Fluvel Spec 10l (2.6g) tank - planting ideas (beginner) with shrimps/snails

[parmsuk]

Hi,

I have an new Fluvel Spec 10l (2.6g) tank that been sitting in the garage and not been used since I purchased it. I already have a Fluvel edge 46l tank but just a few shrimps, snails and left. I want to retire the fluvel edge and start on a smaller project for my desk that is easier to work on that is nicely planted. Something beautiful to look at when i'm slogging away at my computer working.

Plan is to migrate the existing stock into the fluvel spec tank which consists of 2 x Amano shrimps, 1 x Nerite Snails. I would like to increase this with a few more shrimps, snails and maybe a betta.

I have purchased some Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum and looking for some basic ideas on what suggested plants would work well in this tank that don't take much to look after. Avoid maybe having to worry about CO2 etc.
For info, my desk is in front of a large window that is east facing so gets some partial direct light in the morning and then by midday its gone to the otherside of the house. The trees tend to block most of the direct sunshine.

Any other do's and don'ts I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Aqua360]

Hi,

I have an new Fluvel Spec 10l (2.6g) tank that been sitting in the garage and not been used since I purchased it. I already have a Fluvel edge 46l tank but just a few shrimps, snails and left. I want to retire the fluvel edge and start on a smaller project for my desk that is easier to work on that is nicely planted. Something beautiful to look at when i'm slogging away at my computer working.

Plan is to migrate the existing stock into the fluvel spec tank which consists of 2 x Amano shrimps, 1 x Nerite Snails. I would like to increase this with a few more shrimps, snails and maybe a betta.

I have purchased some Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum and looking for some basic ideas on what suggested plants would work well in this tank that don't take much to look after. Avoid maybe having to worry about CO2 etc.
For info, my desk is in front of a large window that is east facing so gets some partial direct light in the morning and then by midday its gone to the otherside of the house. The trees tend to block most of the direct sunshine.

Any other do's and don'ts I should consider?

Thanks in advance.

In this size of tank, i'd really recommend slow growing epiphytes like Bucephalandra, and crypts for the substrate.

10l space will get swallowed very quickly by any plant biomass and hardscape, trimming and controlling fast growing plants can quickly become very annoying.

 

[Little]

I really feel 10 litres is too small for a betta to have a good time.
I just moved mine from a 30 litre to a 90 and he is happily roaming every bit of it. He is like a different fish.

May I suggest some rare shrimp instead. Less work for you and very interesting to look at on coffee breaks.

 

[Aqua360]

I really feel 10 litres is too small for a betta to have a good time.
I just moved mine from a 30 litre to a 90 and he is happily roaming every bit of it. He is like a different fish.

May I suggest some rare shrimp instead. Less work for you and very interesting to look at on coffee breaks.

Would second this.

Having kept betta's in tanks from 10l upwards, there are noticeable differences in behaviour (and health) even moving to a 20l from 10l.

The good thing about shrimp in nano tanks are you get to keep a really good sense of scale! (pardon the pun)

 

[bettacarehub]

Your Fluval Spec 10L is a great choice for a small planted setup, but adding a betta with shrimp can be risky as some bettas may hunt them. If you do get a betta, choose a calm one and provide plenty of hiding spots. Your Amano shrimp and Nerite snail will be fine, and adding a few more shrimp is a good idea.


For low-maintenance plants that don’t require CO2, consider Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, and Bucephalandra. These plants thrive in low to moderate light and are easy to care for. Floating plants like Salvinia or Frogbit can also help control light exposure and provide a natural look. Since your tank gets some indirect sunlight, algae growth might be a concern, so regular maintenance and balanced feeding will help.


While your 2.6-gallon tank can work for a betta, a 5-gallon betta tank is a much better choice, providing more stability, space, and comfort for a single betta. If possible, upgrading to a 5-gallon tank would make care easier and give your betta a healthier environment. Avoid overstocking and ensure stable water parameters for a thriving ecosystem

 

[bazz]

10l is to small for fish, the money you save on buying a Betta you could put towards upgrading your shrimp selection and maybe a couple of nice snails.