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.