Setting up a new nano tank is an exciting journey, especially when it becomes a thriving ecosystem for guppies, snails, and live plants. In this article, I’ll walk you through my new nano tank setup, including my choice of filtration, substrate, and plant selection, as well as my future plans for a separate betta tank.

Tank Overview

This nano tank is home to:

• 1 male guppy and 3 female guppies – A great starter fish known for their vibrant colors and active swimming.
• 1 nerite snail – A powerhouse algae eater that helps keep the tank clean.
• Live plants – Providing oxygenation, hiding spots, and natural filtration.

I originally housed a halfmoon betta, but due to fin rot, I moved him to a separate tank for treatment. Depending on his recovery, I may establish a betta-specific tank in the future.

Filtration and Equipment

To maintain stable water parameters, my new nano tank features a dual-filtration system:

1. Sponge Filter – Paired with ceramic balls for beneficial bacteria colonization, driven by an external air pump for steady water circulation.
2. Modified Built-in Filter – Upgraded with:
   • A more powerful water pump for increased flow.
   • Activated carbon and ceramic rings to improve biological and chemical filtration.
   • A custom water lift system using air tubing to optimize filtration efficiency.

Additionally, the tank is equipped with a heater to maintain tropical temperatures, ensuring a healthy environment for my guppies.

Substrate and Hardscape

The tank features approximately 2 inches of gravel, consisting of medium-sized river rocks, providing a stable foundation for plants and beneficial bacteria. The hardscape includes:

• A large chunk of sandstone – Adding natural aesthetics and a stable structure.
• A piece of driftwood – Enhancing the tank’s natural look and offering hiding spots for the fish.
• A feeding ring – Helping to contain floating food and reduce waste dispersion.

Identifying the Plants

This tank includes a mix of submerged and floating plants, which are essential for water quality and fish health. Some of the identified species include:

• Ludwigia repens – Red stems and greenish leaves are know characteristics of the Ludwigia, which is a common aquarium plant. It thrives in medium to high light and benefits from iron supplementation for more intense red coloration for new nano tanks.
• Java Fern – Another low-maintenance plant that thrives attached to wood or rocks.
• Bacopa Monnieri– A stem plant with small rounded leaves, great for mid-ground placement.
• Dwarf Sagittaria – A grass-like carpeting plant that can spread over time.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) shoots – Grown emersed with roots submerged, excellent for nitrate removal.
• Water Wisteria – The feathery, lobed leaves are characteristic of this plant. It does well in low to moderate light and grows quickly under good conditions.

The combination of rooted and floating plants helps with biological filtration, provides shelter for fish, and improves the tank’s aesthetics.

Future Plans: A Separate Betta Tank

My betta’s health is my top priority, and if he continues to recover well, I’m considering setting up a dedicated betta tank. This would allow him to have his own space with tailored conditions, including:

• Lower flow filtration to prevent fin stress.
• Betta-friendly plants like Anubias nana, Java moss, and Amazon frogbit.
• Soft substrate and additional hiding spots to mimic his natural habitat.

Conclusion

This new nano tank has been a rewarding project, balancing filtration, aquascaping, and livestock to create a self-sustaining freshwater environment. With proper maintenance, regular water changes, and ongoing plant growth, this tank will continue to flourish.

If you’re looking to set up your own new nano tank, investing in live plants, efficient filtration, and the right fish choices will set you up for success. Stay tuned for updates on my betta’s progress and the potential new betta tank setup!