Nano Tank 2g Filter Suggestions

[klibs]

Looking for suggestions for a low-profile / external filter that can be used on a nano tank that is only 2 gallons. I will probably do some simple moss and shrimp in this tank so looking to make it shrimp-safe.

I know the classic options for tanks this small are usually sponge filters + air pump or something that sits inside the tank. I want something else that doesn't take up like 1/4 of the space inside my tank. Trying to keep the internals of the tank totally clear of hardware.

Looking for recommendations for external HOB or canister style filters that could be used for a tank this small. Not seeing much out there right now.

 

[JayP]

There's a thread discussing nano canister filters.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

I currently use this guy on a 3gal tank:

Similar HOBs would work for a 2 gal.

 

[snowballs99]

I currently use this guy on a 3gal tank:
View attachment 14936
Similar HOBs would work for a 2 gal.

I use their internal filter and just stuff it with filter floss and replace once a month.

Same nicrew brand. Have like 10 of their internal filters for $10 each. Does a good job and the suction cups never fall off.

But to be honest floating plants are probably the best filter for a nano 2 gallon tank. They tend to like still water as well

 

[JuJuFish]

I have two 2 gallon shrimp tanks with no filter. Lots of plants. And they are great.

I also use the Nicrew HOB that @Naturescapes_Rocco mentioned above on a slightly larger tank. It works well.

 

[klibs]

Good point, no filter might be an even better option. It would take me like 2 seconds to change water using a plastic cup every once in a while...

I have two 2 gallon shrimp tanks with no filter. Lots of plants. And they are great.

I also use the Nicrew HOB that @Naturescapes_Rocco mentioned above on a slightly larger tank. It works well.

Do you have any issues at all with the no filter setup? Worried that having 0 water circulation and minimal gas exchange might be a problem.
My plan right now is to do a minimalist tank with some moss and that's about it. Not sure if moss would be able to support no-filter strategy as well as something like floaters which eat way more nitrates etc.

 

[Koan]

Worried that having 0 water circulation and minimal gas exchange might be a problem

Well you don't need an internal filter for circulation, a nano skimmer will move water around and get oxygen in

Most of them are pretty low quality I have not been impressed with this one for bigger tanks, but its small amount of flow might be enough for your tiny tank

Amazon.com

Or this

https://a.co/d/05JzgrTw

UNS's probably a better product if it's not too big for you

UNS Delta Mini Surface Skimmer

Ultum Nature Systems DELTA Mini The UNS Delta Mini surface skimmer is a great piece of equipment for increasing filtration levels of canister filters or used as a substitute for smaller hang-on back filters for nano aquariums. The surface skimmer effectively removes surface film and increases...

buceplant.com

 

[JuJuFish]

Do you have any issues at all with the no filter setup? Worried that having 0 water circulation and minimal gas exchange might be a problem.

None so far. One has been set up for close to two years. It is at a friend’s house and she does zero maintenance on it. I do small water changes when I visit every 2-3 weeks. Just a few cups of water each time.

My plan right now is to do a minimalist tank with some moss and that's about it. Not sure if moss would be able to support no-filter strategy as well as something like floaters which eat way more nitrates etc.

I have no experience using just moss but I am constantly removing frogbit and dwarf sag from the above tank. And it is overrun with shrimp.

 

[JayP]

Most of them are pretty low quality I have not been impressed with this one for bigger tanks, but its small amount of flow might be enough for your tiny tank

Amazon.com

I've used that skimmer in my 7 gallon tank. While it's not horrible, its also not good enough that I would recommend it.