Anyone here do desktop #aquariums that self-sustain? Looking for a lowish maintainence hobby
thinking just snails and shrimp, fish seem too complex
Hmu w/ recs!
Discussion
I have some considerable experience with this and I can tell you that planted nano tanks are far and away the hardest to maintain. Rather than anything with filtration, lights, etc., I'd experiment with a jar or vase of inert (this is critical) rocks and as many anubias as you can fit. Light levels will have to be pretty low (like nowhere near a window) or you'll get massive algae. MAYBE one small snail will go in this, and it may need feeding. A few shrimp are a possibility, but I'd wait until it's stable for months. It's easy to become a mass murderer of livestock with these things.
It is possible, though, and very rewarding when you get it right.
Thanks! Am hoping to avoid filtration etc 🤙💜
Jar/vase all the way then. Be careful with the rocks, though. I suggest Ohko stone, also called dragon stone. It's inert, looks cool, and will be home to lots of beneficial bacteria.
Also, don't rule out a little terrarium. There are some purpose-built ones out there that are amazing. https://aquaforestaquarium.com/products/dooa-glass-pot-shizuku
What Mrecheese said, but it gets much easier with size.
I have a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft tank with a goldfish (technically my son's) - no filter, no bubbler, minimal water changes. "Palaudarium", so half filled with water, half with air, and planted "islands" in the middle.
The secret - animal stocking rate low per unit area, and plants. So much plant-y goodness no nitrogen compounds are ever detectable with consumer test gear.
Even a 2ft x 2ft x 1ft tank can be very stable as long as it is away from direct sunlight. Don't start with a fish, and certainly not shrimp, but ramshorn snails are pretty sturdy, and will clean the algae off the walls for you.