Aquascaping in Small Spaces: Nano Tanks That Make a Big Impact

You don’t need a massive tank to create a beautiful aquascape. In fact, some of the most striking aquatic layouts are designed in compact spaces. Nano tanks , typically under 60 litres, offer a perfect canvas for creativity, whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into planted tanks or an experienced aquascaper craving another aquascape, low maintenance project.

Why Choose a Nano Tank?

Nano aquariums are ideal for those with limited space, time, or budget. They’re perfect for desktops, shelves, kitchen worktops or apartment living, and can still deliver all the visual impact of larger setups when thoughtfully designed.

• Affordable Entry Point: Lower startup costs for equipment, hardscape, and plants.

• Low Maintenance: Easier water changes, trimming, and general aquarium maintenance.

• Faster Results: Smaller tanks allow plants to fill in more quickly. As they reach the surface, you can trim and replant them, accelerating the growth cycle.

But don’t let their size fool you, nano aquascaping comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, if issues do occur, it can take over much quicker than in a larger space. We do have another blog on Algae issues and another on maintenance of a aquascape.

Key Considerations for Nano Aquascapes

1. Choose the Right Scale

Choose hardscape that doesn't over power the tank size, slim woods are a good choice like Red Moor Root and Horn wood. Black or red Lava stone is also a great choice as it it easy to break into smaller pieces if you have ordered online and want smaller sizes, but any aquarium stones will works at the right size. For planting, use compact species like:

• Anubias ‘Petite’

• Cryptocoryne Parva

• Bucephalandra Needle Leaf

• Hydrocotyle tripartita

• Monte Carlo or HC Cuba for carpeting

These are all available in-store or for next-day delivery via Horizon Aquatics.

2. Filtration & Flow

Choose a gentle, reliable filter that won’t overpower your tank. A compact external canister (like the Oase Filtosmart) can provide good biological support without blasting your plants or livestock.

Nano tanks still need biological filtration. Try the Oase Filtosmart 60 or the Oase Filtosmart 100. If you can to the squeeze the filtosmart 100 it is a much better options as this model is avilable with a heater built into the filter so there is no need to have it in your nano tank.

TIP: To give you a idea we have had the Oase filtosmart 100 running on a ADA 45p and also a ADA 45f, with the 45f we chose a spin pipe outflow to soften the flow. 

3. Lighting & CO₂

Quality lighting is key in a small tank. We recommend:

• Twinstar B Series
  

• Twinstar E Series
  

• ONF Flat Nano+ (app controlled)

These compact LEDs offer the right spectrum and power to promote healthy plant growth and vibrant colour without overheating or overpowering the space.

CO₂ injection isn’t mandatory for easy growing aquarium plant, but adding a Co2 system can vastly improve plant health and growth.

Aquascaping Styles That Shine in Nano Tank

• Iwagumi – Clean, stone-based layouts with open space and carpeted plants. Simple, yet powerful.

• Nature Style – Inspired by terrestrial landscapes, blending driftwood, stone, and lush planting.

• Wabi-Kusa-Inspired – For a twist, try an emersed layout or shallow tank with exposed plant growth and high humidity—perfect for a living art piece.

Stocking Ideas for Nano Tanks

Nano tanks do best with light bioloads. Some ideal livestock choices include:

• Shrimp: Cherry, Amano, or Crystal shrimp for colour and cleanup duty.

• Nano Fish: Celestial Pearl Danios, Chili Rasboras, or Betta fish.

• Clean-Up Crew: Nerite Snails or Otocinclus Catfish

All livestock sold at Horizon Aquatics is responsibly sourced and quarantine-checked for health and quality.

Add a Touch of Wabi-Kusa Style

Try incorporating emersed growth or a wabi-kusa style layout—especially in shallow tanks like the ADA 60f, ADA 45f or the range of shallow aquariums by UNS.

Mist with DOOA Wabi Mist daily to maintain humidity and support lush leaf growth. Boost health and colour with APT Dew by 2Hr Aquarist, a nutrient-rich foliar spray perfect for emersed leaves.

This hybrid setup blends aquascaping with terrarium vibes, creating a unique, living art piece.

Final Thoughts: Small Tanks, Big Vision

Nano tanks prove that size isn’t everything. With careful planning, the right tools, and a touch of creativity, you can create a stunning aquascape in even the tightest of spaces. Whether you're building your first planted tank or your fifth, a small aquarium can offer big satisfaction. 

Explore our collection of nano tanks, tools, and premium aquascaping supplies online or visit our store to get inspired by all of the live aquascape displays.