Design of small aquariums. How to create an original aquarium design? Decorating a 40 liter aquarium

In aquarium farming it is not customary to start small. Small volumes create big problems, since a miniature system lacks inertia, and the biological equilibrium in it is unstable. However, small aquariums are now becoming increasingly popular. They are less expensive, compact, and with proper design and care, they are amazingly beautiful. But making a small aquarium bring great pleasure is not easy.

What aquariums are considered small?

Aquariums with a volume of less than 30-40 liters are considered small, usually from 5 to 20 liters. They are often called nanoaquariums (from the Greek nano - “small, tiny, dwarf”), emphasizing with this term not only their size, but also their modernity and manufacturability. There are also microaquariums, their capacity is 1-2 liters, and animals are not allowed in them, with the exception of some types of snails. The world's smallest fish aquarium was created by Omsk miniaturist Anatoly Konenko and his son Stanislav. They placed soil, a specially designed mini-compressor, small Cladophora bushes and several zebrafish fry in 10 ml of water.

Let’s immediately agree that we will not call a round ten-liter jar with a goldfish a nanoaquarium, since this is not an aquarium, but a mockery of fish and all the principles of aquarium management.

An aquarium, no matter what size it is, is an equilibrium biological system whose inhabitants feel comfortable. Achieving this in a small volume is a whole science. But if this is successful, the results can be simply amazing. Such aquariums, where a living biotope is reproduced in a tiny volume, are reminiscent of the Japanese art of bonsai or scale models of luxury cars: small, but everything is real.

Of course, not all small aquariums are worthy of aquascaping competitions or books of records, but any of them should please the eye of its owner and create a comfortable environment for its inhabitants.

Small aquarium and equipment for it

Nanoaquariums have a rectangular, cubic or similar shape. They are usually covered with a transparent coverslip glass, which allows you to admire them from above. Place them away from drafts and direct sun rays and closer to the outlet that will be needed to connect the equipment.

The equipment for nanoaquariums is generally the same as for large ones, that is, a filter (in some cases a pump with an aerator is sufficient), lighting fixtures, a heater if necessary, preferably complete with a thermostat, and a supply system carbon dioxide.

For those who do not have the experience and time to select aquarium equipment, fully equipped nanoaquariums are available for sale. The Aqua El Shrim Set and Dennerle Nano Cube series complexes are recognized as the best in terms of price and quality ratio.

And if you want to save money or are interested in choosing all the filling for your nanocube yourself, there is plenty to choose from.

Filter

For a small aquarium, the filter is vital important. Since the balance in this system is very fragile, and a small deviation in the parameters of aquarium water can be fatal for its inhabitants, it is necessary to reduce the risk of these fluctuations as much as possible. Therefore, pumps without a sponge or with a small sponge the size of a matchbox are not suitable. Or rather, they can be used, but only in aquariums with a very large number of living plants and without fish, with only invertebrates. However, with such a population, you can do without a filter at all or limit yourself to a compressor.

If there are fish in the aquarium, the requirements for the filter are very serious. It should have a large filler surface to create biofiltration, pass 8-15 aquarium volumes per hour, but not create strong flows of water that will damage plants, fish and crustaceans. In addition, small inhabitants of the aquarium should not enter its water intakes. And, of course, it should take up minimal space in the aquarium or be well decorated and fit into the landscape. Another optional, but very desirable condition is that the filter material should be removed from the water for rinsing without dismantling the filter itself; this greatly facilitates maintenance of the aquarium.

The following types of filters partially or fully satisfy these conditions:

1. Internal filters with open sponges. They do not have a body, therefore, no one will be sucked into them. A large sponge (it is better to immediately replace it with a fine-pored one) serves good material For mechanical cleaning and a substrate for the growth of biofilter bacteria. Some models of such filters can be placed with the sponge facing up, so it can be easily removed.
2. External mounted waterfall filters. They take up little space, since the main part is located outside. They have a fairly large volume that can be filled with various filter materials. They do not create a strong current. The disadvantages are that when using these filters the aquarium cannot be closed with a lid. A sponge or fine mesh must be placed on the water intake tube of such a filter to avoid aquarium inhabitants being sucked into the filter.
3. External canister filters. Currently, models designed for small volumes have appeared. Provide very good mechanical and biological filtration without taking up space in the aquarium. As with mounted filters, the water intake tube must be covered with a sponge or mesh. The only drawback is the high cost.

In addition to these models, in small-volume aquariums you can use various home-made designs - airlifts, Hamburg filters, plastic bottles with a fibrous or porous substance connected to the pump. There is only one requirement: water under pressure must pass through a sufficient volume of material that provides mechanical filtration and can serve as a substrate for bacteria participating in the nitrogen cycle.

An additional filter in a small aquarium is live plants, sometimes they are even placed in a hanging waterfall, making it a phytofilter.

Lighting

Due to the mandatory presence of living plants, the issue of lighting a small aquarium becomes relevant. There, lamps built into the lid are almost never used; the lamps are installed at a certain height above the aquarium. Fluorescent or LED lamps are usually used. In general, the rule is this: if the lamps are fluorescent, then for unpretentious plants the light should be 0.5 W per liter of water, for fastidious ground cover or those with a reddish tint - 1 W per liter. If the lamps are LED, then the ratio of lamp power and luminous flux is different, and here they already look at the number of lumens. For undemanding plants, illumination of 25 lm per liter is sufficient, for demanding plants - 50 lm.

Plants for a small aquarium

The choice of plants for a nanoaquarium should depend on the lighting power and whether the carbon dioxide supply is organized. If the light is bright, the soil is specialized, containing organic matter and CO 2, then any small plants can be planted; only the owner’s preferences play a role here. In a more modestly equipped aquarium, they limit themselves to unpretentious and slow-growing plants.

Lileopsis brasiliensis, hemianthus cuba, and marsilia are used as groundcovers. Blixa japonica, which is considered a ground cover in large aquariums, looks like a bush in small volumes.

In addition, various types of anubias, cryptocorynes, pogostemons, rotal, and ferns are grown. Mosses are used to decorate driftwood, stones and equipment elements. Cladophora balls can often be found. In short, there is room for creativity here, almost like in a large aquarium.

Fish for a small aquarium

When choosing inhabitants for a small aquarium, first of all, of course, you need to pay attention to their size. Fish should not be more than 3-4 cm long, and if the aquarium is completely “nano”, up to 15 liters - more than 2-3 cm. In addition, fish should be peaceful, not too voracious, not territorial and quite unpretentious, at least if this is your first experience in nanoaquariums. And, of course, they must be brightly and variedly colored and active to make them interesting to watch.

Zebrafish

A fairly large number of fish fit these conditions. The most honorable place in nanoaquariums is occupied by representatives of cyprinids - zebrafish, microrasboras, and boraras. With its amazing colors, the Microassembly galaxy is truly the queen of small volumes.

Of the characin fish, neons and tetra amandas can be placed in such an aquarium, and of viviparous fish - guppies and platies. In addition, you can get small catfish, for example, the pygmy corydoras or otocinclus. Cockerels feel good in a small volume.

It is better to take fish in schools of 3-4 pieces (of course, except for pugnacious cockerels), so they will feel more comfortable. The stocking density of small fish should be approximately 1 fish per 2 liters of water.

In addition to fish, various types of shrimp, dwarf crayfish (they are incompatible with shrimp), and Hymenochirus frogs live well in the nanoaquarium.

You can decorate a nanoaquarium in different styles. Iwagumi styles are popular among aqua designers - decoration with stones of different shapes, rayuboku - decoration with driftwood, wabikus - in the form of a hummock with plants. But here the taste and preferences of the owner are decisive. For example, if an aquarium is in a child’s room, it is quite appropriate to place a mermaid’s castle or a sunken ship and toy scuba divers in it. The main thing is that the decorations do not take up too much space (as a general rule, no more than a quarter of the bottom surface and half the height), hide the aquarium equipment and leave room for plants and fish. In addition, if there are shrimp in the aquarium, you must keep in mind that any objects protruding from the water can contribute to their escape from the aquarium.

The soil in small aquariums is usually used in two layers: the bottom layer is a nutrient substrate, the top layer is gravel, the total layer thickness should be 3-4 cm.

Caring for a small aquarium

Caring for a small aquarium is not too labor-intensive, the main thing is that it is permanent. If you can forget about a safe two-hundred-liter jar for a month (do not clean it or change the water, but only feed the fish), and nothing terrible will happen, except that the beauty will become a little less, then such a trick will not work with a nanoaquarium. You cannot delay cleaning for one day or overfeed the fish a little, this can lead to irreversible consequences. Depending on the volume and population of the aquarium, a schedule should be drawn up for turning on and off the lighting, feeding the animals, water changes (usually they are carried out weekly for 1/3-1/2), and cleaning the bottom. This schedule must be strictly followed. Most importantly, a small aquarium requires close monitoring and immediate action is taken at the slightest sign of imbalance. It is highly recommended to use water quality tests early after launch to monitor at least ammonia and nitrites.

Of course, a small aquarium in an apartment or office is not just a piece of furniture, it requires care and attention, but on condition correct selection equipment and inhabitants and following simple rules is quite an affordable pleasure even for a person ignorant of aquariums.

What kind of fish should I put in a 10 liter aquarium?

A small aquarium is a tank with parameters of 20x40 cm or less (nano aquarium), in which you can place small ornamental fish. The volume of such containers can be from 10 to 20 cubic liters, so they are suitable for installing decorations and equipment. In a small aquarium you need to install lighting, plant plants, decor, and don’t forget about the filter and compressor. That is, a small aquarium should not differ in functionality from a spacious one.

How to set balance in a mini tank?

Caring for a small aquarium, on the one hand, is easy, but on the other, it will cause trouble. Choose a rectangular mini tank with straight and smooth walls. They are convenient to clean with a scraper and maintain. If the container is round, then getting to its corners will be inconvenient and difficult to clean. A 10-liter aquarium gets dirty faster than a 50-100-liter one. Water changes will have to be done more often, as well as comprehensive cleaning, which is not beneficial for the biobalance of the aquatic environment and the health of the fish.

The main disadvantage of mini tanks is the small amount of water. It won't hold a lot of fish. You can put 1-2 fish there, and no more. In a large aquarium, water changes are not very noticeable, but in a small aquarium it is a lot of stress. Any changes in the biological balance: death of fish, overfeeding, pollution immediately affect the aquatic environment. The only thing that can be done is to adjust the water parameters in time, carefully feed the fish, and clean the bottom.

See how soil siphoning occurs in a nano aquarium.

You need to care for a small aquarium in the same way as a large one. Once a week you need to change 10-15% of the water, if necessary. To avoid stress for the fish, do not completely replace the water, try to add it in small portions. The ideal aquarium filter for such a tank is a pump with an internal sponge. The sponge should not be washed under running water, otherwise everyone will die beneficial bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle.

If you choose the smallest tank, it will be almost impossible to install plants and decorations in it. Some skillfully plant dwarf plants even in 3-liter jars, but they are inconvenient to care for. In a 10-liter tank it is possible to keep dwarf Anubias, dwarf arrowhead, Echinodorus “dwarf Amazon”, and dwarf Cryptocoryne. Plants for a small aquarium are able to control the level of nitrites, nitrates and ammonia, and create hiding places for fish. Make sure there is soil in the aquarium. Choose a substrate that is processed, clean, and without paint. Remember that it is very difficult to clean out a layer of plaque from aquariums of minimal size with a regular scraper.

Now about feeding. As you know, overfeeding not only harms the health of the fish, but also negatively affects the quality of water. Everything uneaten decomposes, turning into harmful impurities and bacteria. Decay products settle on the bottom and frames of the tank, disrupting the stability of the biological environment. The fish must be well-fed; hunger is also not an option. Once a week, arrange fasting days for the fish. Add food in 4-6 grains, as large as your pet can swallow. What is not eaten must be removed with a gauze net.

Give fish that live in a small 10-20 liter nursery as much food as they can eat in 2-6 minutes. Flakes, live food, and sinking pellets are fine. They sink slowly and do not pollute the environment. If you have bottom-dwelling catfish, they will eat everything on their own. The fish can be fed with their usual nutritious food without disturbing their diet. It is important to clean everything on time.

See how to decorate a small aquarium.

What kind of fish is suitable for a mini aquarium?

What fish can be kept in mini aquariums? Pets with miniature body sizes should be placed in a small 10-20 liter tank. Fish 2-6 centimeters in length will tolerate this volume of water. But remember that even small fish want to swim in a spacious environment. They should not be kept in containers that will restrict movement. Territorial and aggressive fish should not be placed in mini aquariums. Which ones should not be placed in 10-liter aquariums? These are swordtails, medium-sized barbs, cichlids, gourami, and zebrafish. They have an active and energetic disposition and require more hiding space.

In an aquarium of 10-20 liters you can put small barbs, Gertrude pseudomugil, rice fish, cherry barbs, rasbor, erythrozonus, neons, Amanda tetra. You can also keep the following fish and shrimp there: otocinclus catfish, corydoras, amano shrimp, cherry shrimp, copper tetra. Representatives of the genus Poeciliaceae, viviparous fish, get along well in mini tanks.

You need to buy fish breeds with strong immunity, that is, not purebred fish, but hybrids. If you do not have the opportunity to buy a spacious “house” for your small pet, you need to buy a small aquarium with a capacity of 10 liters. The well-known Siamese cockerels are also often housed there. The cockerel can live alone and does not get along with its relatives; it is a fighting fish, after all.

See also: Small aquarium fish.

Aquarium design: photos, video examples, styles and options

AQUARIUM DESIGN

Decorating an aquarium is a worthy and fertile topic of conversation. This is not surprising, because this is the primary question that people who have just bought an aquarium ask themselves.
Unfortunately, this issue is surprisingly poorly covered on the Internet, briefly or fragmentarily. We hope this article will reveal all the aspects and nuances of aquarium design and help you create your own aquarium kingdom.

Due to the volume of this issue, let's divide the article into two sections:
1. MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR DESIGNING THE AQUARIUM: soil, stones, grottoes, driftwood, backgrounds, artificial and live aquarium plants, aquarium lighting, shells, castles, ships.
2. MAIN DIRECTIONS, TYPES AND EXAMPLES OF DESIGN OF AQUARIUMS.

Materials necessary for decorating an aquarium

And so, as you know, in order for fish to appear in your house, you need a vessel and water. However, aquarium keeping is not just the banal keeping of fish, it is the creation of a closed ecosystem, imitation of the natural conditions of keeping aquatic organisms. It’s trite, but aquarium science begins with fish. Before you think about decorating an aquarium, first of all you need to decide on your desires and the fish that will swim in your pond. And this is very important! Each individual fish needs its own conditions of detention, its own water parameters, and other conditions. And it is precisely for them that an “aquarium house” needs to be built, this is precisely what we need to start from. For example, if you decide to keep African cichlids and at the same time want to see a garden of living aquarium plants in your aquarium... You are initially dooming yourself to a virtually impossible task. The natural habitat of most African cichlids is the rocky banks of the river. Nyasa and r. Tanganika, there are no plants, no algae - this is a “stone desert”. If you place plants in an aquarium with cichlids, they will pull them out and destroy them.
Based on what has been said, we advise you to first decide on the fish that will live in your aquarium, study their characteristics and habits, read and find out the conditions for keeping them. And then start and think about decorating the aquarium.
DESIGNING AN AQUARIUM WITH GROUND The soil is one of the most important elements of the aquarium; it is its mood. It is very important to approach the issue of its choice with special attention, because in addition to decorative functions, the soil plays the role of: a substrate for plants, for spawning and the life of fish. It is important to choose the right fraction of soil, it is important to choose the required volume of soil, and only then the color of the soil. There is a good article on our website about the selection and selection of soil, we suggest you read: HERE.

Speaking about the decorative properties of the soil, it is recommended to choose a soil of darker tones, so that bright and light colors the aquarium bottom was not overshadowed by the charm and beauty of the “main heroes of the occasion” - the fish. DESIGNING THE AQUARIUM WITH STONES AND GROTTOES. Important technical nuance when decorating an aquarium with stones, grottoes, caves, etc. is the use of non-toxic, non-toxic materials. If stones and driftwood are selected and made independently, you need to do everything according to the rules and make sure that they do not release harmful substances into the water. Certainly the decorations should not be made of limestone, rubber and metal, no paints or enamels!!!
Speaking about the aesthetic part of the design of the reservoir, you should always remember that stones, grottoes, and driftwood take away the “usable area” of the aquarium - the living space. The amount of such decor is calculated based on the volume of the aquarium and the needs of the fish themselves. In addition, it should be taken into account that large decorative elements are installed along the edges of the aquarium or in the background. Don't put a huge castle in the middle!!! This is the equivalent of people putting the refrigerator in the middle of the kitchen instead of in the corner. An aquarium is an amphitheater of life!
DESIGNING AN AQUARIUM WITH A BACKGROUND. The background of the aquarium is not so important for the aquarium inhabitants themselves. In fact, fish can live without it. The background is more important for a person; one might say, these are “aquarium curtains”, which play more of an aesthetic role than a technical one.
For information on what types of aquarium backgrounds there are, how to make and attach them, see HERE.

DECORATING THE AQUARIUM WITH LIVE AND ARTIFICIAL PLANTS.
Continuing to use metaphors, we can say that if the background of the aquarium is “curtains,” then the plants are “ indoor flowers on the windowsill." What they will be like and how many there will be will determine how your aquarium “window” will look. We recommend you look at this wonderful article on this topic - HERE.
AQUARIUM LIGHT DESIGN

The power and spectrum of light is important for aquarium plants - this is their source of life. When it comes to decorating an aquarium, the color of the light is important. Today there is a huge variety of colors for aquarium lamps. Choose according to your taste! Moreover, there are various bottom aquarium lights in the form of volcanoes, lanterns and LED aerators. Here they are.




DESIGNING THE AQUARIUM WITH ANOTHER DECOR. Aquariums can be decorated with shells, castles, ships, diver figures, skulls, etc. At the same time, it is not necessary to buy all this at a pet store at an exorbitant price. When using such decorations, you need to adhere to only two rules: non-toxicity and safety. The shells should not be sharp, and the figures of divers should not be made of rubber. See also the article Seashells in an aquarium.
MAIN DIRECTIONS, TYPES AND EXAMPLES OF AQUARIUM DESIGN
The classic design options for a fish aquarium are:
Biotope– such an aquarium is designed to match the specific water landscape of a lake or stream.
Dutch- an aquarium, the main place in which is given to plants. Such an aquarium is popularly called a “herbalist”. The most famous Dutch aquariums are created by a mega-aquarist Takashi Amano, here are his works:
Geographical– such an aquarium is designed for a specific region, it contains fish only from this region.
In the vastness of our Motherland, you can most often find "household aquarium"- where the above principles are not observed. In such aquariums you can often find castles, amphorae, divers, skulls, etc., etc., etc. In addition, there is a whole industry children's aquariums. Here's an example:


There are other directions in aquarium design.
As they say, how many people have so many opinions.
Next, let's clearly see the design options for an aquarium.
Pseudo-sea aquariums Such aquariums are designed and imitate marine aquariums - the seabed. The prefix “pseudo” indicates that such a reservoir does not contain sea fish. Only the surroundings are created!
As a rule, brightly colored fish are selected for such an aquarium, which are often characteristic of cichlids, for example, elow, demanosi, parrots, etc. The aquarium itself is decorated with corals, artificial polyps and sea shells.





Dutch aquarium “light version” An aquarium close to the natural habitat of fish. It contains live aquarium plants, driftwood, stones, but “in a lightweight form.” Such aquariums do not require the aquarist to have special knowledge about plant life. Basic care for them is the key to success and achieving your goals.






Truly Dutch aquarium - “herbalist” These are densely planted aquariums. Completely imitating all the beauty of freshwater bodies of water. To create such an aquarium, you need knowledge about plants, you need to study the issue of feeding aquarium plants and using a CO2 system for the aquarium.






Household, children's, themed aquarium Such aquariums are designed according to a specific idea. As a rule, this is a person’s fiction and fantasy.






Futuristic aquariums or Glo aquariums Relatively recently, the fashion for creating Glo-reservoirs has become fashionable among aquarists. Where everything glows with neon and plays with phosphorus. There are even fluorescent live fish. Such aquariums look beautiful in the evening and at night. Read more about Glo-fish are here.






Marine aquariums These are aquariums that contain marine, saltwater fish. The aquarium is permeated with a marine theme. The disadvantage of such reservoirs is the price and the huge cost of maintenance.






Cichlid A species aquarium that contains only fish from the cichlid family.
Look CICHLID - cichlids in an aquarium





There are also industrial and show aquariums


We wish you success in designing and creating your own individual aquarium kingdom; below are additionally presented photos that clearly show all the diversity and flight of aquarium thought in the issue covered.







Video about decorating an aquarium

Aquarium design

An aquarium in the interior always attracts attention, even if it is quite modest in size, and only one fish swims in it. The movement of colorful creatures behind the glass attracts the eye, so it is important that the design of the aquarium is in harmony with general design room, complemented it and evoked only positive emotions. Choosing an aquarium can be quite difficult, and even more difficult is deciding how to decorate the aquarium so that it looks stylish and impressive, and not tasteless and rude. Let's look at the points.

Types and options of aquariums

Aquariums can be of different shapes, sizes and even colors in appearance. Today, the approach to aquarium design has changed somewhat, and along with classic options, decorators offer truly unusual, original and stylish ones. According to their shape, all aquariums can be divided into several categories:

• rectangular and square;
• round or oval;
• in the form of a drop or leaf;
• non-standard design solutions like an aquarium in the shape of a large mug or a ship.

The size also directly affects the role of the aquarium in the design of the room, because the larger it is, the more noticeable and impressive. Just a few years ago it was very fashionable to use large aquariums in design; truly huge aquariums mounted into the wall were especially popular and admired. Today, the emphasis is not so much on the size, but on the shape and design of the aquarium - the more creative the approach, the more interesting. Such an aquarium may be very small, but it is impossible not to notice it.

Selection and design of an aquarium

There are indeed many options for aquariums, and it is important to choose the one that suits the interior of the room and will perform not only practical, but also decorative functions. So, in modern design In aquariums, the main role is played by the form, and sometimes you can find mind-blowing solutions that delight you with their unusualness. But also traditional options retain their position, because classics in interior design, as in clothing design, are beyond fashion and trends.

Video - example of aquarium design

So, several ways to design and decorate an aquarium:

The option is original. The size or location does not matter here - the designers’ imagination is so crazy that today an aquarium can be found in completely unexpected places. For example, the design of an aquarium in the form of an old TV, when instead of a “blue screen” there is an aquarium with colorful fish. Even more creative is an aquarium in the toilet, on the spot cistern. It is likely that guests will be genuinely afraid to flush the water. Or a very small aquarium in the shape of an incandescent light bulb, which will become a spectacular detail on your desktop.

Decorating a small aquarium

It’s always easier to decorate something big, because your imagination has room to run wild, and a larger area means more possibilities. But what should those who cannot find a place in their apartment or house for a luxurious aquarium do, but are content with a small one? How to decorate a small aquarium neatly and stylishly? There can be a lot of solutions, but they all must comply with two main rules: a combination of decorative elements with each other and a small number of them.

For example, if you use large stones to decorate an aquarium, then large algae will be unnecessary; they will only cover the space. It is better to select small plants and place them along one of the walls, thus creating a kind of “curtain”. Aquarium decoration round shape and small size (for example, tabletop), does not involve the use of plants at all - it is better to give preference to small details at the bottom. Coins, stones, shells, jewelry, small figurines - all this can be used for decoration.

DIY themed aquarium design

Today, interior design is of a very specific nature; it is very fashionable to reflect your qualities, hobbies, and worldview in the furnishings and details of your home. This trend is also noticeable in aquarium design, which is why thematic design is very popular. For example, if a boy lives in the room, then the aquarium can easily be turned into an unusual garage, or you can make it a visual textbook if you laminate the letters printed on pieces of paper and put them in the aquarium.

How to decorate an aquarium for a girl? If she likes vintage, a small ceramic box with a pearl necklace peeking out would be an eye-catching solution. You can put a small toy crown or a vintage mirror nearby. Stones of different sizes with openwork patterns, which are painted using stencil technology using lace, will also be a beautiful technique.

When decorating an aquarium, do not be afraid to choose unusual solutions, because such an element of the interior is a great opportunity try something original, even if the whole room is quite calm and cozy.

Round aquarium - design care design photo video.

Specifics of care.

To properly maintain a round aquarium and maintain the desired balance in it, certain knowledge and experience are required.

• The life of fish is impossible without the purchase of special equipment. You need models marked “for a round aquarium” that are neatly placed in the container and do not spoil the appearance. A regular compressor, filter and heater will produce a lot of emissions in the water.
• It is advisable to buy a round aquarium with a lid, so that later you do not have to look for a suitable model in specialized stores. A lid is necessary: ​​it does not prevent the fish from jumping out, protects against extra items, cats and small children. A backlight is also attached to it.
• Plant shoots should be used to hide the equipment installed in the aquarium. But in the water space, rooted in pebbles scattered along the bottom, plants should not hide living inhabitants with their bizarre appearance. In a round aquarium, even a minor defect will be very noticeable due to the effect of the magnifying glass. Therefore, be more careful when choosing the size and shape of the soil.
• The small volume of a round aquarium requires weekly water changes. For this purpose, it is recommended to use filtered or settled water.
• Fish excrement is removed using a siphon after 2 months. Cleaning up debris in such an aquarium is not particularly difficult. The shape of the bottom prevents the formation of dead zones. Some of the debris is collected in the biofilter, the rest is removed by a siphon.

Who should be placed in a round aquarium?

After equipping the aquarium with everything necessary, you should move on to selecting “tenants”. Classic version- a goldfish, you should immediately sweep it away. She needs space, so a volume of at least 40-50 liters is needed per individual.
Before you buy fish, you need to calculate how many inhabitants will fit in the aquarium, taking into account its volume and features.

Fish that can live in a round aquarium: platies, guppies, neons, molynesias, swordtails, cockerels, daneos, corydoras, lalius, ampularia.

The most ideal option is Cherry Shrimp. They only require lighting as equipment, and oxygen and a filter are not necessary for them.

If you decide to place cherry shrimp in the aquarium, place soil, driftwood, and a lump of moss on the bottom. Please note that you will have to change the water every 2-3 weeks.

Equipment

Required equipment includes:

• filter;
• compressor;
• heater;
• backlight;
• stand.

If you are still interested in a round aquarium, you should be careful about its shortcomings, but not be afraid of them. First, decide on the volume. As mentioned above, the average volume of round aquariums is 10 liters, but you can purchase containers of 20 or 30 liters.

You will need special equipment to create cozy conditions. These are a compressor, a bottom filter and a heater. It is also necessary to provide a glass aquarium with lighting, although it will be difficult to install it yourself. In order not to complicate your life, it is better to purchase a container with a built-in lamp.

As for the rest, the heater, filter and compressor are purchased separately. In the pet store you can find special models for round containers - for example, a round bottom filter or a convenient compressor that is hidden in tight spaces. There are aquariums with a built-in filter.

In addition to the equipment, you will need a lid for a round aquarium. She has several tasks at once:

• prevents fish from jumping out of the container;
• serves as protection from curious cats who may want to eat the fish;
• A lighting fixture is attached to the cover.

Finding the cover separately can be difficult. This is the second reason why it is better to choose a round aquarium with a lid. The aquarium stand is included in the kit, but it can be made to order or purchased separately in the store.

How to register it?

Designing a round aquarium requires a special approach. An aquarium is not only an interior object. Its main function is to create conditions for the life of aquatic creatures. Therefore, you will have to purchase special equipment for a round aquarium.

Without it, the fish will not be able to survive. It is necessary to place a compressor, a heater, a filter in the flask, and provide lighting. Conventional devices will not work; they will stand out too much in the water space. When purchasing, you should choose models that indicate “for a round aquarium.”

The shape and dimensions allow them to be carefully placed so as to least spoil the appearance. Pebbles are placed scattered at the bottom, and plants take root in them. Equipment for a round aquarium is hidden as much as possible by plant shoots.

It is advisable to select aquatic plants such that they do not hide the main inhabitants with their bizarre appearance. AND Special attention pay attention to the shape and size of the pebbles. Remember, in a round aquarium all the details look more prominent. Therefore, any defect is immediately noticeable.

Round aquarium: good or bad?

A round aquarium and a goldfish swimming in it are an invariable attribute of the interior. small apartment from the last century. But the size of the vessel and its shape impose a lot of unpleasant restrictions on the process of keeping fish. For example, it would be extremely difficult to fit special equipment into it, so people do without it. And the disadvantages of the vessel are too obvious:

Decor

The specific shape and small volume do not allow creating thematic landscapes with large-scale decoration in the form of ship wrecks or castle ruins. However, when decorating a round aquarium, you can use other design techniques. For example, among the stones you can place a miniature model of a chest from a pirate ship.

Or lay out several fragments of ethnic ceramics. Main principle, on which the decor of the space of an aquarium of this shape is based - minimalism. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the underwater inhabitants behind all the elements.

The lid for a round aquarium performs several functions: it prevents fish from jumping out, atypical objects from getting inside, it protects animals from children and cats,
and also serves as a place for mounting the backlight. Therefore, it is better to purchase an aquarium immediately with a lid, rather than looking for it later the desired model. A lid for a round aquarium can only be purchased in specialized stores. It is more difficult to find a lid just for a semicircular aquarium.

Who can be placed in a round aquarium?

Betta fish and small viviparous fish - guppies, mollies, and platies - can live in a glass ball. Their life will not be comfortable, but thanks to their unpretentiousness and resistance to stress, they adapt to a spherical container. Shrimp, snails and small aquatic plants do very well in round aquariums.

How to set up a round aquarium

To improve the quality of life of aquatic inhabitants in a round aquarium, it is worth installing special equipment - miniature submersible filters that can be placed at the bottom, or mounted cascade filters mounted on the edge of the tank, lamps with clothespins and heaters in the form of mats.

There is a more convenient option. You can buy complete round aquariums with built-in equipment (preferably from well-known companies). Such aquariums already have a durable stand, convenient lighting, a well-thought-out filtration and aeration system, as well as instructions for starting and operating the aquarium.

Plants in a round aquarium

As for plants, it is better to choose live ones for a round aquarium, since in the absence of equipment they will be a source of oxygen. For example, many fish, incl. molynesias will die without living algae.

Artificial plants have their advantages: they do not require special care, so they remain beautiful longer; It is easier to lay eggs on them during spawning. Therefore, a couple of artificial branches in a round aquarium will not hurt.

Here are the plants that can be purchased for a round aquarium: elodea, pistia, cryptocoryne, nayas, hornwort, spiral valisneria.

The third stage in “living in” a round aquarium is its design. Aquarium equipment should be hidden as much as possible by plants.

Pebbles also need to be selected wisely. It must be remembered that in a round aquarium all the details look more convex. Therefore, any, even the smallest defect will be immediately noticeable.

You can buy special colored primer in specialized stores. If your aquarium is large, you can put driftwood or an artificial house on the bottom.

FISH

In a round container, light is refracted in a unique way. According to a common opinion among aquarists, not all fish are able to survive in such conditions. Firstly, living beings may experience stress due to distortions in the surrounding reality, and secondly, this shortens the lifespan of nervous fish. Although the main limitation is the amount of space. Fish for a round aquarium are only suitable for small sizes.

You should definitely place a small catfish here so that it cleans the glass of green deposits. Neons, cockerels, and laliuses will feel great in the water. Goldfish in small quantities grow poorly and often get sick. The number of small fish should be maintained at the same level.

Before adding neons here, you should make calculations: the amount is determined by the volume of the aquarium. Overpopulation will immediately affect the health of the fish and the general appearance of the artificial reservoir. The power of the equipment for the aquarium is selected in accordance with the needs of a specific group of fish. It is better if the fish for a round aquarium are bright and noticeable. For example, some types of guppies.

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What soil is best for an aquarium? Aquariums large and small: design

What soil is best for an aquarium? How much is needed? How to siphon and clean the soil in an aquarium? The answers to all these questions, which are important for full existence"residents" of the aquarium will be discussed in this article. Let's build the right aquarium with our own hands, taking into account all the nuances of the nutrient soil and its placement.

Which soil is best for an aquarium is the first question of a person starting to breed fish

Very often at the initial stage of arranging a “house for fish” the question arises: what soil is best for an aquarium? Although later this loses its relevance and ceases to be actively discussed. However, as time passes, the mistakes made at the beginning make themselves known, and as a result, large-scale corrections begin.

The main purpose of our article will be the nuances of selection, preparation and placement of soil filler. In addition, important circumstances in this matter are decorating and cleaning the bottom of the aquarium.

Initially, it is worth noting that black soil for an aquarium is the most important part of its configuration. Together with elements such as backgrounds, lighting and additional decorative components, it gives a noticeable uniqueness to the location. At the same time, being a substrate, soil provides conditions for the existence of a whole complex of microorganisms and plants.

At the same time, the nutrient soil for the aquarium works as a primitive filtration mechanism. Microscopic suspensions settle in it, polluting the water, which significantly expands its functions.

Before buying the above-mentioned filler, it is worth deciding on your goals, as well as your general vision of the “underwater kingdom”. In addition, you need to navigate the key aspects of the choice.

Aspects of choosing aquarium soil

• Presence of living plants.
• Estimated species of fish and crustaceans.
• Basic color scheme.
• Volumes of aquarium soil.

Basic characteristics of aquarium soil

Both a small aquarium and its large analogue need to be “decorated” different colors. Usually the owners choose the decorations themselves. But, despite this, many experts are inclined to choose dark soil, which allows the contents of the aquarium to be clearly visible.

If we talk about the expected thickness of the layer, it depends on the parameters of the aquarium, as well as on the number of living and non-living objects. Therefore, the approach to deciding which soil is best to choose for an aquarium is strictly individual.

It is worth considering that for aquarium plants and fish the soil will make a significant difference. As mentioned above, representatives of the flora use it as a substrate for rooting and subsequent nutrition. Taking this into account, it should be not only a decorative component, but also a life-supporting one.

If you believe general rules when arranging aquariums, the soil should be fine- or medium-grained, taking into account the power of the root systems. For underdeveloped plants, you can use sand, and for highly developed plants, the coarse-grained fraction.

In addition, the nutritional value of the soil should also be considered, since for plants and fish the right aquarium is a place that allows them to receive nutrients. Peat, clay, and also special preparations purchased at pet stores are sometimes added to the soil.

Note! If you choose which soil is best for an aquarium, then when purchasing it you need to study the material from which it is made and the color scheme. The best option for an aquarium would be a natural, unpainted coating.

It is also advisable to find out before purchasing it chemical composition and the origin of the soil. The presence of limestone will provoke the release of carbonate, which will significantly increase the hardness of the water. Its presence is indicated by the release of gas bubbles.

Groups of aquarium soils

1. Natural soils - sand, crushed stone, gravel, pebbles. They can be used where small burrowing fish species and plants with weak root systems are kept.
2. Soils obtained by processing natural materials mechanically or chemically. They satisfy almost all requirements and are available in various colors. Despite this, their bright colors interfere with the natural perception of the aquarium.
3. Artificial soils are glass or plastic balls made using a special technology. They are absolutely harmless, but they can only be used where there will be single plants. In addition, they are completely unsuitable for keeping burrowing fish.

Since porosity is one of the the most important characteristics substrate, then fine sand with a particle size of less than 1 mm is unlikely to be useful. This is all due to the fact that metabolic processes in such a filler are disrupted due to rapid caking of the material. This, in turn, leads to rotting of plant roots.

In addition, the biological equilibrium that must “visit” the aquarium at home is very unstable. In this situation, even shellfish and fish that loosen the soil do not help.

Sand having a particle size of 2 to 4 mm will be an excellent and easily accessible substrate. Sufficient porosity affects metabolic processes, which remain intact for a long time.

This option is quite suitable for most plants that have both powerful and weak root system. In addition, it has increased permeability for newly formed roots.

One can also note the success of small pebbles, the particles of which vary from 4 to 8 mm. Its level of caking is much less than that of sand, but the formation of silt occurs very slowly. This type of soil is more suitable for large plants with a strong root system.

Large pebbles and gravel are more likely to decorate a small aquarium than a large one. In any case, the amount of such soil must be significant in order to at least somehow differ from the general background. In addition, pebbles and gravel are not used as an independent substrate.

It is worth noting that all of the above natural soils are connected by a common origin - these are small particles of granite. Their widespread distribution argues for their accessibility to aquarium enthusiasts. Moreover, the color parameters of such soils range from light gray to red shades.

Among artificial substrates, expanded clay is considered the most common. It has excellent porosity and low weight, which makes it indispensable for fish breeding enthusiasts and gardeners. During plant replanting, this type of soil practically does not injure the root systems.

Along with the above advantages, the inner part of expanded clay is an anaerobic flora - oxygen-free microorganisms. They purify the water from numerous organic compounds that appear in the aquarium over time.

To determine how much soil you need in the aquarium, you should take it into account individual parameters. Among them, the size of the “fish house” is noted, as well as the content of living and non-living components.

Soil preparation

If you have a 200 liter aquarium, then before laying the soil its bottom must be prepared. This is especially true for aquarium soil that is collected “outside”. Mandatory rinsing and boiling are the main procedures to prevent infection.

There is no need to boil a store-bought item, but it needs to be washed and doused with boiling water. The use of soap or other cleaning products is excluded here, since subsequently it will be very difficult to wash out chemical impurities from the soil. At the very least, it will take a lot of effort and time, which can be used for other useful activities.

These procedures are fundamental. If you have properly processed and prepared the soil for the aquarium, the price for it, even if it was significant, will subsequently no longer matter to you. special significance. It is worth noting that there is no need to wait for the future “rock bottom” to dry completely, since the wet state is natural for it.

Placing soil in the aquarium

The bottom layer should consist of gravel, which is enriched with laterite iron or clay. Its thickness should be from 3 to 5 cm and include fertilizer balls. In addition, there may be a mixture of trace elements that do not contain phosphates and nitrites, which are so destructive to plants and fish.

It is advisable to focus on iron in the soil mixture, which is present in chelated form. Otherwise, it will simply not be available for food to representatives of flora and fauna. In addition, ferrous sulfate, usually used for feeding garden bushes, will not work because it will significantly reduce the acidity of the water.

If heating cables are used, they are also laid in this layer. They should not be located directly on the bottom because uneven heating leads to glass cracking, and the aquarium at home can quickly deteriorate. In addition, sand and clay will be inappropriate in this case - they will also heat up unevenly.

The middle layer should contain soil with admixtures of peat, constituting 15-25% of the total volume of bottom soil. Its thickness can be no more than 2-3 cm, since an excess of peat-enriched soil can trigger the process of rotting. If there is a large amount of organic matter in the soil, then it can be supplemented with sand.

In addition, the middle layer can be filled with trace elements and clay balls. However, this requires careful preparation of the peat and soil. As a matter of fact, this rule applies to each layer.

The top layer should be fine gravel mixed with sand. About 5 cm of such soil prevents the water from becoming cloudy due to peat contact with the ground. This is where aquarium stones are used, which can be purchased at the same pet store.

If the aquarium contains snails or fish that dig into the soil, then you need to grow plants in pots or increase the thickness of the top layer. This will prevent significant damage to their root systems.

It is worth noting that usually the soil in the aquarium is placed unevenly. Although it can be distributed in such a way that it looks like a slide that rises towards the back wall. This option of covering the bottom can visually give the aquarium volume and a more impressive appearance.

Most beginning aquarists lay out various designs from the soil. Since they gradually move under the influence of water, these compositions are short-lived. Of course, this is not so scary, but the overall appearance of the aquarium can still deteriorate.

The final procedures that will make a 200-liter aquarium impeccable will be installing decor, pouring water and planting plants. This needs to be taken care of in advance so as not to “slow down” the overall arrangement process.

Design and decoration

For modern aquarium keeping, laying the soil alone will not be enough. After all, only a professionally designed aquarium can harmoniously fit into the interior and delight its observers indefinitely. Therefore, the more responsible the approach to decorating it, the more joy it will be able to bring to the people around it.

As mentioned above, for a full “entry” into the interior of the room, you need to choose the right not only the soil, but also the background with decorative elements.

The role of decoration is no less important than the representatives of flora and fauna filling the aquarium. If the answer to the question of which soil is best for an aquarium has already been stated earlier, then we need to talk about the design in more detail. This is explained by the fact that the decor will be able to disguise the equipment installed inside the aquarium.

Types of decoration of the bottom and glass

• driftwood from different types wood (alder, mango, mopani).
• Multi-colored stones.
• Sea corals and shells.
• Pebbles, black quartz, coral sand.
• Plastic and live plants.
• Backgrounds for an aquarium in the form of a film on glass.
• Various objects (castles, sunken ships, arches, volcanoes, statues).

Aquarium soil care

After the main points regarding the quantity and quality of bottom soil have been resolved, we should move on to the question of how to siphon soil in an aquarium. Simply put, how to remove accumulated mud sediment from its bottom.

Of course there is special devices, called aquarium siphons, the analogues of which are ordinary hoses. They are elongated flasks and flexible tubes with a length of 1.6 to 2 m and a diameter of up to 2 cm. These components are connected through special holes, representing a hose with increased dimensions.

After installing the above cleaning structure She dives into the aquarium and reads her activities. Thanks to periodic air suction, water begins to pour out of the aquarium, and the most contaminated areas of the soil become clean. Some aquarists, when searching for an answer to the question of how to clean the soil in an aquarium, can use ordinary medical syringes.

While the siphon is moving from place to place, its outer end can be clamped, thereby preventing unnecessary loss of water. Modern versions of cleaning devices are already equipped with taps for adjusting the pressure, so they make it easier to “clean” the aquarium.

When cleaning, lower the end of the hose where dirt comes out below the water level of the aquarium itself. This must be done to prevent dirt from pouring back in.

In addition to the above-mentioned siphon option, there are other designs for cleaning. Most often these are electric pumps equipped with special fabric bags that filter water. However, here you need to take into account that aquarium stones can get there, so it is recommended to use them as carefully as possible.

The preference of a siphon over a conventional hose is further confirmed by the presence of “soil drilling” processes during cleaning. Although, on the other hand, dirt is much lighter than soil filler, and it should come out unhindered.

Conclusion

High-quality soil allows you to give the aquarium the appearance of a natural reservoir, creating a unique color background for its inhabitants. However, in addition to performing decorative functions, it maintains biological balance, determining the composition and properties of water. In addition, millions of microorganisms “work” in it, providing natural purification of the surrounding air.

Sometimes a situation arises when, when you go to visit friends, or simply enter a room, the first thing that catches your eye is a magnificent aquarium and beautiful fish swimming in it. It is not surprising that almost everyone has a desire to create such a work of art for themselves. But what to do if you only have enough money for an aquarium with a capacity of 40 liters? Is this a lot or a little? And what kind of fish should I put in it? And this is not to mention the subtleties associated with its arrangement. Let’s dwell on these nuances in more detail.

First steps

To start making your dream a reality, the first thing we do is buy not only a 40-liter aquarium, but also auxiliary devices, without which it will be very difficult to ensure a comfortable existence for its future residents. So, such equipment includes:

1. Filter.
2. Compressor.
3. Thermometer.

Let's consider each of them separately

Filter

This device is rightfully considered one of the most important in terms of maintaining the ideal and stable state of the entire ecosystem in the aquarium. In addition, thanks to the continuous filtration of water, you don’t have to worry about the appearance of various dangerous microorganisms, dust or leftover food in it. But, despite the apparent simplicity of operation aquarium filter, exists certain rules security that simply must be strictly observed. So, they include:

1. Avoiding leaving the device turned off for long periods of time. If this happens, then before turning it on, you must thoroughly wipe the entire device.
2. Connect the device only if all its parts are completely immersed in water. If this rule is not followed, there is a high probability of serious malfunctions that will radically disrupt the functioning of the filter.
3. Thoroughly wash the purchased device before immersing it in the aquarium for the first time.
4. Maintain a minimum distance from the bottom to the attached device of at least 30-40 mm.

Remember that even the slightest negligence can seriously affect the entire microclimate in the aquarium. And this is not to mention the serious danger to which the fish living in it are exposed.

Compressor

In some cases, this device can be called the “heart” of any vessel. This device performs one of the most important functions for maintaining the life of not only fish, but also vegetation. A compressor is necessary to saturate the water with oxygen. It is installed, as a rule, in the outer part of the aquarium, both on the side and on its back. After this, you need to connect a special hose to it, which is subsequently lowered to the bottom and connected to the sprayer. Compressors can be of several types. Depending on the installation location: internal and external. If we talk about power, then: using batteries or operating from the mains.

One of the most common mistakes made by inexperienced aquarists is turning off the compressor at night. It is this act, which outwardly seems quite logical, that can lead to irreparable consequences, since it is at night that oxygen consumption increases significantly. Also, due to the suspension of photosynthesis processes, many plants begin to use carbon dioxide.

This device is also necessary for high-quality operation of the filter. It is worth emphasizing that even the presence large quantity vegetation in the aquarium does not lead to complete oxygen saturation of all inhabitants of the underwater world. And this is especially evident when the inhabitants of the vessel are not only fish, but also shrimp or even crayfish. Also, many experienced aquarists advise testing its operation on a container with vegetation before starting to install the compressor.

Important! It is necessary to constantly ensure that such a phenomenon as oxygen oversaturation does not occur.

Heater and thermometer

Another important attribute in maintaining the normal functioning of any aquarium is the constant maintenance of the necessary temperature regime. It is very difficult to overestimate the importance of a stable temperature in a vessel, since any sudden change in it can introduce a serious imbalance into the measured life of its inhabitants. As a rule, ideal values ​​are considered to be between 22-26 degrees. If tropical fish are planned as residents of the aquarium, then it is more advisable to slightly increase the temperature to 28-29 degrees. But it is worth emphasizing that for better control of any temperature changes, it is recommended to purchase a thermometer in conjunction with the heater.

Lighting

The quality and level of light is quite important for maintaining comfortable life support in the aquarium. Therefore, it is not surprising that for the correct flow of all life processes in an artificial reservoir, you need to worry about the presence of artificial and high-quality light. So, the reduction speaks in his favor daytime depending on the time of year.

And if in the summer natural light may still be enough, then after a couple of months the need for auxiliary lighting devices will completely disappear. In addition, it should be noted that the intensity and brightness of light directly affects both the growth of fish and their well-being. And this is not to mention the fact that the visibility of what is happening in the aquarium will be practically equal to 0.

How to set up an aquarium correctly

It would seem that there is nothing complicated here. We buy an aquarium and place it in a previously prepared place, but do not be surprised if various unpleasant situations suddenly begin to arise. And all because simple safety rules were not followed during its installation. This is how they are classified:

1. Installation only on a flat surface.
2. Availability of sockets nearby. Although a 40-liter aquarium cannot boast of serious dimensions, you should not neglect placing it in an inconvenient place, thereby complicating access to it.
3. Using various nutrient substrates as soil. And keep the soil thickness in the range of 20-70 mm.

When do the fish move in?

It would seem that having installed the aquarium, you can already start populating it, but there is no need to rush here. The first step is to place plants in it to balance the water balance and create all the necessary conditions for its future inhabitants. Once the plants are planted, it will take some time for them to send out new shoots and become established.

It is worth emphasizing that during this period new microorganisms appear in the water. Therefore, do not be alarmed by a sudden change in the color of the water to milky. As soon as the water becomes clear again, this becomes a signal that the plants have taken root and the microflora of the artificial reservoir is ready to receive new residents. Once the fish are released, it is strictly not recommended to change the location of the vegetation even in the slightest or touch the soil with your hand.

Important! When transplanting fish from one vessel to another, you must ensure that there is no strong temperature difference in the new aquarium.

Cleaning the soil

Regular cleaning of the soil is one of the main parts of maintaining comfortable living conditions for the inhabitants of the aquarium. If done in a timely manner, it will not only significantly increase the optimal state of the microclimate in the vessel, but will also help to avoid causing irreparable harm to it. To carry out this procedure, you can use a hose with a siphon, and place its free part in an empty container. Next, using a blower, we remove the water from the aquarium and begin to siphon through those areas where dirt has accumulated. After completing the procedure, we replenish the missing water.

What fish are being stocked?

First of all, when settling new inhabitants into a vessel, you should take into account that they need free space to live comfortably in it. That is why it is so important to avoid even the slightest hint of overpopulation, which could lead to the fact that the ecosystem built with such care simply cannot cope with the functions assigned to it.

Therefore, it is recommended to take into account certain nuances that will help avoid difficulties with maintaining the life of the aquarium in the future. So, when planning to buy small fish (neons, cardinals), then ideal option will use 1.5 liters of water per 1 individual. This proportion applies to a vessel without a filter. With it you can reduce the ratio to 1 liter. Larger fish, such as guppies and bettas, are stocked at a ratio of 5 liters to 1 individual without a filter, and with it 4 liters to 1.

And finally, very large fish settle in a ratio of 15 liters per fish with filter. Without it, you can reduce the proportions to 13 l to 1.

Does the growth of a fish depend on the size of an artificial reservoir?

There is a theory that states that the size of the fish directly depends on the size of the vessel. And to be frank, there is a grain of truth in it. If we take, for example, capacious aquariums, then the fish inhabiting them mature much faster and increase in size. If you place the same fish in a small aquarium, the process of its growth will not stop, but the rate of maturation itself will significantly decrease. But it is worth noting that even if you are in a small container, but with proper care you can get incredibly colorful and mesmerizing appearance inhabitants of the underwater world.

But do not forget that while large aquariums do not require frequent maintenance, smaller vessels need it much more often. Therefore, you should not only add water several times a week, but also clean it regularly.

People who decide to purchase aquarium fish cannot help but be interested in such a question as aquarium design. It is important that this item is in harmony with the interior of the room where it will stand. I would like to create a real underwater kingdom. This material is devoted to various aspects of aquarium design, all the nuances are covered.

Necessary materials

Look at the photo of the beautiful design of the aquarium; you will need to additionally purchase lighting and a special device for enriching the water with oxygen. To make the inhabitants of the deep sea feel as if they were in their familiar environment, aquarium plants are needed.

Pour soil with small pebbles at the bottom, put driftwood with shells, install castles with ships, create grottoes and make a background.

If you are just planning to get into aquarium keeping, then take your time to make purchases. First, decide what kind of fish you need. Also, be guided by your own taste preferences when choosing a vessel for keeping fish.

Each inhabitant of the “aquarium house” requires special conditions of detention. If desired, a 100-liter aquarium can be turned into the Kingdom of Neptune.

Study the habits of the fish you like, especially if you want to take several species. Predator fish should not be placed in the same vessel with herbivores. Consult the seller, he will tell you which species coexist peacefully.

Priming

It is believed that the mood in the aquarium is set by the soil. It is multifunctional: it is used as a substrate for algae, natural biofilter. Soil is required for fish to live. When choosing it, you should take into account the fraction, volume and color.

Give preference to a darker tone, then the aquarium fish will not merge with the ground.

Underwater rocks with grottoes

When decorating an aquarium with your own hands, remember that you can only use safe materials that do not emit toxins. If you plan to select driftwood rocks yourself, make sure they do not release toxic toxins.

The background

For fish, the background does not play any role; this element is of great importance to the owner. You can make any aquarium background yourself and attach it. The easiest way is to paint with outside back wall of the container.

Vegetation

Living plants are “lungs”; they release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Many fish eat plant foods. And during spawning, algae become a temporary home for the eggs. Artificial vegetation juicy flowers looks beautiful.

Backlight

Light in an aquarium is the source of life. Good lighting is a must. Manufacturers produce backlights in various colors. Models are fixed at the bottom and at the top.

Decorative elements

If you haven’t decided yet how to decorate a round aquarium, take a look at ready-made solutions. Shells, castles, and ships are often used as decorative elements. You don't have to buy them from pet stores.

You can choose the diver figures yourself. The main thing is that they are not made from toxic materials. It is not recommended to use broken shells: the fish may be injured.

Directions of decorative design

If we consider classic variations, pay attention to:

• Biotope aquarium. A body of water that actually exists in nature is recreated.
• Dutch aquarium. It is also called natural. Here plants take center stage.
• Geographic aquarium. Registration is carried out for a specific region.

Many beginners in the aquarium hobby prefer amateur design options. They use skulls, amphorae and other elements as decoration. The principles stated above are not followed.

You can buy a colorful children's aquarium for your child. It should not be placed in the nursery; filtration and aeration make noise during operation and can therefore wake up the baby.

Pseudo-Sea

The special prefix “pseudo” makes it clear that the surroundings are created to imitate a marine aquarium, where brightly colored fish are stocked. Corals, large shells and polyps are placed in the aquarium.

Aquarium in modern interior can be designed taking into account the natural habitat of the fish. This is the so-called “light version” of the Dutch aquarium. Algae, stones and driftwood are placed in the vessel. An aquarist does not need to know everything about plants. It is enough if he provides them with simple care.

As for a natural aquarium, its main feature is its densely planted vegetation. To create an aquascape, you will need to study the life of underwater plants. The algae needs to be fed and it is important to use the CO2 system correctly.

A themed aquarium gives you the opportunity to realize your dreams or fantasies. Create an underwater world against the backdrop of a sunken ship or Neptune's underwater palace.

The Glo aquarium is a fashionable novelty. Everything shimmers in the pond; it looks great at any time of the day. They contain fluorescent live fish.

Most expensive option

A marine aquarium is designed for keeping saltwater fish. The marine theme always looks advantageous. However, the reservoir itself and its arrangement are expensive.

Cichlid

This aquarium contains exclusively fish from the cichlid family. Peaceful cichdids include angelfish, Pelmatochromis parrots, and Labidochromis yellow. But basically, cichlids are capricious predators, and we should not forget about this. You should not buy too many fish for one aquarium. Cichlids grow quickly, and adult angelfish have a wingspan of up to 15 cm.

The aquarium for African cichlids is a stone desert where artificial plants are placed. This arrangement resembles a natural habitat.

If you want to create an underwater garden where cichlids live, choose apistogram or parrots. When angelfish live in an aquarium, zoning the territory is simply necessary: ​​the fish often fight.

What to pay attention to

• If you want to place vegetation in a vessel, then first choose unpretentious algae. Place tall plants at the back wall, and short ones at the front.
• After planting living plants, we must not forget about spraying in the future. You should pour water into the aquarium without haste. It is better to use a small ladle or watering can for this purpose.
• There is no such thing as symmetry in nature, so avoid it when decorating. A chaotic order of placement of decorative elements is what is needed.
• Creating a balanced ecosystem with your own hands will require certain knowledge. This includes a number of important steps. It all starts with planning. When the vessel is ready and filled with soil and decorative elements, you can fill it with water.
• To prevent the composition from deteriorating due to water pressure, place it under the stream. plastic bag. Filtration, aeration and lighting are installed. After this, the inhabitants of the underwater depths are released into the aquarium.

Photo of aquarium design

An aquarium is a decoration for any interior. Today it is not just a vessel with fish, but a real work of art, which has been developed into a separate branch of the design direction with several stylistic types. The design of a modern aquarium includes various aquatic compositions of algae, stones, figures of ships and fish. Before you start decorating an aquarium with your own hands, you need to understand the basics of this art, choose the style in which the aqua design will be made, and stock up on the necessary tools.

You can stick a photo on the back of the aquarium

The bottom of the aquarium can be decorated with toys

There are several stylistic trends in modern water design. But given that this type art is relatively young and developing dynamically, new methods and ideas for aquarium design are emerging. Below is a table with the main ideas of aquascaping, its features and main components.

Aquarium design with algae and stones

You can make tunnels like this from wood and algae

	Essential elements	Peculiarities
Dutch	Densely planted plants of various shapes, colors and designs.	No more than 3 varieties of plants are used, which occupy 70% of the aquarium area; The design is based on the “rule of thirds”;
	Large stones or rock fragments, usually an odd number.	Each of them has its own name and purpose, according to Japanese philosophy.
	Bonsai and Japanese rock garden, driftwood, moss, sand soil as a symbol of the sky.	All components of this design must comply with the rules of Zen, have a certain size, shape, quantity and location.
Wabi-kusa	In the center of the aquarium there is an island or driftwood.	Equal attention should be paid to both the underwater and above-water parts of the aquarium plant.
German (paludarium)	Plants, stones, driftwood above/underwater.	A wide variety of flower plants are used, harmoniously combining both the underwater and above-water parts of the aquarium.
Taiwanese	High plant terraces, small figures and stones.	Complete imitation of a living landscape.

An aquarium with colored lighting will look very beautiful

An example of a classic aquarium with stones

There must be algae in the aquarium

General instructions for setting up an aquarium

Regardless of the style in which you decide to design your aquarium with your own hands, there are general instructions for quality work. Compliance with these instructions is the key to a vibrant and multifaceted underwater flora and fauna.

A castle in an aquarium will look very beautiful

You can put various items in the aquarium

The main rule is to isolate the fish in a separate vessel while the design idea is being implemented. It is important to fill it with water in which the organisms swam. After finishing the work, you should pour it along with the fish into a decorated aquarium.

It is also important to clean and treat all elements with disinfectants, including those that cannot be replaced. After installing all parts, you must ensure that all decorative and mechanical components are installed and functioning correctly.

Tree branches in an aquarium will look beautiful

You can decorate the aquarium with stones and shells

To create a real pond for the fish, you can decorate the aquarium with algae and wood.

Nuances of aquarium design

Some secrets for decorating an aquarium with your own hands.

• When using to decorate items collected with your own hands on the coast or in nature, you need to boil them for 6-8 minutes.
• To check an element’s suitability for aquatic design, you need to drop a couple of drops of vinegar on it: if foam and characteristic “hissing” appear, the item should not be used.
• The background gives the effect of depth. To do this, you can use special backgrounds that are sold in pet stores, or you can do it yourself - paint the outer side of the back wall in a solid, rich color (blue, green, gray, etc.).
• It is optimal to secure decorative components using fishing line or cotton thread.
• You should not use oak branches in decoration, as they release special enzymes that can color the water in the aquarium.
• You can create the effect of an uneven bottom and mound by placing an ordinary plate on it, imitating a mound.
• For small fish, it is better to use shallow soil, and for large waterfowl, it is optimal to use a combined bottom.

You can put stones in the aquarium

Example of aquarium design with sand

Aquascaping in 50 liters

Decorating a 50 liter aquarium is suitable for beginners in aquascaping. These tanks use automated systems for purifying water and saturating it with oxygen, which greatly facilitates further care. This vessel is suitable for slowly growing plants that do not require a lot of light. A nuance in this design is regular trimming of algae to ensure sufficient space for the living organisms inhabiting it. For a comfortable existence, you need to stock the following types of aquarium fish with the maximum number in such an aquarium:

• Guppy – 20;
• Danio – 10;
• Swordtails – 10;
• Pecilia – 6;
• Molinesia – 5;
• Goldfish – 1.

For large inhabitants, such as Shark Baloo, such a displacement will not be enough for a comfortable existence.

Beautiful lighting will further decorate the aquarium

An aquarium with algae and wood will look very nice

Remember, there must be enough space for the fish to swim.

Aquascaping in 100 liters

This volume of the vessel expands the boundaries of creativity. Here you can use different aquarium plants, decorating it in the Dutch style, or use a minimum of elements and create aquascaping in the style of an Iwagumi or Zen garden.

You can put a small artificial castle on the bottom of the aquarium

Home aquarium design option

For example, decoration with Eleocharis sp. "Mini" will create a soft lawn that does not grow and does not require regular mowing. You can also supplement the aquarium with a couple of stones and a driftwood with moss in the form of a bonsai. To do this, you can use Java moss, which is unpretentious in cultivation, and the only requirement for full growth is an established carbon dioxide circulation system. In dim light, Java moss will have an oblong shape and a light shade; in bright light, its texture will be denser, and its shape will be more compact and neat.

An aquarium with algae and pieces of wood will look very beautiful

You can put stones in the aquarium

The aquarium can be built into the interior opening

Aquadesign in 200 liters

Such an aquarium is an ideal environment for creating marine design. This style is the most difficult to create with your own hands, as it requires the use of special equipment to maintain the level of acidity, salt and other indicators of the condition of the water. Important detail marine aquarium– living aquarium stones and plants that prepare the water for the release of underwater inhabitants, providing it with special minerals and trace elements. It is recommended to place them directly on the bottom of the aquarium, and not on the sand. You can use real sea corals as decoration and completely reproduce the imitation of the ocean floor. Important nuance– make a step-by-step population of living inhabitants: first fish, several subspecies every 3-4 days, and after 2 weeks you can populate the aquarium with sea corals.

You can put a piece of wood in the aquarium

You can decorate the aquarium with stones

Attention! When designing an aquarium, remember that it needs to be looked after.

Creating a unique underwater world with your own hands is only the first stage of long-term work. Like any living organisms, algae and fish require regular care:

• trim overgrown algae and plants;
• clean the glass;
• vacuum the soil.

If this work is done in a timely manner, harmful nitrates will accumulate in the water and soil, which negatively affect all living inhabitants of the aquatic world. When cleaning an aquarium, it is optimal to use no chemicals, and the solution warm water and 5% vinegar.

Video: Decorating an aquarium

50 photos of aquarium design ideas:

Aquariums "Classic" Economy Line - simple, reliable, and most importantly inexpensive aquariums manufactured industrially at the automated production of the Biodesign group of companies. This is a popular and widespread series of aquariums, with a water volume from 20 to 55 liters, produced in a rectangular shape and a panoramic shape (with a curved front glass). Aquarium "Classic" is suitable for small fish, shrimp, crustaceans and herbal fish with moderate lighting needs. The “Classic” aquarium of the Economy Line series will be an excellent gift for children and beginning aquarists.

Aquarium Biodesign Classic 40

• The actual volume of the aquarium is 39 liters.
• Dimensions 45x25x42 cm (LxWxH).
• The aquarium is made of Pilkington glass from the Optifloat brand.
• The aquarium is available in five color options for the buyer to choose from.
• You can purchase an aquarium with or without a cabinet.
• Equipped plastic cover, tray and feeding hatch.
• The aquarium lid has a technical hole on the back wall for the outlet of wires and hoses.
• The aquarium lid is equipped with an LED, waterproof LED lamp.
• The aquarium has a 1 year warranty, subject to elementary rules operation.
• “Classic” aquariums of the Economy Line series have a 2-year warranty provided that basic operating rules are observed. The warranty covers the tightness of the glass container, provided there is no mechanical damage and the aquarium is installed on a Biodesign stand.

Technical features:

• All glass parts of the aquarium are made of the highest class glass from the English manufacturer Pilkington brand Optifloat™. It has exceptional transparency and the absence of any defects or uncharacteristic shades.
• Each part is processed around the perimeter using the “polished euro-edge” method, which significantly increases the strength and reliability of the container.
• When assembling aquariums, the best European innovative brands of especially durable materials are used. silicone sealants accelerated curing with a service life of at least 15 years. This sealant, unlike conventional sealants, is not subject to loss of properties when frozen.
• Lids and trays are made of high-quality impact-resistant plastic using vacuum molding and have a colored coating.
• The colored coating of the lids and trays is made using PVC, which is UV resistant and does not lose its color over time, even when exposed to sunlight.
• All covers are equipped with one LED lamp and have a system for quick installation of 2 additional lamps. By installing additional lighting, you can create lighting conditions for demanding plants and ground cover plants.

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