Aquariums that will hold between 10 and 50 liters of water are considered to be miniature aquariums. While these mini-tank aquariums are charming they are not, as you might think, good aquariums for children or beginners. There are a few specific issues with the water in a mini-tank which may require a bit more work than a larger aquarium. (IE. These smaller tanks become murky much more quickly and need changed more frequently than larger tanks.)

There are also several advantages to having a miniature aquarium as well. One of the advantages is the limited need for water. Many people desire to raise certain kind of fish, which requires a very expensive soft water. In this case the mini-tank is the ideal solution. Fish that depend solely on live food are more easily kept in a miniature tank, as live food is not always available year-round.

Another advantage of a smaller tank is that the owner can be more selective about the amounts of food given. You can see exactly how much your fish eat and therefore waste less.

Stocking one of these mini aquariums can be a lot of fun as well. There are some delightful little fish that are so tiny that they would virtually disappear or be killed in a big aquarium with other larger fish. Some of these miniature aquatic creatures include:

Heterandria Formosa (Killifish)as a rule only grows to 3 cm, with the males being 1 cm shorter than that. They are given crumbled dry food and should be offered brine shrimp between feedings.

The everglades pygmy sunfish, or Elassoma evergladei, have the same minimal demands as the killifish, but eat only live food. (The black males with blue spots are very captivating during courtship dances.)

Both of these tiny fish are much happier in a dedicated aquarium like the mini-tanks we are discussing here.  Water temperature and light are not a big consideration for these live bearers, and their young will grow up without our help.

Delicately branched plants such at the Myriplhyllum or Caboma are ideal in these small tanks, since they enable you to have a clear view of your lovely little residents.

These are just two of the fish that thrive in a small aquarium with little or no additional lighting and heat. 

Aquarium decor is an important part of any fish lover’s aquarium. Once you have picked out the accessories for your aquarium that are a delight to your eyes, you will have created an enjoyable addition to your home.

Almost everyone who has seen an aquarium as a child remembers the figurine of a hardhat diver at the bottom of the tank. This little guy, with his bubbling air hose, was part of the aeration system for the fish tank.  While you can still buy cute and functional items like that today, there is a much wider variety of choices in ornamentation than there once was.

Today’s aquarium décor is as varied as the many unique and wonderful people who own aquariums. In the not so distant past, an aquarium enthusiast was limited to the stock that could be found in the local pet store. If you did not live in a major metropolitan area, catalogs were required to find something different. With today’s global access to the Internet and worldwide express shipping, the diversity of aquarium décor has never been greater for the enthusiast.

Enhance the beauty of your fish tank with real plants, coral, anemone, unusual rocks and driftwood. Or perhaps you would prefer to create an underwater world of caves and castles, pirate ships and treasure chests. You can build sunken cities, flower gardens, fairy worlds, prehistoric eras and even volcanos that erupt.

There are aquariums that feature changeable backdrops where the theme is different as often as you desire. You can choose functional aquarium decor, such as the hardhad driver who provides oxygen, or whales, crocodiles, octopus and other interesting sea life. Depending on what types of fish you stock your tank with as to whether you might decide to install matching color accents or decor that will provide a necessary habitat for the needs of the fish.

Spice up your aquarium in whatever ways match your unique personality. Make your fish tank something people will talk about when they leave your home. You can spend a fortune purchasing lovely and exotic ornaments for your aquarium. Or you can find a huge variety of wonderful and inexpensive additions made of cheaper materials. Spend as much or as little as you can afford, but make it something you will enjoy watching and spending time on.

Aquarium decor has advanced far beyond the imagination of the aquarium owner of the 1980’s. The choice for themes and motifs of your aquarium is limited only by your imagination.