Choosing a new aquarium is one of the most exciting parts of starting or upgrading your fishkeeping journey. However, with so many all-in-one aquarium systems available, selecting the right model can quickly become overwhelming.
Two of Aqua One's most popular aquarium ranges are the OakStyle and AquaNano series. Both offer stylish, complete aquarium solutions, but they're designed for slightly different fishkeepers and aquarium styles.
The OakStyle range combines modern furniture aesthetics with larger aquarium capacities, making it ideal for display aquariums and community fishkeeping. The AquaNano range, meanwhile, focuses on compact, contemporary designs that are perfect for desktops, smaller spaces, shrimp tanks, and nano aquascapes.
So which one is right for you?
In this guide, we'll compare the Aqua One OakStyle and AquaNano ranges, explore their key features, and help you decide which aquarium best suits your home, budget, and fishkeeping goals.
Understanding the Aqua One Range
Aqua One has become one of the UK's most popular aquarium manufacturers thanks to its combination of:
- Quality construction
- Modern styling
- User-friendly designs
- Complete starter packages
- Excellent value for money
Both OakStyle and AquaNano aquariums continue this tradition but target different types of aquarists.
Aqua One OakStyle Overview
The Aqua One OakStyle range combines a modern aquarium with a matching cabinet designed to resemble contemporary furniture.
Key Features
- Integrated cabinet
- Larger water volumes
- Modern oak-effect finishes
- LED lighting
- Built-in filtration systems
- Premium furniture appearance
OakStyle aquariums are designed to become a focal point within a room.
Popular OakStyle Models
Examples include:
- OakStyle 110
- OakStyle 145
- OakStyle 230
- OakStyle 300
These larger capacities provide greater flexibility for livestock and aquascaping.
Aqua One AquaNano Overview
The AquaNano range focuses on compact all-in-one aquariums.
Key Features
- Small footprint
- Integrated filtration
- LED lighting
- Curved or modern glass designs
- Contemporary appearance
- Space-saving dimensions
AquaNano aquariums are particularly popular among:
- Beginners
- Shrimp keepers
- Aquascapers
- Desktop aquarium enthusiasts
Popular AquaNano Models
Examples include:
- AquaNano 22
- AquaNano 30
- AquaNano 40
These smaller aquariums are designed for nano fishkeeping and compact aquascapes.
Design and Appearance
Both ranges offer attractive aesthetics, but they create very different visual impacts.
OakStyle
The OakStyle range is designed as furniture.
Benefits
- Matching cabinet included
- Premium appearance
- Hidden equipment
- Large display presence
These aquariums often look like built-in pieces of furniture rather than standalone fish tanks.
Best For
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Open-plan spaces
AquaNano
AquaNano aquariums emphasise simplicity and minimalism.
Benefits
- Compact design
- Modern styling
- Easy placement
- Contemporary appearance
Perfect for smaller homes or locations where space is limited.
Best For
- Home offices
- Bedrooms
- Apartments
- Desktop displays
Aquarium Size Comparison
One of the biggest differences between the ranges is volume.
OakStyle
Larger water capacities provide:
- Greater stability
- More livestock options
- Larger aquascaping opportunities
Benefits of Larger Aquariums
- Easier water chemistry management
- Increased swimming space
- Greater filtration capacity
Many beginners are surprised to learn that larger aquariums are often easier to maintain.
AquaNano
Nano aquariums provide:
- Small footprint
- Lower water volume
- Compact operation
Benefits
- Lower setup costs
- Easier placement
- Reduced water requirements
However, smaller aquariums can be less forgiving when it comes to water quality fluctuations.
Filtration Systems
Both ranges feature integrated filtration.
OakStyle Filtration
Typically offers:
- Larger filter volume
- Greater media capacity
- Stronger biological filtration
Suitable for:
- Community fish
- Planted aquariums
- Larger livestock populations
AquaNano Filtration
Designed specifically for nano aquariums.
Benefits include:
- Compact design
- Quiet operation
- Easy maintenance
Ideal for lightly stocked systems.
Aquascaping Potential
Aquascapers often consider tank dimensions carefully.
OakStyle
Provides:
- More planting space
- Larger hardscape options
- Greater design flexibility
Ideal for:
- Nature aquariums
- Dutch-style aquascapes
- Community planted displays
AquaNano
Nano aquascaping has become a hobby in its own right.
Suitable for:
- Iwagumi layouts
- Shrimp aquariums
- Nano planted tanks
Smaller dimensions create unique design challenges that many aquascapers enjoy.
Livestock Options
Tank size directly affects stocking possibilities.
OakStyle Livestock Opportunities
Suitable for:
- Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras
- Angelfish (larger models)
- Gouramis
- Rainbowfish
- Larger community fish
The increased volume allows more flexibility.
AquaNano Livestock Opportunities
Best suited to:
- Shrimp
- Snails
- Bettas
- Ember Tetras
- Chili Rasboras
- Small nano fish
Stocking options are naturally more limited due to the smaller water volume.
Maintenance Requirements
Many aquarists assume smaller tanks require less maintenance.
This isn't always true.
OakStyle Maintenance
Advantages include:
- Greater water stability
- Slower parameter fluctuations
- Larger filtration systems
Water changes require more water but are often needed less aggressively.
AquaNano Maintenance
Advantages include:
- Faster cleaning
- Smaller water changes
- Lower running costs
However:
Smaller water volumes can fluctuate more quickly.
Regular monitoring is especially important.
Energy Consumption
Both ranges are relatively energy efficient.
OakStyle
May use:
- Larger lighting systems
- More powerful filtration
Resulting in slightly higher energy consumption.
AquaNano
Typically requires:
- Less lighting
- Smaller pumps
Often resulting in lower running costs.
Which Is Better for Beginners?
Both are beginner-friendly, but for different reasons.
OakStyle
Advantages for beginners:
- Greater stability
- More livestock choices
- Easier parameter management
Many experienced aquarists recommend larger tanks for first-time fishkeepers.
AquaNano
Advantages:
- Lower cost
- Smaller footprint
- Simpler setup
Excellent for hobbyists with limited space.
Cost Comparison
Initial Investment
OakStyle
Typically:
- Higher purchase price
- Cabinet included
- Larger equipment requirements
AquaNano
Generally:
- Lower entry cost
- Smaller equipment budget
- More affordable setup
Long-Term Costs
OakStyle systems may require:
- More substrate
- More décor
- Larger water changes
AquaNano systems generally have lower ongoing costs.
Who Should Choose an Aqua One OakStyle?
An OakStyle aquarium may be ideal if you:
✔ Want a statement display aquarium
✔ Prefer larger community fish
✔ Enjoy planted aquascapes
✔ Want matching furniture
✔ Have sufficient floor space
OakStyle aquariums excel as living-room centrepieces.
Who Should Choose an AquaNano?
An AquaNano aquarium may be ideal if you:
✔ Have limited space
✔ Want a desktop aquarium
✔ Keep shrimp or nano fish
✔ Enjoy nano aquascaping
✔ Prefer a lower-cost setup
AquaNano systems are perfect for compact modern fishkeeping.
OakStyle vs AquaNano at a Glance
| Feature | OakStyle | AquaNano |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Cabinet Included | Yes | Usually No |
| Livestock Options | Extensive | Limited |
| Aquascaping Potential | Excellent | Excellent (Nano) |
| Space Required | More | Less |
| Water Stability | Higher | Lower |
| Setup Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate |
Neither is inherently better—the right choice depends on your goals.
Final Thoughts
Both the Aqua One OakStyle and AquaNano ranges offer excellent quality, stylish design, and reliable performance. The OakStyle range is ideal for aquarists looking for a larger display aquarium with integrated furniture, while the AquaNano range excels in smaller spaces and is perfect for nano aquascaping, shrimp keeping, and compact fishkeeping projects.
If you have the space and want maximum flexibility, the OakStyle is often the stronger long-term investment. If space is limited or you're looking for a stylish nano aquarium, the AquaNano range is an outstanding choice.
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock the full range of Aqua One OakStyle and AquaNano aquariums, along with cabinets, lighting upgrades, filtration equipment, substrates, plants, and accessories to help you create the perfect aquarium setup.
