
Step 4 – Substrate
It is important to choose the right substrate, once you select the substrate fill the nano tank base with the substrate
Step 5 – Hardscapes
Make use of rocks or other smaller hardscapes to form a division between the Aqua soil and Aqua sand. Now position your main hardscape which should obviously be small enough for the tank.
Step 6 – Preparing the tank
Now spray in water so that you set the substrate, as this is required for planting.
Step 7 – Selection of plants
Select aquatic plants whose final growth is small so that they fit the nano tank size
Step 8 – Planting
Make use of tweezers to plant larger and taller plants towards the back and smaller ones towards the front. You can also add more aqua soil in order to raise the substrate.
Step 9 – Filling the water
Now fill in the water slowly so it does not uproot the plants and set the water conditions right
Step 10 – Lighting & Filtration
Attach the lighting to the tank as it is very essential for your plants to flourish
Result

Add in fishes that can comfortably survive in a nano tank. E.g Siamese fighting fish, Shrimps
We hope this how-to guide is useful for fellow hobbyists and are happy to hear from you on improvising this article. Do provide your recommendations in the below comment box