Elmer’s Community Tank Ideas Tank Size- 5 gal or more

F reshwater Planted Nano Tanks 5 gal and up Why Keep Them? A Nano planted set is a small aquarium with a plant light and live plants. They offer a way to keep an easy to keep miniature ecosystem on your desktop.

Filter: If a filter is not built-in you can use and air pump with a sponge filter. Another option is an internal power filter or a hang on the back filter. If you use an external power filter the intake should be secured with a pre filter.

Heater: Use a small submersible heater of 25 to 50 watts. Temp of 76-78 for most . Shrimp prefer slightly cooler at 68-76.

Live Plants: Plants grown in aquaria improve water quality to a great extent. They assist in reducing nutrients and pest algae while extending the biological capacity. They also provide additional shelter and oxygen. They are even more valuable in nano aquaria due to the instability and limitations of very small tanks. Beyond all this, planted aquaria offer great aesthetic value. As such, live plants in the aquascape are necessary and integral to the current style of nano keeping. Measures should be implemented to support the wellbeing of selected species, including light of sufficient strength, supplemental nutrients (iron), and carbon dioxide (or carbon supplements such as excel.)

Live Plant Choices: Java fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Swords, Moss Balls, Hornwort, Anacharis, Ludwigia, Banana Plants, Creeping Charlie, leaf litter (almond leaves), drift wood and leaves give the water a natural color and are beneficial to soft water/blackwater species.

Substrate: Use a specialty substrate designed to grow plants such as Fluorite. We carry a variety.

Structure: Driftwood, natural stone.

Tankmates:

Most of these fish are hardy when kept under the right conditions, but be sure to study the needs of each species. Rasbora: Harlequin Rasbora, Chilli Rasbora, Emerald Eye Rasbora, Kubotai Rasbora, Espe's Rasbora, Harlequin Rasbora, Dwarf Emerald Rasbora. Danio: Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora), Gold Ring Danio. Killifish: Clown, Lampeye, Australe, Gardneri. : Ruby Tetra, Ember Tetra, Gold Tetra, , Rummynose, Cardinal, Splash Tetra, Ruby. Gouramis/ Labyrinth: Sparkling Gouramis, Chocolate Gouramis, Licorice Gouramis, Betta, Honey Gouramis. Dwarf Rainbows: Gertrudae Rainbowfish, Furcata Rainbowfish, Threadfin Rainbowfish, Celebes Rainbowfish. Guppies: Endlers Livebearers , Guppies. Catfish: Pygmy Cory, Otocinclus, Stone Cat. Misc: Pencilfish, Scarlet Badis. Shrimp: Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp (Bee Shrimp) and other shrimp. Note dwarf shrimp will thrive better (higher activity and breeding) in the absence of fish. Most fish will occasionally intimidate adult shrimp and/or prey on juveniles. Dense planting and shelters can help in this regard. Snails: Nerite snail.

Elmer’s Aquarium 4005 William Penn Hwy. Monroeville, Pa. 15146 412-372-6535 www.elmersaquarium.com Established 1969