One of the benefits of a nano tank is that it takes up less space than a traditional fish tank. This means that you can put a nano fish tank almost anywhere in your home, including on a shelf or desk. If you are looking to set up a nano aquarium, one of the most important things to consider is the type of fish you want to put in it. Because these aquariums are smaller, you need to be careful about the type of fish you put in them.
While there are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing fish for your nano tank, one of the most important is the fish’s size. You must make sure that the fish you choose will be able to comfortably swim in the space you have. If you choose a fish that is too large for your nano tank, it will not have enough room to swim and could become stressed. In this article, we have collected types of small fish and a guide on how to choose the right fish for a nano aquarium.
Our Top 20 Best Fish for Nano Tank Reviewed
- Fire Neon Tetras
- Cardinal Tetra
- Guppies Guppy Fancy Fantail Tropical Fish
- Celestial Pearl Danio
- Panda Cory
- Galaxy Rasbora
- Emerald Dwarf Rasboras
- Zebra Danio
- Betta Fish
- Apistogramma
- Asian Stone Catfish
- Peacock Gudgeon
- Chili Rasbora
- Endler’s Livebearer
- Fancy Guppies
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Neon Tetra
- Otocinclus
- Pygmy Corydoras
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
1. Fire Neon Tetras
Fire Neon Tetras are micro fish, reaching a maximum size of only about 2 inches. They are a very popular fish due to their beautiful colors. The body of the Fire Neon Tetra is a translucent pinkish-red, with a bright red stripe running along the length of the body from the nose to the tail. The fins are clear, with a hint of yellow. The eyes are red.
Fire Neon Tetras are very easy to care for and thrive in a wide range of water conditions. They are hardy fish that is resistant to many common diseases, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists. These tetras are also very easy to breed in captivity, and their bright colors make them a beautiful addition to any aquarium.
Fire Neon Tetras are a very peaceful fish and do well in both community tanks and planted tanks. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 fish. They are very active fish and will do best in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and lots of open space to swim.
- Very easy to care
- A great choice for beginner aquarists
- You can not settle for goldfish
2. Cardinal Tetra
The Cardinal Tetra Fish is a freshwater fish that is known for its beautiful coloration. It is a popular fish for aquariums because it is relatively easy to care for and does well in both natural and artificial tanks. These fish are typically bred in captivity, resulting in a large number of them in the fish trade.
These fish are very slender with a torpedo-shaped profile and have two distinct stripes of red and blue running from the tip of their nose to their tail. The blue stripe has an iridescent finish that makes it glow in the right lighting conditions. Directly below the blue stripe is a thicker band of bright red that runs the entire length of the body and even bleeds into the transparent tail.
Cardinal Tetras are very peaceful fish and do well in a community tank. They are not known to be fin nippers, but they may nibble on slow-moving fish. They should not be kept with larger, more aggressive fish.
A Cardinal Tetras is a beautiful addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for and make a great choice for beginner fishkeepers.
- Very peaceful fish
- Easy to care
- They must be kept together by at least 6-7 individuals
3. Guppies Guppy Fancy Fantail Tropical Fish
Guppies Guppy Fancy Fantail Tropical Fish is a freshwater community tropical fish that is very hardy when kept with appropriate fish. Fish breeders and hobbyists have praised the Guppies Guppy Fancy Fantail Tropical Fish for their ability to do well in hard alkaline water, which is common throughout the USA.
The Guppies Guppy Fancy Fantail Tropical Fish is sold as an assorted size young adult, with the average size being 2 months old. They should be kept in a community aquarium away from fin nippers (no barbs, no bettas, no large tetras).
Users have praised the Guppies Guppy Fancy Fantail Tropical Fish for their hardiness and ability to do well in a variety of environments. One user even noted that one of the fish gave birth while it was in the packing box, further testifying to the hardiness of these fish. If you are looking for a tropical fish that is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments, the Guppies Guppy Fancy Fantail Tropical Fish is a great option.
- Very hardy fish
- Adapts to any environment
- Will not get along with all types of fish
4. Celestial Pearl Danio
The Celestial Pearl Danio Fish is a beautiful and popular freshwater fish that is perfect for any aquarium. These fish are easy to care for and are very peaceful, making them a great addition to any community tank. The Celestial Pearl Danio is a fairly new fish, having only been discovered in 2006, but it has quickly become a favorite.
The fish is very timid, so it is important to provide plenty of hiding places and aquascaping in the tank. The fish is also very sensitive to changes in water quality, so it is important to keep a close eye on the water parameters in the tank. The Celestial Pearl Danio is a beautiful fish that will add a touch of elegance to any aquarium.
- Very beautiful
- Easy to care
- Very sensitive to changes in water quality
5. Panda Cory
Panda Cory Fish is one of the nano aquarium fish due to its peaceful disposition and interesting behavior. They are freshwater fish from the shell catfish family and are native to South America. The fish got their name from their black and white coloration, which resembles the colors of a giant panda.
Panda Cory Fish has a dense body that is slightly compressed on the sides and rises in front. Their mouth is located on the bottom of their head, and near the mouth, the opening is three pairs of sensitive antennae. These antennae help the fish to dig in the ground and navigate in muddy water.
Panda Cory Fish are tireless workers of the aquarium and are known for their ability to perfectly eat up the remnants of food at the bottom, keeping the aquarium clean. They prefer the lower layers of the aquarium and, in addition to gill breathing, also have intestinal breathing.
- The fish cleans the aquarium from the remnants of food
- Very calm and hardy
- It is necessary to maintain the right temperature for the good health of the fish
6. Galaxy Rasbora
The Galaxy Rasbora Fish is a small freshwater fish that is popular for its attractive appearance. The males of the species exhibit bright blue body coloration with more coloration in their fins, while the females tend to have a duller bluish-greenish background coloration with a tint of yellowish color to their bellies. Both sexes of the Galaxy Rasbora Fish have a pattern of what appear to be tiny dots on their bodies.
The Galaxy Rasbora Fish is a relatively short-lived species, with a typical lifespan of only 3 to 5 years. However, they can live a little longer if they are kept in large groups. The Galaxy Rasbora Fish is also a small fish, with most specimens only growing to a maximum of 1.5 inches in length.
- Attractive appearance
- A great choice for beginner aquarists
- Short lifespan
7. Emerald Dwarf Rasboras
The Emerald Dwarf Rasbora is a beautiful, popular freshwater fish that is perfect for nano tanks or larger tanks. They are always on the move, and their fiery persona is sure to add some personality to your aquarium. Emerald Dwarf Rasboras are omnivorous and will consume both plant and animal matter. In the wild, these fish typically reach a length of 1.5 inches, but captive-bred specimens may only reach half that size.
Emerald Dwarf Rasboras are best kept in groups of six or more, as they are social fish that enjoys the company of their own kind. A single fish will often become stressed and may hide away, which can lead to health problems.
When choosing a home for your Emerald Dwarf Rasboras, it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding places and plenty of space to swim. These fish are not particularly fussy when it comes to décor, but live plants are always a good idea. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater tank.
- Not fussy about food
- Social fish
- You can not keep only one fish
8. Zebra Danio
The Zebra Danio is a small, active fish that is popular in many home aquariums. This fish is known for its horizontal stripes and is a great choice for beginners due to its low-maintenance care. The Zebra Danio is a tropical fish, so it requires a heater to maintain the proper water temperature in the tank. These fish are also egg-layers, so they will need a suitable place to lay their eggs.
These fish prefer to live in water with a temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Zebra Danios are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, live food, and frozen food. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure that these fish receive all of the nutrients they need.
- A great choice for beginner aquarists
- Not fussy about food
- It is necessary to maintain the right temperature for the good health of the fish
9. Betta Fish
Betta fish are beautiful, unique creatures that make great pets. However, they are very delicate fish that require special care. Betta fish need a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places. They also require a filtration system to keep the water clean and free of toxins. The water should be kept at a temperature of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bettas are carnivorous fish, so they need a diet that consists mostly of meat. You can purchase special betta pellets or flakes that contain all the nutrients they need. You can also feed them live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.
Bettas are social creatures and do best when kept with other fish. However, it is important to choose tank mates carefully, as some fish can be aggressive towards bettas. Peaceful, docile fish such as guppies or Corydoras catfish make good tank mates for bettas.
- Very beautiful
- Peaceful fish
- Require special care
10. Apistogramma
The Apistogramma is a beautiful freshwater fish that is part of the Cichlidae family. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and their peaceful nature. They are small fish that do well in groups and can cohabitate with other non-aggressive fish species. The Apistogramma is a stunning fish that comes in a variety of colors. These fish are native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats.
Apistogramma fish are small and peaceful and do well in groups. They also tend to spend most of their time close to the substrate, making them a great option for those who want fish that occupy the lower part of the tank.
- Vibrant color
- Peaceful fish, get along well with other species
- They need a large amount of substrate
11. Asian Stone Catfish
The Asian Stone Catfish is a small, nocturnal catfish that is native to freshwater habitats in Asia. These fish are known for their unique body coloration, which allows them to blend in well with their surroundings.
Asian Stone Catfish are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any nano aquarium. They are not particularly demanding, and do well in standard home aquarium conditions. However, they do require good oxygenation to stay healthy, so an air bubbler is recommended. These fish are most active at night and will spend their time searching for food. They are not picky eaters and will eat just about anything, but live or frozen food is best.
- Unique body coloration
- Easy to care
- Can eat small fish
12. Peacock Gudgeon
Peacock Gudgeons have a slender body with a rounded head. They have an elongated dorsal and anal fin which creates an interesting silhouette. The coloring on these fish is very vibrant and can be blue with bright red stripes and a black spot on their tail.
These fish are peaceful and need to be in a group. They are not difficult to care for but can be picky eaters. They prefer live or frozen food that is protein-rich. Brine shrimp or bloodworms are a good option for these fish. If you are looking for a vibrant and peaceful fish, the Peacock Gudgeon is a good option.
- Peaceful fish
- A great choice for beginner aquarists
- Need a special diet
13. Chili Rasbora
The Chili Rasbora is a colorful, attention-grabbing fish that is perfect for small tanks. These fish are covered in shades of pink and red, with a black stripe running down their sides. They are a schooling fish, so it is best to keep them in a group. They are timid fish and may spend time hiding when first introduced to a new environment.
The Chili Rasbora is an omnivore, so its diet should consist of both plant and animal matter. Commercial dried food can be their main diet, but they should also be given protein-rich foods such as brine shrimp, Daphnia, and tubifex micro worms.
- Omnivorous fish
- Adapts to any environment
- Very shy fish
14. Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s Livebearer is a beautiful, unique fish species that make a great addition to any aquarium. They are similar in appearance to Guppies, but their exact color patterns can vary dramatically. They are also livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young, and are very easy to breed.
Endler’s Livebearer fish are peaceful and do well in groups. They occupy the top of the water column and are very active swimmers. They are also very hardy fish and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions.
- Fish are easy to breed
- Very hardy type
- It is necessary to keep in the group
15. Fancy Guppies
Fancy Guppies are beautiful fish that are popular among aquarists for their bright colors and patterns. These fish are small and peaceful, making them ideal for community tanks. Fancy Guppies are also easy to breed, which is another plus for those looking to add them to their aquarium.
Despite their beauty, Fancy Guppies are often targeted by predators due to their bright colors. This is something to keep in mind if you are considering adding these fish to your tank. Fancy Guppies are livebearers, meaning that the fry grows inside the female. When they are born they come out as fully-formed baby fish.
- Bright fish with beautiful colors
- Easy to breed
- Not sensitive to the environment
- Should not be kept together with predatory fish
16. Harlequin Rasbora
The Harlequin Rasbora is a tiny, colorful fish that is native to blackwater bodies of water in Southeast Asia. These fish are popular among aquarists because of their striking appearance and their relatively easy care.
Harlequin Rasboras get their name from their unique coloration. The body of the fish is covered in a pinkish-orange hue, with a bold black triangle-shaped patch on the lower half. This distinctive pattern is reminiscent of the jester costumes worn in medieval times.
Despite their small size, Harlequin Rasboras are active swimmers and prefer to live in shoals. In the wild, these fish can be found in large groups numbering in the hundreds. In captivity, it is recommended to keep at least six Rasboras together to provide them with a sense of security.
- Easy care
- Very active fish
- Must be kept in groups
17. Neon Tetra
Neon Tetra is another small, schooling fish that are popular among fish keepers. These little fish are named for their striking coloration, which features large patches of orange and black. Neon Tetra is peaceful fish that do well in community tanks. They prefer to school in groups of 6 or more fish.
Neon Tetras are easy to care for. They do well in a variety of water conditions and temperature ranges. These fish are active fish that enjoy swimming in all areas of the tank. They are not known to be fin nippers, making them a good choice for tanks with peaceful tank mates. Neon Tetra is a great addition to any community tank. Their bright colors and playful nature add interest and beauty to your aquarium.
- Easy care
- Adapts to any environment
- Should not be kept together with predatory fish
18. Otocinclus
The Otocinclus is a small freshwater fish it is also known as the dwarf suckerfish or the oto catfish. It is a peaceful fish that does well in a community tank. It is a bottom-dwelling fish that spends most of its time scavenging for food. The Otocinclus is an algae eater and will help to keep your tank clean. It is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of 2 inches. The Otocinclus is a shy fish and will often hide among plants and rocks.
The fish is a hardy fish that is easy to care for. It does well in a tank with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a temperature of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. The Otocinclus is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish. It is not aggressive and will not bother other fish in the tank.
- Peaceful fish
- Not fussy about food
- Very shy fish
19. Pygmy Corydoras
These little fish are native to South America and are known for their large, bulbous bodies. They are usually a silver-brown color with a prominent black stripe running down their length. And they have a set of tiny barbels near their head, which they use to help them navigate their tank.
Despite their small size, Pygmy Corydoras are actually quite hardy fish. They can withstand a wide range of water conditions and are not easily stressed. This makes them a great choice for beginners or those who don’t have a lot of experience with fish-keeping.
One of the most interesting things about Pygmy Corydoras is their behavior. Unlike other fish, they do not spend a lot of time swimming around. Instead, they prefer to stay close to the bottom of the tank, where they can scavenge for food. They are particularly fond of bloodworms, insect larvae, and brine shrimp.
- Quite hardy fish
- Adapts to any environment
- Should not be kept together with predatory fish
20. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is the best nano fish in the aquarium community. They are known for being a more affordable alternative to Neon Tetras. White Cloud Mountain Minnows are endemic to mountainous regions of China and Vietnam and have a prominent bright-blue strike running horizontally along the body.
These fish do well in groups and prefer cooler water temperatures. They are easy to care for and make a great addition to any aquarium.
- Easy to care
- Adapts to any environment
- Maintain a cool temperature at all times
What Are Nano Tanks?
Nano tanks are becoming increasingly popular with fish enthusiasts due to their small size and low maintenance.
Nano tanks are perfect for those who want to keep fish but do not have the space for a larger aquarium. They are also ideal for beginners who are new to the hobby and want to start small.
Despite their small size, nano tanks can be decorated and planted to create a beautiful and inviting environment for your fish. These tanks can be placed on a desk, countertop, or shelf, making them perfect for small spaces.
Nano tanks require less water to fill and are easier to heat and filter. However, it is important to remember that these tanks are still home to living creatures and need to be maintained properly.
Nano Tank: Buyer’s Guide
A nano tank is a miniature aquarium that is becoming increasingly popular among fish enthusiasts. But before you buy a nano tank, there are a few things you need to know.
Size
Nano tanks come in a variety of sizes, from 2.5 gallons to 40 gallons. It’s important to choose the right size for your fish. If you’re not sure how many fish you want, it’s better to err on the side of a larger tank.
Filtration
All nano tanks need a filtration system to keep the water clean. There are two main types of filtration systems: internal and external. Internal filters are small and fit inside the nano tank. External filters are larger and need to be placed outside the tank.
Which type of filtration system you need will depend on the size of your nano tank. For example, a 2.5-gallon nano tank can only accommodate an internal filter.
Lighting
Nano tanks need a special type of lighting called “actinic” lighting. This type of lighting is blue or purple in color and helps to bring out the colors of your fish. Actinic lighting is available in both fluorescent and LED bulbs.
Heating
Most nano tanks need a heater to keep the water at the proper temperature. The size of the heater you need will depend on the size of your nano tank. For example, a 5-gallon nano tank will need a 50-watt heater.
Decor
One of the best things about nano tanks is that they offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to decor. You can choose from a variety of rocks, plants, and other decorations to create the perfect environment for your fish.
When choosing decorations, it’s important to make sure they are safe for your fish. Some decorations, such as live plants, can be harmful to fish if they are not properly cared for.
Fish
The type of fish you choose will depend on the size of your nano tank. Smaller nano tanks can only accommodate a few fish, while larger nano tanks can accommodate a variety of fish.
Some of the best fish for small tanks include bettas, goldfish, and guppies. However, there are many other types of fish that can be successfully kept in a nano tank.
Maintenance
Nano tanks require less maintenance than larger aquariums. However, they still need to be cleaned on a regular basis. nano tanks should be cleaned at least once a week.
When cleaning a nano tank, it’s important to use a gentle cleanser. Harsh chemicals can be harmful to fish and other aquatic creatures. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to find the perfect nano tank for your fish.
FAQ
How many fish can you put in a nano tank?
The number of fish you can put in a nano aquarium will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the fish, the type of fish, the number of hiding places and other decorations in the aquarium, and the level of filtration and aeration.
As a general rule of thumb, you can put two fish in a nano aquarium for every 1 gallon of water. So, if you have a 10-gallon nano aquarium, you could put 20 fish.
Do nano tanks need filters?
One key element of a successful nano tank is filtration. While nano tanks can be set up without filters, it is not recommended.
Filters help to keep the water in a nano tank clean and clear by trapping debris and removing harmful chemicals. A good filter will also help to maintain water quality and stability, both of which are crucial in a nano tank.
What is the best fish for a beginner?
There are a lot of different types of fish that people can keep as pets, but not all of them are well suited for beginners. If you’re thinking about getting a fish for the first time, it’s important to choose one that is easy to care for and won’t require a lot of expensive equipment.
Bettas and Guppies are popular choices for beginners. They’re good fish for small tanks, so they can be kept in a bowl or small aquarium, and they don’t require much in the way of care. Bettas are also very hardy, so they can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
Conclusion
The best fish for a nano aquarium is small, peaceful fish that do not require much care. Some of the popular small aquarium fish include bettas, tetras, guppies, and zebrafish. If you are looking for the best fish for your nano tank, check out this article. They are all hardy and can thrive in small spaces. In addition, they are all beautiful fish that will add color and life to your aquarium. With a little effort, you can create a thriving nano aquarium that’s perfect for both you and your fish.
