New small/nano tank setup: suggestions please?

Hi all!

My son (4 y/o) recently asked me for a fish tank of his own. He has the attention span and sense of responsibility of a cherry shrimp, so I'll end up maintaining it, but that no problem because I get to have a new tank, so sweet deal!

Anyway, I imagine a nano setup with plants, some small fish, and some shrimp (can get plants and shrimp from my main tank). I would like something “neat” looking so I’m considering full systems like the Fluval Spec or Aquael Shrimp Cube or something. Maybe cheaper if I bought equipment separately and assembled everything myself, but I would mind spending a bit more for a nice look and feel.

Requirements:
Size: 20–40 litres (flexible either way)
Location: Desktop
Filter: Hang-on-back or decent internal (or side compartment in tank). Probably no space for a large external canister.
Light: decent, to grow easy/medium plants. A “night mode” would be a plus. Will likely use a timer/controller.
Look: I love the open look, but don’t like excessive water marks or evaporation. I probably need a lid. An open/rimless look but with a glass or plastic cover might be ideal.

So, does anybody have recommendations, comments, or different suggestions? I’m all ears. Thanks in advance.

 

How about a built in set up similar to this? https://www.rbmaquatics.co.za/collections/nano-aquariums/products/cr400f-tank

 

A basic starter tank will be ideal for a few shrimp as well as a few Otocinclus.
Add some driftwood, and for plants you can attach some Anubias Nana Petite and Bucephelandra.
A small Cascade or Aquaclear HOB will fill the need for filtration.
For light you could use a Zetlight Aqua 1200.

 

With regards the tanks, I know you can get good deals on the "all in ones" - I run a Akwaria 30 odd litre, and it works really well for me. Its modeled off the Jebo but was a bit cheaper when I got it. Simple power filter (easy to get replacements too, had one short out thanks to Eskom) with a trickle down system. Basket for media is a good size too. I thin I paid just over a grand for it, but you can get better deals. I have seen similar on Takelot, and most LFS's have them too.

From there, think the plants others have said are perfect, and then shrimp and a few nano fish - let the one and up-and-coming hobbyist pic and doctor slyly where needed haha

 

i would recommend a fluval spec 4 it can grow plants with its light, has a built in filter, nice looking nano.

also Aquael Shrimp set Smart 2 https://pethabitat.co.za/Product/956 also really good all in one tank

 

Thanks for everyone's input.

This does look like a neat little setup:

I've heard of RBM Aquatics but I've never used them (because they in Cape Town and I'm in Centurion/Tshwane). I've seen the Sobo brand often, but not this set before.

I tried some Googling but difficult to get definitive answers, especially because Chinese brands are often marketed under different names in different countries. Looks like it includes the light and the pump drives an inside (hang-on type) filter. I'll drop RBM a line and ask.

 

Thanks, I think these are both good options. Now I'm actually leaning towards the Sobo (mentioned above). Will do a bit more research (a.k.a. Googling, haha).

 

Hey Jimmy...I actually have a 30l running setup that I'm looking to part with. A rimless star-fire with Amazonia light and a small canister filter and Nano heater. It just needs a light as I'm hanging onto my Marine Space for another setup. DM me if you might be interested. It has plants but no fish. A few endlers or shrimp can be added

 

Thanks JoJo. When I was on the RBM Aquatics website earlier today, I saw a promotion they are running for 10% off all products ordered via their website. So, I'm going to look to them first. If it doesn't work out, I'll let you know.

 

Update: I have gone ahead and ordered:

Should arrive in a day or so. I want to document and post my build -- I love seeing descriptions of other people's builds from inception to final product. Not sure if I have the energy to document it, but let's see. Thanks for the advice, everyone.