What's wrong with a 0,5L aquarium

Hello ladies and gents,

I have no previous experience with aquariums, but have decided to give it a go. I have read various advice around the web regarding where to start. Here is, perhaps a stupid, question...

What exactly is the problem with keeping a 0,5L aquarium? One tiny fish or other aquatic creature, a small plant, small decor, easy to change water, passive oxygenation... With my electronics skills I can make a decent LED-lighting fixture, and a gentle heater underneath aquarium glass to keep water temperature constant.

Is this a bad idea because it is not possible to find a small enough fish? Or because it is difficult to control contents of solubles/pH in such a small volume? Or am I missing something completely obvious?

Any input appreciated, thank you!

 

Welcome to Fishlore.com! Yes, the smaller the tank, the quicker the parameters will fluctuate. IMO, the smallest tank should 5 U.S. Gallons or 19l. A half liter (.13 gal) aquarium is not an aquarium, it is a fish soup! Lol. While 5 is the smallest that should be used, a 10 gallon or 38 liter is the best starter tank for a minimal amount of fish, say a small school. With that, filtration needs to be greater than that rated for that size of tank as you want to keep it as clean as possible. The smaller that tank/filter is, the less Benefitial Bacteria you will have. The Nitrogen Cycle plays a key role in the ecosystem you are creating and with .5l of water, I just don't see anything working out for you or the fish. We are here to help you!

 

It isn't possible to get a small enough fish, but more importantly it's much more difficult to keep parameters stable in a tiny volume of water. Fluctuations in temperature, pH and others are stressful to fish and can kill them even if the parameters never reach what would otherwise be "dangerous" levels. They can adapt to slow changes, but not quick ones.

If you really want such a tiny container as a tank though you could always pick something hardy with a very low bioload like cherry shrimp and you could choose to do a Walstad planted tank which would help to maintain water quality without much interference from you! I really do recommend starting with a larger volume as a beginner though because they're much more forgiving

 

500ml is huge, start with 10ml!

https://www.oddee.com/item_98496.aspx

 

Ha ha very funny

 

Like everyone said, fluctuations are the issue. That said, if you get a little tank established, it isn't so bad. Keep the temp stable by keeping it in a heated room or using a very tiny heater if necessary, and stock it accordingly (think dwarf shrimp).

 

Thank you very much for all your replies!.. I was rather intrigued by the Walstad planted tank. From what I have found they are less prone to fluctuations, is that correct?