Nano fish tank stocking ideas – What fish for nano tanks?

Aquarium stocking ideas for the Nano fish tank

Nano fish tanks are very small tanks, which are often offered as 3 gallons, 5  gallons or 8 gallons fishtanks. Many of the commercially available nano aquariums are so small that they are not suitable for keeping aquarium fish. Instead, they are home to invertebrates and snails, as they do not require large swimming spaces. Just like the 15-20 gallons fishtank, for which you will find many different stocking ideas here, the nano aquarium is often sold as a beginner tank in the pet shop, although it is much more difficult to maintain in relation to a larger fishtank. Mini aquariums, such as 3 gallons, 5 gallons or 8 gallons fishtanks react much more sensitively to beginner's mistakes, such as lack of tank hygiene or increased additives of fertilizer. Often beginners get frustrated when the first dead animals are in the aquarium. To save you from exactly these mistakes you will find many different harmonic stocking ideas for the Nano fishtank in the following article - from South America to Asia there is a suitable stocking for every Nano tank. 

Table of Contents

What fish for a 3 gallons nano fishtank?

Since the small 3 gallons nano fishtank with an edge length of usually only 10-14 inches is very cramped, the only aquarium fish can be kept in it. The net swimming area, especially when decorations such as stones, roots or plants are added to the nano pool, is simply too small. Instead, it is suitable as a home for invertebrates and snails with very little space requirements. The following animal species can be kept in a 3 gallons nano aquarium:

  • dwarf shrimps
  • snails
  • Siamese fishting fish (betta splendens)

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Stocking ideas 3 gallons nano aquarium: dwarf shrimps

dwarf shrimp in the Nano-Aquarium

With a length of just 1.8-3.5 centimetres by adult animals, dwarf shrimps are controversial as inhabitants of a small 10-litre nano aquarium. Since I myself kept these animals for some years in the Nano fish tank and this worked very well I can only recommend them as a stocking idea for a small 3 gallons Nano-aquarium. Not only do the incredibly peaceful aquarium inhabitants look very beautiful thanks to their spectacular colouring, they also bring a lot of life into a small nano fishtank thanks to their interesting behaviour: even beginners often succeed in breeding these animals, and a small herd of these animals is very nice to look at in the nano aquarium. At the same time, these animals contribute to the care of the plants in the aquarium, which is particularly useful for beginners who work without fertilizer.

Stock examples for dwarf shrimps in 10 to 12 litre nano aquariums: 

  • 6-8 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger'): The largest representatives of the dwarf shrimps become with a length of 3.5 centimeters slightly lager. They can only be held in the particularly small 3 gallons Nano aquarium if a balanced mixture of swimming surface and planting is provided.
  • 8-10 Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola): With only 1.8 centimetres by adult animals, the harlequin shrimp is one of the smallest dwarf shrimp. They are very suitable for the 3 gallons Nano Aquarium.
  • 8-10 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red): With a body length of 2.3 centimetres, the Fire dwarf shrimp is also a suitable aquarium inhabitant in a 3 gallon nano fishtank for adult animals.
  • 8-10 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red'): Just like the above-mentioned cherry shrimp, the crystal red shrimp is with a body length of 2.3 centimetres perfect for 3 gallons nano fishtank.
  • 8-10 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi): The Blue Dream shrimp are up to 3 centimetres tall and their particularly pretty blue colour will immediately catch the eye of any aquarium fan.
  • 8-10 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni): The beautiful white shrimp is with a maximum body length of 3.5 centimetres also suitable for the 3 gallons nano aquarium.
  • Countless other dwarf shrimps fit into the 3 gallons nano fishtank as long as they do not exceed a maximum body length of 3.5 centimetres in adult animals.

Additional Stocking: small snails, such as 

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or
  • 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue') or
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or
  • 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis) or
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.)

Stocking Ideas for 3 gallons Nano fishtank: Snails

Ramshorn Snail in the nano fishtank

As a further stocking idea for a particularly small 3 gallons Nano aquarium, various snails are available, which offer many advantages, especially for beginners. Snails are sometimes fought as pests in aquariums because they attack and eat aquarium plants, but not most of the ornamental snails available in pet shops, which usually even actively participate in plant care in the Nano Aquarium and even support the aquarist in combating algae. Snails are very peaceful and robust aquarium inhabitants, which are therefore particularly well suited for aquaristic beginners. And quite contrary to the general belief snails are definitely not unsightly or even disgusting creatures, rather the following animals inspire with their beautiful colouring and are perfectly suited for the Nano-Cube.

Snails for a 3 gallons nano fishtank: 

  • 10 Small Posthorn snail red (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red'): The small Posthorn snails not only look very beautiful, thanks to their size of just 2 centimetres they are particularly suitable for very small tanks, such as the 10-12 litre Nano Aquarium.
  • 10 Small horn snail blue (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue')
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.): Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails are also suitable for the nano fishtank thanks to their small body height of 2 centimetres.
  • Various other forms of antler and post horn snails can be kept in the 3 gallons nano aquarium as long as a maximum body length of 2.5 centimetres is not exceeded in adult animals.

Additional Stocking: dwarf shrimp, such as

  • 8-10 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger') or
  • 8-10 Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola) or
  • 8-10 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red) or
  • 8-10 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red') or
  • 8-10 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) or
  • 8-10 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni)

Stocking Ideas for 3 gallons Nano fishtank: Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

siamese fishting fish in the nano aquarium

As the only aquarium fish Betta Splenden's fighting fish can be kept in a small 3 gallons nano fishtank. The beautiful animals live in rivers in their country of origin Bali/Indonesia in small areas. They are very popular in aquaristics and are often sold as beginner fish, which are then socialized in the beginner's community tank. There the animals suffer from stress, because they are kept with other aquarium fish that are usually not adapted to them. Fighting fish should not be socialized with each other: in the wild, male and female Bettas are only grouped for reproduction, whereby even the rearing of the young animals is taken over exclusively by the male.

Keep fighting fish in a 3 gallons nano aquarium: 

The Eyecatcher:

  • 1 Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens)

Additional stocking: snails, such as

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or
  • 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue') or
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.)

What fish fit into a 5 gallons nano fishtank?

In contrast to the smaller 3 gallons nano aquariums, the 5 gallons nano aquariums, which are usually available in the form of a square, do not offer a significantly larger swimming surface. The edge length differs from the smaller 3 gallons nano aquariums, which generally have a length of 10-14 inches by just a few inches. With an edge length of  12-18 inches the only aquarium fish than can be kept in the small 5 gallons nano aquarium is a betta splendens fighting fish. However, many different invertebrates and snails can be kept in the 5  gallon nano fishtank, all of which can also be distinguished by a very small size. Fish for a 5 gallons aquarium at a glance:

  • Snails
  • Shrimp
  • Dwarf crayfish
  • Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens)

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Stocking ideas 5 gallons Nano fishtank: shrimp

Shrimp in the Nano-Aquarium

With a maximum body length of 1.8-3.5 centimetres in adult animals, dwarf shrimp are ideal for keeping in a small 5 gallons nano aquarium. Thanks to their splendid colourings they look very beautiful and their very interesting behaviour brings life in every nano fishtank and even beginners can usually celebrate breeding successes with dwarf shrimp in the 5 gallons nano tank! Other characteristics that distinguish dwarf shrimp is their peaceful behaviour and their active participation in the care of aquarium plants, as well as the control of algae.

Stocking ideas: dwarf shrimps in a 5 gallons nano aquarium: 

  • 8-10 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger'): The largest representatives of the dwarf shrimps become with a length of 3.5 centimeters slightly lager.  In a small 5 gallons Nano aquarium a balanced mixture of swimming surface and planting should be provided.
  • 8-10 Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola): With only 1.8 centimetres by adult animals, the harlequin shrimp is one of the smallest dwarf shrimp. They are very suitable for the 5 gallons Nano Aquarium.
  • 8-10 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red): With a body length of 2.3 centimetres, the Fire dwarf shrimp is also a suitable aquarium inhabitant in a 5 gallon nano fishtank for adult animals.
  • 8-10 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red'): Just like the above-mentioned cherry shrimp, the crystal red shrimp is with a body length of 2.3 centimetres perfect for 5 gallons nano fishtank.
  • 8-10 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi): The Blue Dream shrimp are up to 3 centimetres tall and their particularly pretty blue colour will immediately catch the eye of any aquarium fan.
  • 8-10 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni): The beautiful white shrimp is with a maximum body length of 3.5 centimetres also suitable for the 5 gallons nano aquarium.
  • Countless other dwarf shrimps fit into the 5 gallons nano fishtank as long as they do not exceed a maximum body length of 3.5 centimetres in adult animals.

Additional stocking: small snails, such as

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or
  • 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue') or
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or
  • 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis) or
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.)

Stocking ideas 5 gallons Nano fishtank: Dwarf crayfish

Dwarf cryfish in the nano fishtank

Thanks to a maximum body length of only 5 centimetres, dwarf crayfish are also perfectly suited as a stock suggestion for a 20 gallons nano aquarium. The dwarf crayfish are very robust animals that do not place too high demands on water parameters and temperature and are certainly suitable for aquaistic beginners. They captivate by their very unusual colouring, which can range from deep red to electrified blue tones. Their very interesting behaviour brings life into small 5 gallons nano fishtank and even beginners can celebrate breeding successes when a harmonious couple is kept in a nano aquarium. Even if for a small 5 gallons nano fishtank an additional stocking is out of the question anyway, I would like to point out that dwarf crayfish, especially in a small nano aquarium, should not be socialized with other animals, as they are sometimes on their menu.

Stocking ideas: dwarf crayfish in a 5 gallons nano aquarium: 

  • 1-2 (1m + 1f) CPO Crayfish - CPO (Cambarellus patzcuarensis "orange") or
  • Chocolate CPO Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis Chocolate): The 3-4 cm large crayfish of the genus Cambarellus can be kept in the 5 gallons Nano Aquarium. However, a dense planting and many hiding places, such as stones, roots or clay caves must be guaranteed, as the animals can be very rough and avoid each other when skinning. The animals can also be kept alone, but it is recommended to keep them in pairs.

Stocking ideas 5 gallons nano fishtank: snails

Ramshorn Snail in the nano fishtank

As a further stocking idea for a small 5 gallons nano fishtank there are snails, which have several advantages for beginners. Many snails in the aquarium are fought as pests because they attack and eat aquarium plants. However most of the ornamental snails available in pet shops are usually even actively participateing in plant care in the Nano Aquarium and even support the aquarist in combating algae. Snails are very peaceful and robust aquarium inhabitants, which are therefore particularly well suited for aquaristic beginners. And quite contrary to the general belief snails are definitely not unsightly or even disgusting creatures. Rather the following animals inspire with their beautiful colouring and are perfectly suited for the Nano fishtank.

Keep snails in the 5 gallons nano fishtank: 

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue'): The Ramshorn snails not only look very beautiful, thanks to their size of just 2 centimetres they are particularly suitable for small tanks, such as the 8 litre Nano Aquarium.
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis): Nerite snails are very beautiful animals that grow up to 3 centimetres in size and also support you effectively in combating algae. By the way the have little demands on the water paramaters.
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.): Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails snails are also special animals, which distinguish themselves thanks to a kind of horn on the shell, as well as a very beautiful coloring. They grow up to 2 centimeters tall and can be kept particularly well in 8 gallons nano aquariums.
  • 3-4  Piano snail (Taia naticoides): Piano snails grow up to 4 centimetres in size and do not make any big demands on the water. Their tank captivates by a very nice coloring and a striping to the outside.
  • Various other snails, as long as they do not exceed a maximum body length of about 3-4 centimetres.

Additional Stocking: dwarf shrimps, such as

  • 8 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger') or
  • 8 Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola) or
  • 8 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red) or
  • 8 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red') or
  • 8 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) or
  • 8 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni)

or 1x siamese fighting fish (betta splendens)

Stocking ideas for 5 gallons Nano fishtank: Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens)

Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens) in the nano fishtank

The only fish that can be kept in a particularly small fishtank, such as the 5 gallons Nano Aquarium, are Betta Splenden's fighting fish. The beautiful animals live in rivers in their country of origin Bali/Indonesia in small areas. They are very popular in aquaristics and are often sold as beginner fish, which are then socialized in the beginner's community tank. There the animals suffer from stress, because they are kept with other aquarium fish that are usually not adapted to them. Fighting fish should not be socialized with each other: in the wild, male and female Bettas are only grouped for reproduction, whereby even the rearing of the young animals is taken over exclusively by the male.

Keep fighting fish in a 5 gallons nano aquarium: 

The Eyecatcher:

  • 1 Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens)

Additional stocking: small snails, such as

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or
  • 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue') or
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or
  • 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis) or
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.)

or dwarf shrimp, like the following

  • 8-10 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger') or
  • 8-10 Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola) or
  • 8-10 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red) or
  • 8-10 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red') or
  • 8-10 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) or
  • 8-10 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni)

What fish fit into a 8 gallons nano fishtank?

Besides the 15-20 gallons nano aquariums, for which you will find many different Stocking ideas here, the 8 gallons nano fishtank are the next smaller aquarium standard size. They are widespread, especially among beginners, as they are often praised as beginner tanks, although the maintenance of these small 8 gallons nano aquariums is much more difficult in relation to larger fishtanks. Just like the smaller 3 and 5 gallons nano aquariums, most aquarium fish cannot be kept in the 8 gallons nano fishtank, which is with an average length of 12-18 inches just too small. Instead, only a few selected aquarium fish, invertebrates and snails can be kept in such tanks. In the following article we show you various stocking ideas for the 8 gallons Nano fishtank.

Overview - the following species can be kept in 8 gallons nano aquariums:

  • aquarium fish
  • Siamese fighting fish (betta splendens)
  • dwarf shrimps
  • crayfish
  • snails

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Stocking ideas for 8 gallons Nano fishtanks: dwarf shrimp

dwarf shrimp in the nano fishtank

As with the smaller 3 and 5 gallons nano aquariums, the dwarf shrimp is also suitable as a stocking idea for the 8 gallons tank. With a maximum body length of just 1.8-3.5 centimetres, the animals are very small and ideal for keeping in a 8 gallons nano fishtank. They also support the aquarist in the care of aquarium plants and effectively fight algae, which are not uncommon in new set up aquariums. Beside this cleaning mania, by which dwarf shrimps distinguish themselves, they captivate by beautiful, splendid colorations and bring life into a small 8 gallons nano aquarium. thanks to their very interesting behavior and the very simple breeding. You can also mix the species among each other in your 8 gallons nano fishtank but i wouldn't recommend to do so, since the animals may loose their coloring when the mixed species reproduce among themselves - the offspring may then become colourless.

Keep dwarf shrimps in 8 gallons nano fishtank: 

  • 15-20 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger'): The largest representatives of the dwarf shrimps become with a length of 3.5 centimeters slightly lager. In a 8 gallons Nano aquarium a balanced mixture of swimming surface and planting should be provided.
  • 15-20  Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola): With only 1.8 centimetres by adult animals, the harlequin shrimp is one of the smallest dwarf shrimp. They are very suitable for the 8 gallons Nano Aquarium.
  • 15-20 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red): With a body length of 2.3 centimetres, the Fire dwarf shrimp is also a suitable aquarium inhabitant in a 8 gallon nano fishtank for adult animals.
  • 15-20 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red'): Just like the above-mentioned cherry shrimp, the crystal red shrimp is with a body length of 2.3 centimetres perfect for 8 gallons nano fishtank.
  • 15-20 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi): The Blue Dream shrimp are up to 3 centimetres tall and their particularly pretty blue colour will immediately catch the eye of any aquarium fan.
  • 15-20 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni): The beautiful white shrimp is with a maximum body length of 3.5 centimetres also suitable for the 8 gallons nano aquarium.
  • Countless other dwarf shrimps fit into the 8 gallons nano fishtank as long as they do not exceed a maximum body length of 3.5 centimetres in adult animals.

Additional Stocking: small snails, such as 

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or
  • 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue') or
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or
  • 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis) or
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.)

Stocking ideas for 8 gallons Nano fishtanks: dwarf crayfish

Dwarf crayfish in the nano aquarium

The keeping of dwarf crayfish in the 8 gallons nano aquarium works very well. These small, robust animals usually grow to a size of just 5 centimetres and are therefore exactly the right size for small nano fishtank. Dwarf crayfish have low water and temperature requirements and are therefore suitable for beginners to whom small 8 gallons nano aquariums are often sold. Animals should not be socialized with other aquarium fish, invertebrates or snails in the Nano Aquarium, as these can quickly end up as snacks. Aquarium crayfish are characterised by a very beautiful colouring and conjure up picturesque scenes in the Nano fishtank.

Stocking ideas for dwarf crayfish in a 8 gallons nano aquarium: 

  • 3 (1m + 2f) CPO Crayfish - CPO (Cambarellus patzcuarensis "orange") or
  • Chocolate CPO Crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis Chocolate): The 3-4 cm large crayfish of the genus Cambarellus can be kept in the 8 gallons Nano Aquarium. However, a dense planting and many hiding places, such as stones, roots or clay caves must be guaranteed, as the animals can be very rough and avoid each other when skinning. The animals can also be kept alone, but it is recommended to keep them in pairs.

Stocking ideas for 8 gallons Nano fishtanks: snails

Posthornschnecken im Nano Aquarium

Snails, which are fought as pests by many aquarists, are in the form of ornamental snails very well suited for a small 8 gallons nano aquarium. They are usually characterised by splendid colourings on the cottage and are available in countless different colour variations. Snails are also peaceful and robust aquarium inhabitants, which are particularly suitable for beginners because they have relatively low demands on water values and water temperature. In addition, most ornamental snails are actively involved in plant care and effectively combat algae, which often develop in new tanks. Below we show you some different types of snails that can be kept very well in the 8 gallons Nano fishtank.

Keep snails in the 8 gallons nano fishtank: 

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue'): The Ramshorn snails not only look very beautiful, thanks to their size of just 2 centimetres they are particularly suitable for small tanks, such as the 8 litre Nano Aquarium.
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis): Nerite snails are very beautiful animals that grow up to 3 centimetres in size and also support you effectively in combating algae. By the way the have little demands on the water paramaters.
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.): Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails snails are also special animals, which distinguish themselves thanks to a kind of horn on the shell, as well as a very beautiful coloring. They grow up to 2 centimeters tall and can be kept particularly well in 8 gallons nano aquariums.
  • 3-4  Piano snail (Taia naticoides): Piano snails grow up to 4 centimetres in size and do not make any big demands on the water. Their tank captivates by a very nice coloring and a striping to the outside.
  • Various other snails, as long as they do not exceed a maximum body length of about 3-4 centimetres.

Additional Stocking: dwarf shrimps, such as

  • 8-10 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger') or
  • 8-10 Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola) or
  • 8-10 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red) or
  • 8-10 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red') or
  • 8-10 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) or
  • 8-10 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni)

or aquarium fish, such as

  • 10 Mosquito rasbora (Boraras brigittae) or
  • 1 Siamese fighting fish (betta splendens) or
  • 8-10 rasboras galaxy (Danio margaritatus) or
  • 8-10 Harlequin rasboras (Trigonostigma hengeli) or
  • 8-10 Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus) or
  • 8-10 Flame tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Stocking ideas for 8 gallons Nano fishtanks: Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens)

 Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens) in the Nano-Aquarium

Betta fighting fish can be kept in a particularly small tank, such as the 8 gallons Nano fishtank. The very beautiful animals live in rivers in their country of origin Bali/Indonesia in small areas. in a small 8 gallons aquarium siamese fighting fish should not be kept with other aquarium fish. Also they should not be socialized with other fighting fish: in the wild, male and female Bettas are only grouped for reproduction, whereby even the rearing of the young animals is taken over exclusively by the male.

Stock example for fighting fish in a 30 litre nano aquarium: 

  • 1 Siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens)

Additional Stocking: small snails, such as 

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or
  • 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue') or
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or
  • 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis) or
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.)

or dwarf shrimp, such as

  • 8-10 Golden bee shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Tiger') or
  • 8-10 Harlequin shrimp (Caridina cf. spongicola) or
  • 8-10 Fire shrimp / Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Red) or
  • 8-10 Crystal red shrimp (Caridina cantonensis 'Crystal Red') or
  • 8-10 Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) or
  • 8-10 Snow White Bee Shrimp (Caridina logemanni)

Stocking ideas for 8 gallons Nano fishtanks: aquarium fish

Blue neon tetra in the Nano-Aquarium

A small 8 gallons nano aquarium is the first tank size suitable for keeping a small selection of aquarium fish. It is only suitable as a home for particularly small ornamental fish. Care should be taken to ensure that decorations such as roots or plants are used only to a lesser extent in order to provide as large a swimming surface as possible for the fish. In small 8 gallons nano fishtanks only one species of aquarium fish should be kept and only snails can be socialised with them, as otherwise the stress for the animals becomes too high due to the cramped living space.

Keep ornamental fish in 8 gallons nano fishtank: 

  • 8-10 Mosquito rasbora (Boraras brigittae): With only 3 centimetres of length, mosquito rasboras are ideal for keeping in nano aquariums. They are characterised by a magnificent red body and a black line in the middle of the body.
  • 8-10 rasboras galaxy (Danio margaritatus): rasboras galaxy are characterised by white dots on their bluish body, which is just 2-2.5 centimetres in size. The beautiful animals are relatively shy and should only be kept in densely planted and well structured tanks.
  • 8-10 Harlequin rasboras (Trigonostigma hengeli): Harlequin rasboras are with a maximum body length of 2-3 centimetres very small. However they stand out due to their beautiful black-orange colouring.
  • 8-10 Dwarf Rasbora (Boraras maculatus): Dwarf rasboras also stand out due to their pretty orange coloration, which is drawn by black dots. With a body length of just 2-2.5 centimetres, they are very suitable for the 8 gallons nano aquarium.
  • 8-10 Flame tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae): Flame tetra are with a length of 2-3 centimetres some of the smallest representatives of the tetras and can be kept in a small 8 gallons nano fishtank.
  • 8-10 Blue Neon (Paracheirodon simulans): Neons are probably the most popular aquarium fish in the world. In order to be able to enjoy the beautiful tetra in the 8 gallons nano tank as well, the Blue Neons offer themselves as representatives of the neon family.
  • 4m (+4w) Endler Guppies (Poecilia wingei): Even the small Endler Guppies can be kept in the 8 gallonsNano Aquarium. One should only be aware that the females are significantly larger and that a large number of animals are quickly kept in the tank if the reproduction is allowed by keeping females.

Additional Stocking: snail, such as

  • 5-10 Red Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Red') or
  • 5-10 Blue Ramshorn snails (Planorbella duryi var. 'Blue') or
  • 2-4 Zebra snails (Neritina natalensis) or
  • 2-4 red Nerite snails (Neritina waigiensis) or
  • 2-4 Thorn/Horned Nerite Snails (Clithon sp.)

Set up Nano fishtank for aquarium fish – at a glance!

Nano fish tank stocking ideas – What fish for nano tanks?

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