A design element such as an aquarium should always be intelligently combined with the size of the room. Properly selected volume, appropriate aesthetic design and mutually compatible flora and fauna are a guarantee of success for the aquarist. A 100 liter aquarium is the size that allows the designer's imagination to roam. It is this glass design that harmoniously fits into the halls and halls of institutions, recreation areas and places for relaxation, as well as household rooms of medium and large sizes. It is possible to design an entrance or a veranda.

What are the difficulties?

At first glance, it seems that such a volume of water is enough for any conceived design, that aquatic inhabitants will always feel comfortable without embarrassing each other. However, this view is superficial. To estimate how many inhabitants can be populated in 100 liters, it is necessary based on their individual characteristics. So, if the number of small guppies can reach 45, cardinals - 20, pecilia can be inhabited no more than 12. Gold, honey and lunar gourami can be freely placed no more than 7, and red-eyed tetradons or telescopes - only 2.

Plant size also matters. True, often, vegetation is able to "adjust" to the existing conditions and grow larger (or, conversely, smaller) depending on the space.

A 100-liter aquarium is populated with fish not only based on their number, but also taking into account species compatibility and similar optimal living conditions (bright lighting time, microclimate in the aquarium, the presence of plants, etc.).

Such a glass structure should be reliable, strong and practical. The requirements for glass aquariums are as follows:

• withstand water pressure;
• not form cracks, including in the places of seams;
• have sufficient transparency;
• undergo hygienic treatments;
• be environmentally friendly.

Which form should you choose?

Aquarium 100L may take various forms. According to many aquarists, the most versatile bottom shape is a rectangle, square, or polygon. The height should not significantly exceed its length (limit - the values ​​\u200b\u200bmust be equal).

Such large water kingdoms with a panoramic front glass look original. This visually enlarges the space and gives a 3d effect to its inhabitants.

Aquariums made to order can have any, even the most unpredictable shapes. In this case, you should immediately think: is it really possible to cover its surface with a lid, whether the equipment will be securely installed, whether design elements will create traumatic conditions for fish.

Tanks that are too high can create feeding problems for demersal fish, while tanks that are too low are not suitable for the growth of spherical surface plants.

The rounded shape distorts natural dimensions and limits fantasies in the design of the bottom. In addition, it is difficult to attach the pump tube or mechanical filter. In this case, an external filter for a 100 liter aquarium is recommended.

How to issue it?

You also need to be able to choose a design for a 100 liter aquarium. It is advisable to decorate the stones at the bottom with Java moss. This is a lively soft and fluffy carpet, which is justified aesthetically and functionally useful (to keep small fry safe and sound).

You can add exoticism with the help of a pink or cherry alternantera. It is better to place it on the side shelves in the upper part of the aquarium with an elongated lid. Part of the branches will be above the surface, the second part will be in the water.

Anubias can be planted in the forefront: it is small, does not take up much space and always looks fresh. A plant similar in size and shape to the blood-red lobelia is also suitable. Its color scheme will always dilute the bright greens of anubias and emphasize light ground favorably.

Considerable volume is required for giant wallisneria and Blass' cryptocoryne. And hydrotrich with its needle-like leaves can grow up to 50-70 cm in such conditions.

For aquarium owners who prefer original thickets, Cryptocoryne purpurea will be to your liking.

For the background, an openwork long-stemmed aquatic limnophila (giant) is suitable.

What kind of fish does it make sense to place in such a considerable amount?

The choice is up to the owner: to create a single harmonious "collective" or grow one big fish, giving it the necessary freedom.

100 liters of water and an aquarium can become comfortable home for Arowana or Mastacembelus redstripe. These large individuals are interesting and even exotic. Their life is measured and unhurried. Many take Mastatsembelus for a water snake, the shape of his body is so uncharacteristic. But this is a fish that can grow up to 50-60 cm in length.

Interesting red-tailed catfish. The benthic lifestyle does not prevent him from rising to the surface for water and even taking food from the hands of the owner over time.

An aquarium with a flock of glass catfish will be original, and zebrafish and one bright cockerel will give liveliness.

About design options

Today there is plenty to choose from underwater jewelry. The main thing is not to cross the line and not turn the bottom into a cluster of inharmonious objects. Improvising the remains of sunken ships or a mermaid with flowing hair is a matter of taste. But one thing is clear: the design of an aquarium of 100 liters should be in the same style.

To enhance the feeling of naturalness, you can use:

• multi-colored illumination, incl. coming from the side or from below;
• giving a feeling of neglect, for example, with the help of plants of a brown-burgundy color;
• special composition of glass, slightly opalescent under directional lighting;
• creating a feeling of moving water (using sound, special pumps and pumps).

One of the tricks is the design of the back and (or) side walls. By sealing them with a special film, you can choose the landscape you like, use the greenery of the picture with the missing natural vegetation.

Decoration of the aquarium 100 liters

Many people make a homemade back wall in a 100l aquarium. For this are used:

• PVC plates;
• stones;
• Styrofoam;
• cork bark and other materials.

It is possible to plant bushes of plants in them favorably, to create a sense of reality with the help of air bubbles (by installing the pump in a hidden way).

Where to install such an aquarium?

Making a 100 liter aquarium should not only be interesting and stylish. It should be clearly visible from all sides. In addition, to ensure proper care, it cannot be set too high or low.

It is most convenient to use special bedside tables. It is rational to place care items in internal niches. The height of such cabinets does not exceed 50-60 cm, although there are higher options. Cabinet doors can be made of glass. Then it is advantageous to choose its color in the same colors as the aquarium. With this approach to installation, it makes sense to arrange an aquarium - a 100l panorama.

Cabinet under the aquarium 100 liters must be durable and have a hygienic coating. The material from which it is made, and the production technology must exclude breakages, cracks, deflections.

Each glass house has its own secrets. With their help, he acquires individuality and style. 100 liters of water - a lot and a little at the same time. Therefore, you should not immediately purchase a lot of design details. It is much more important to provide the necessary cleaning, maintaining microclimate parameters and aerating equipment with appropriate capacities and convenient attachment mechanisms. This is what will make life in such a house comfortable and promising.

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Owners of home aquariums are very enthusiastic about its internal arrangement. After all, fish are the same living creatures and favorite pets, respectively, their home should be cozy and beautiful. Properly selected aquarium design is not only living vegetation, but also decorative design with various multiple decorative figures, snags, stones.

At the same time, it is not necessary to contact design agencies, each aquarist will be able to create an unusual and interesting composition that meets the wishes of the owner and comfortable life scaly creatures.

Styles

To date, there are several very interesting and common stylistic solutions for decorating an aquarium, allowing you to create a unique and inimitable composition inside the glass structure. For primary experiments, small aquariums with a volume of 20, 30, 40 liters will do.

If you have at least minimal experience in creating an aquarium design, you can start decorating larger volumes, at least 50 or 60 liters. But in glass structures of large sizes of 200 liters or more, it will be possible to construct a whole underwater town with multiple decorative elements. The aesthetics of the house are not important to the fish, the main thing is that the composition should include nooks and crannies where scaly creatures can hide.

You should familiarize yourself with the most common aquarium styles.

Dutch

The history of the emergence of this style begins in the 50s of the last century and since then has been widely popular in the world of aquascapers. The main characteristic of the Dutch stylization of aquariums is densely planted plants and densely arranged decorative elements that take up almost all the free space. This is especially true of the bottom of the aquarium.

During visual inspection, there should be no empty areas at the bottom of the exposure. For this reason, a large number of plants of different sizes are required, among which a contrasting combination of red and green shades is welcome.

The middle of the aquarium should be framed with snags arranged together or a structure of large stones.

Natural

When using this style, it is important for aquascapers to emphasize the maximum interconnection of natural elements. A variety of elements can be used in the composition, for example, stones or driftwood. They don’t have to be spaced far apart, but with creativity, you can group natural elements into a mysterious composition that hides a secret agenda.

Having chosen a variation of the design of the iwagumi, the aquarist will need to compose an unusual composition of figurines in the form decorative houses or ships furnished with Japanese bonsai and stones.

Of particular interest in creating a natural style is the variation in the design of wabi-kus. His hallmark is a moss tussock located above the surface of the aquatic environment.

Pseudomore

The presented style of aquarium decoration does not require large expenses from its owner. To create a pseudo-marine environment, you will need to place ordinary soil at the bottom of the aquarium and plant plants that do not require special care.As a backlight, it is preferable to use lamps with blue tones so that visually the water acquires a marine hue. As additional elements shells are used to emphasize the marine theme, do not forget about corals, and artificial shells will help to complete the design of this beauty.

The finished composition will delight the incoming guests, it will seem to everyone that they actually got on sea ​​depth. But in general, such aquariums are considered freshwater, so it is necessary to populate fish that correspond to this environment.

collection

For most aquarists, creating a Dutch style aquarium can be a difficult job, especially for beginners. Therefore, aquascapers managed to create a simplified Dutch theme, which they called the collection style. Its essence lies in the seating of small-leaved and fast-growing plants, which in a short period of time can increase in size and occupy the entire soil.

Collector style is preferred in aquariums with a minimum volume of 100 litres.

For glass structures with a smaller size, the collector design style is not recommended. Otherwise, the entire space will be covered with green plantings, and the fish and other creatures will not be left free space for existence.

rock garden

For most modern interiors It is very difficult to enter the usual styles of aquarium design in houses and apartments. So, a glass structure decorated in the Dutch style cannot be harmoniously combined with the interior of a high-tech apartment or loft. Japanese designers have managed to find a solution to such a complex issue. They were able to compose the aesthetics of the jewelry while leaving much of the underwater space unfilled.

To do this, you need to use only ordinary soil, sand, a few stones, carpet-type algae and a small flock of small fish. In this case, the most important role is played by stones. It is enough to use only 4 natural elements, where 1 should be large and be the main one, 2 stones should be of medium size and be additional.

But the 4th stone should differ in the most minimal sizes, while it is not necessary to use real stones, they can be purchased at pet stores.

Based on fairy tales

The fabulous style of the aquarium is considered the brightest and most interesting, it is especially often used when decorating aquariums in homes where small children live. Designers were inspired to develop the style of an underwater fairy tale after watching the famous cartoons "Nemo" and "The Little Mermaid". The very first fabulous composition, which appeared in the aquatic environment of home aquariums, was recognized by aquascapers and still occupies the top rung of the leadership ladder.

The main thing before registration is to strictly follow the rules for creating decor. To begin with, draw up a sketch selected from the cartoon you like, pick up fish in the appropriate color and shape. As additional elements, you may need to purchase shells of bizarre shapes and different sizes, as well as grottoes, corals with neon overflow, and artificial treasures. Small algae, unpretentious in care, will be able to emphasize the beauty of the fairy-tale world.

Children with great pleasure will spend their free time near the fabulous aquarium, especially if the design of the interior space is presented in the composition of the child's favorite cartoon.

Decorations

Before proceeding with the creation of a special underwater interior design, the aquarist needs to familiarize himself with some rules, which should be followed not only at home, but also in industrial work.

• The most important thing is the care of underwater pets. They must be removed from the aquarium and temporarily transplanted into a separate tank with the usual aquarium water, which will help to avoid injuries and stressful conditions for pets. After decorating, the fish are sent back to the aquarium with the same water.
• Particular attention should be paid to the disinfection of decorative elements that will be placed inside the glass structure.

Today, every aquarist can decorate his aquarium with the most unusual elements. They can be purchased at almost any pet store that has a section for marine and freshwater creatures.

Experienced sales consultants will help you choose the appropriate layouts of castles, shells, corals and even stones, which can be used to design an aquarium in accordance with the chosen style.

decorative background

Special attention of aquarists when creating a unique atmosphere inside the aquarium is given to the decorative background. It is sold in the form of a colorful film with different images. The background is attached to the back wall of the aquarium from the outside, which is not only convenient for humans, but also safe for the inhabitants of the aquarium. When composing the elements interior design should smoothly transition into the background frame, thanks to which the aquarium receives a visual volume.

In the recent past, in the markets one could find a decorative background with images corresponding to the underwater world. Today, everyone can buy for themselves the most unusual plain films with a variety of colors, as well as the most unusual patterns, for example, stones of various shapes and sizes or bricks. Backgrounds depicting scenes from famous cartoons are considered separately.

In large stores, you can purchase specialized kits that contain stickers and layouts that match the chosen style of decoration of the aquarium space. To date, there are voluminous decorative backgrounds on sale that are attached to the back wall of the aquarium, but only from the inside. But experienced aquarists know that such decoration can be dangerous for aquarium inhabitants.

If the background film accidentally peels off, the fish will swim behind it, and the pet will not be able to get out of this trap on its own.

natural materials

Most aquarium models purchased for decorative design the interior space of glass structures is made of synthetic resins. For this reason, artificial decorations must be thermally treated before installing them inside the aquarium and letting pets in. Along with artificial elements, natural natural decorations, such as driftwood or stones, are in great demand. A lot of time has passed since the idea of ​​decorating aquarium compositions with natural materials arose, and wooden branches are still laid out in the most unusual compositions at the bottom of the aquarium. Quite often, driftwood is used as an imitation of tree roots. In addition, from them you can create an unusual descent of the mountain slope.

In most cases, driftwood is used as a base to secure the moss, which is sold tied and attached with strings to the base. Some time later green carpet grows and forms an imitation of thickets. Some aquarists, acquiring natural driftwood or finding them on the street, do not process them, which can have a deplorable effect on the state of water and the life of the aquarium world.

Even this natural material must be boiled to rid the wood of harmful bacteria. According to a similar scheme, the processing of natural stones is carried out.

It is worth noting that the stone material, unlike the dummy sold in the pet store, looks much more natural. Just be careful when picking them up. Not all stones are suitable for decorating home aquariums, many of them release lime, which is harmful to living creatures and plants. Quartz stone, basalt, granite or sandstone are best suited as decorating elements.

When forming a stone composition, it is important to take into account the future population of the aquarium, what size they will be, their features and preferences. For example, shrimp creatures like to climb in small caves, and grottoes made of sandstone are preferable to cyclids.

living plants

Special attention in the design of the aquarium is given to plants, because they serve the fish as shelter and food. In addition, they release oxygen, which is a very important advantage for living decorations.

The main thing is that flowering vegetation is safe. Aquarists who are not experienced in this matter are best to contact the specialized department of the pet store, where sales assistants can select suitable live decorations, taking into account the growth rate, living fish and the size of the glass structure. It is strictly forbidden to collect unknown varieties of plants in wild nature and plant them inside the aquarium.

An improperly selected shrub, even a miniature size, can ruin aquarium life.

soil and sand

Extremely scrupulous should be taken to the issue of soil selection. Beginning aquarists are advised to purchase ready-made soil mixtures, since when self-manufacturing it is extremely difficult to take into account all the criteria and features of the layout of the constituent elements. For example, pick up particles of the same size, pick up all soil elements in the appropriate color scheme. Besides, it is important to consider the types of fish that will live in the aquarium, decorative background and compositional design.

In aquariums where only live plants will grow, an extra layer of soil called soylo is used. It is located between the upper and lower bedspreads of decorative soil. Soil feeds the roots of plants useful vitamins and minerals. The same applies to the sandy bottom. Although sand is rarely used in aquariums for fish.

artificial elements

To date, there is a huge variety of artificial decorations for aquariums, among which there are both miniature plant bushes and huge background walls located inside the glass structure from the back. These walls may have the design of a mountain slope or an abandoned palace of an underwater king, but it will be very interesting to look at decorative design sunken Atlantis.

The main thing is to remember that all artificial materials must be installed in freshwater aquariums; artificial decor is not suitable for marine fish.

Decoration order

An experienced aquarist without much difficulty with his own hands will be able to correctly compose a composition that matches the chosen style, having acquired the necessary decorative elements, plants and soil. And all thanks to the sequence of actions, which is very important to remember for beginner aquarium lovers.

• it is necessary to understand and choose the appropriate style for the design of the aquarium world, and then independently develop a design;
• purchase the necessary elements and decor items;
• all decorative parts, even natural stones and driftwood to process accordingly;
• fill the bottom of the aquarium with a primer layer;
• in the case of decorating a live freshwater aquarium, pour soil over the primer layer;
• the upper part is covered with decorative soil;
• carefully arrange the processed decorative elements;
• fix the equipment, namely the compressor, thermometer, lamp, heater;
• plant plants, making a hole for them;
• carefully pour water
• add underwater inhabitants to the aquarium;
• sea ​​corals are placed at the very last moment after the landing of the fish.

Beautiful and original ideas

Aqua design for fish lovers plays an important role. Simple glass jar with the presence of a pair of fish in it - completely irrelevant for a modern person. Aquarium individuals, like any other inhabitant the globe, have gone through multiple steps of reincarnation, and this applies not only to the external image, but also to the interior of their house.

So Dutch style. Here it is the beauty of greenery, smoothly passing from undersized moss to tall plants. It can be seen with the naked eye that there is no void at the bottom of the aquarium. In every corner there are beautiful bushes of different sizes, complemented by a snag in the depths.

Representing natural style aquarium space, come to mind different variants design, each of which can be translated into reality. In this case it seems that the aquascaper transferred the image of beautiful mountain peaks to the expanses of the underwater world. Aquarium inhabitants feel extremely cozy and comfortable in such an environment. At the bottom, low-growing shrubs of various shapes are visible, each of which fits perfectly into the overall composition.

Many aquarists find it very difficult to maintain a saltwater aquarium, and this is true. But you can decorate a fresh aquarium in a marine theme, so much so that no one can find the difference.

The main thing is to choose the right scenery, background and lighting. In this version, the owner of the aquarium has thought through all the details to the smallest detail. Bright corals, colorful fish, stone decorations and shells. Only an experienced master will be able to recognize the unusual style.

The beauty and sophistication of the collection style of aquarium design is subtly felt in the presented version. A neat miniature tree, located in the very center, seems to let out its roots, and the rest of the bottom is covered with fast-growing underwater grass, which is easily cut and, if necessary, pinched off.

At first glance, it becomes clear that we are talking about the style of a rock garden. If at general description it was not clear how the composition might look, then good example already makes you show wild imagination. The rocky aquarium slightly evokes coolness and at the same time fascinates with its visual lightness.

Modern dreamlike style aquariums require a modern approach. Any child will tell you that SpongeBob lives at the bottom of the sea.

To make the baby happy, in the aquarium you can make an image of the town of Bikini Bot.

A master class on decorating an aquarium for 100 liters, see below.

An aquarium with a volume of 100 liters is exactly the “golden mean” of the aqua world, which allows you to realize any ideas of the designer, enjoy beautiful view large fish, and caring for him is not as laborious as for an aquarium of 200-400 liters. Plus, this aquarium does not require the purchase of powerful expensive equipment.

So, where does the design of an aquarium of 100 liters start?

The design of a 100 liter aquarium starts with determining what kind of fish you want to house in it. According to this, you will continue to plan the ground, decorations and plants.

If these are schooling small fish, then the vegetation should be rich, and the decorations (amphoras, driftwood, stones) should provide the necessary place for shelter. If these are catfish, then you can not be zealous with vegetation, but you should take care of protection in the form of large stones and snags. Such fish as golden ones do not need to hide, and they quickly deal with vegetation. Therefore, for such fish, you create a design to your liking.

So, to design a 100 liter aquarium, you need: soil, decorations, plants. For their functional distribution, it is worthwhile to first draw a bottom design scheme or peep it from professionals. In our aquaMegaService, they will tell you how to decorate a 100-liter aquarium beautifully, they will advise best options design of the bottom of the aquarium for a specific style.

We proceed to the design of a 100 liter aquarium. We choose the soil.

What soil to choose?

It is possible to use sand, small pebbles, gravel, granite or large stones as a soil. The choice depends only on what general design you prefer: - small pebbles and large stones, shells, corals; - small pebbles or sand with a nutrient substrate, planted with ground cover plants with prominent large stones and snags; - nutritious soil with rich vegetation, smoothly transitioning from the background of high plants to the front with low; where everything is combined - a variety of plants and all kinds of snags, stones.

What should be remembered when choosing a soil?

Exceeding the standard amount of calcium in water affects its hardness. Calcium is obtained from the decomposition of corals, shells. Limit their number in the aquarium. Marble, limestone and tuff are not suitable for use in an aquarium. You will be pleasantly surprised by special aquastones. They are ready to use, they come in a variety of colors and shapes, they are eco-friendly and produced directly for aquariums.

We distribute the soil and distribute the scenery correctly according to the laws of composition. First, the scenery is set, then the soil is filled up, and only after that the plants are planted. If you decide to use large stones or ceramic products (castles, amphoras) in your aquarium design, then it is recommended to put plastic under them, which will protect the bottom of the aquarium from scratches and possible damage.

Driftwood of different plans looks beautiful. They can be bought at ready-made in an aquarium store, or you can prepare it yourself.

Having placed the decorations, we fill the substrate under the ground about 5 cm in order to keep the nutrients in it longer. Next is the ground itself. It can be distributed horizontally evenly (if there are stones, driftwood in the background - they will create the effect of depth), it can be tilted upwards towards the back wall of the aquarium (this is how perspective and depth are achieved).

The wall of the aquarium, located in the background, can be decorated with a decorative aquarium film, which is glued to the aquarium from the outside. But, it will look much more profitable plastic mesh with moss or weaving plants fixed on it. They are attached to the net with a fishing line. The grid with plants is installed at the back wall of the aquarium inside. Another of the masterpiece options for decorating the background of an aquarium is an artificial “stone wall”. You can ask about it in our store when buying or ordering an aquarium.

Now you can move on to decorating an aquarium of 100 liters with vegetation.

We fill the tank a few centimeters above the ground with water and plant the plants. Periodically it is worth spraying them with water to prevent drying out. Once done, add water to the desired level. It is worth filling the aquarium with water gradually, along the wall of the aquarium, so as not to displace all the decorations and plants.

The launch of a 100 liter aquarium will be completed after the installation of equipment in it and the settlement of fish. Learn about these nuances from our aquarium specialists. Good luck to you.

As well as several dozen articles in this feed:

The process of decorating an aquarium is a rather complicated, but very interesting task. This can be done not only by a specialist, but also by a beginner. The main thing is to get acquainted with all the rules, styles, recommendations and design secrets. Exist a large number of nuances and features that must be taken into account.

Exist various styles for the future home of the fish. Be sure to think through everything in advance, evaluate the different design options, their features, advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common options:

1. Iwagumi. This round aquarium design comes from Japan. So you can arrange and containers of a different shape. All details should have a pointed or thin shape, but at the same time they should be supported by a variety of smooth elements. Volumetric stone must be placed in the center. It will have various irregularities that water will hit, simulating the natural environment.
2. Biotope. Such an aquarium design involves the design of a container with an imitation of a landscape under a pond. Need to repeat natural conditions that are specific to the selected location. This natural decoration for an aquarium involves recreating a certain landscape, so all plants, stones, driftwood and other details should be placed so that they resemble a place near a river or lake. Making a round aquarium is also great for such ideas. You need to choose only natural materials. A feature of this design is the random arrangement of all objects. In this case, the fish are only an addition to the design itself. It is better to choose low plants and attach them to snags, soil, stones.
3. Dutch. Aquarium decorations are distinguished by the fact that the main emphasis is on vegetation. In this case, you must use different kinds plants, but the emphasis on driftwood and stones should be minimal. The choice of plant varieties and their coloration is a major factor. The equipped Dutch aquascape will look like thickets of underwater rivers. You can choose not only green, but also orange, red types of algae. They need to be planted in large numbers. To maintain beauty, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort on it.
4. Geographical. The arrangement of the aquarium in this case should correspond to a certain geographical region. And fish, too, should be chosen according to the terrain.
5. Thematic or household. The design of a small aquarium can be done on various topics. Here you can already embody any ideas. In a domestic aquarium, no style rules are observed at all. As a rule, aquarium decorations here are: castles, skulls, amphoras, even divers, etc.

Additionally

Another separate type of themed aquarium is the pseudo-marine style. The arrangement of the aquarium involves imitation of the bottom of the sea or ocean. But in this case do not use sea ​​views fish. There are only marine aquarium decorations. This is where brightly colored fish come in. In addition, starfish, artificial polyps, corals will look great. You can also install a sunken ship with chests of gold. The result is a real treasure trove.

In addition, only one type of fish can be used. A striking example is the cichlid, that is, in this case, only living creatures of the cilaceae family will live in the tank. In addition, a separate variety are industrial and show aquariums.

The design of the corner aquarium can be futuristic. Such option is suitable and for other forms of water. For example, a round aquarium will also look good. You can even connect special pipes several of these balls. The whole design of the corner aquarium, as well as other containers, should be unusual. There is a separate variety that has appeared quite recently: in artificial reservoir swim fish that phosphoresce.

They were bred not so long ago - scientists used the jellyfish gene.

There is also an antique version. Such an arrangement of the aquarium involves the use of various figurines, amphoras, monuments, castles. But you must remember that you need to clean such objects regularly.

How to choose fish for an aquarium

If a beginner has a solution with an aquarium, then it is necessary to choose fish that can withstand changes in water characteristics. In addition, their bodies must resist various diseases that are triggered by stress.

In addition, it must be remembered that peaceful and calm fish that will easily get along together are best suited for beginners.

It is necessary to take into account a large number of nuances. For example, new aquariums are often unstable, because the necessary microflora has not yet formed in them, that is, beneficial bacteria must have time to destroy pathogenic bacteria. But even if you additionally use bacterial agents that can be bought at any pet store, the conditions will still not correspond to what delicate fish require.

In addition, you need to take into account the size of the inhabitants of the future home reservoir. For example, large fish (some varieties) are able to live in containers without neighbors. Yes, and decor for them, too, as a rule, is not so important. But for others, such conditions are not suitable at all, as they experience stress, even if the water parameters are optimal. For some fish, the presence of other inhabitants in the water is very important, as this is considered a sign that Environment not dangerous for them.

It is imperative to know the water parameters and measure them periodically. Especially it is necessary to check the level of acidity of water and its hardness. Knowing these parameters, you can select certain fish that can live in such conditions. It is recommended to purchase special testers for this at the pet store.

It's not enough just to watch the water. It is necessary to choose the right inhabitants for a home pond. Before you buy this or that fish for an aquarium, you need to read about such varieties in advance.

Enough common mistake is the placement in the aquarium of those species that are simply not able to get along in one container.

In addition, many fish change color and behavior as they grow older, which should also be taken into account. Tips from experts to help you choose the right living creatures for the aquarium:

1. It is better to avoid those inhabitants who need specific food. In the first six months, it is better to keep only those fish that are suitable for eating ordinary food in the form of flakes. After another six months, you can diversify the diet.
2. Do not immediately buy a large number of different fish.
3. In the store, you need to ask the sellers how long the fish lived in the exhibition aquarium. If they just appeared here, then it is better not to buy them, since two transportations in a short period of time are a lot of stress for them.
4. Be sure to know exactly how big the fish will grow.
5. It is best to write a complete list of the types of fish that you would like to have in the future.
6. It is better for beginners not to acquire those species that are artificially bred or deformed.

There are many varieties of fish that are great for beginners. For example, the most common options are neon and guppies.

To create a beautiful aquarium design, it is recommended to use some tips from experts to help achieve the desired result.

First of all, you need to think about symmetry. It is best to avoid it so that the aquascape looks natural. In nature, there are no such forms, and asymmetry is the basis beautiful design. Attention should not be directed to the middle of the container, but a little further from it. In the center it is recommended to put the largest, brightest or most unusual detail. For example, it can be an artificial rock, a stone, a castle, a waterfall, a snag.

In addition, you can use the following tips:

1. To visualize depth, it is recommended to make a background.
2. To get the effect of an uneven bottom, you can use a simple plate and put it on the bottom, then fill it with soil. The result will be a kind of mound.
3. To fasten parts, you can use a fishing line or thread.
4. To wash the aquarium, it is recommended not to use soap and other chemicals, but a simple warm water to which you need to add a small amount of vinegar.
5. To protect the background from water, it is recommended to use special paper, which can easily be purchased at a pet store.
6. It is best to make decorations and other elements of the scenery for the reservoir with your own hands, since in most cases those sold in stores look unnatural. In addition, various shells can be collected on the beach. But they should be pre-boiled for 6 minutes to disinfect.
7. Various wooden elements must be durable.
8. It is not recommended to use oak, as it stains the water.
9. If there are small fish in the pond, then it is best to use soil with small particles in diameter. For large inhabitants, it is recommended to combine large stones with small ones.
10. Do not enclose plants and make straight lines. In this case better fit randomness, smoothness, curved lines.

All these tips will help you beautiful aquarium.

How to equip an aquarium with your own hands: the first steps

Some people think about how to properly design an aquarium. Even a beginner can do it on their own.

Making an aquarium with your own hands involves the following algorithm of actions:

1. Choose an animal. You can combine different types of fish or choose only one variety.
2. Select capacity. Pay attention not only to the size, but also to the shape. For example, it can be a rectangular, round aquarium.
3. Select soil. A dark shade is recommended, because if the substrate has a light color, then the fish against its background become not so bright, but everything needs to be beautiful. Put the soil on the bottom with a special plastic spatula. You can use it in an aquarium instead plastic bottle, which is pre-cut.
4. If special plants are provided to decorate the aquarium, then special bacterial cultures must first be scattered. Such a mandatory layer is made after all the soil has been laid out. These microorganisms will contribute to the development of plants. How to make such a bottom layer, you must know. Experts advise laying out several different layers in the form of sand, gravel of large and medium fractions.
5. Put the foam in those places where there will be a voluminous or heavy object - various stones and other decorations. In some cases, silicone glue is used to fix them.
6. Pour the soil into a clean aquarium that is not yet filled with water. Some are thinking about how to make a beautiful bottom landscape. Experts advise making a slight slope towards the front wall. Near the back wall, the height of the soil layer should be approximately 5-7 cm (if a small aquarium, then a smaller thickness is allowed). In some places, you can pour a layer of 12 cm. Near the front wall of the tank, it is best to make a thickness of about 0.5–1.5 cm. If a round aquarium is chosen, then the parameters should be left the same. To make the bottom beautiful, it is necessary to level the ground. To do this, use a regular wooden spatula. When we equip the bottom, you can make a lighter strip on a dark background. Before you fill in light sand or gravel, you need to insert 2 cardboard sheets into the aquarium with your own hands in the form of a restriction. Then pull them out very carefully.

How to equip an aquarium with your own hands: further steps

After the bottom is completely decorated, and the container is prepared, you can proceed to further action container decoration.

1. Now you can think about the background. Before thinking about how to equip it, you should know that it can be internal and external. The easiest option for decorating aquariums is to use a roll-type film. It can be purchased in specialized stores, where it is possible to choose a specific decoration pattern for the aquarium and its dimensions. In addition, you can use paper, plastic, cork-type tiles as an external background. You can make interesting decorations for the aquarium with your own hands if you paint the outer wall with dark colors. If you make an internal background, then it is always supposed to be equipped before the container is filled with water. Interior decoration is a special plate that needs to be glued to glass or a special substrate. This process requires special skills. For round aquariums, this option is not always suitable.
2. After the walls and bottom are fully equipped, you can proceed to the design of the interior space. Do-it-yourself aquarium design is easy to do.
3. Sinks are not always suitable, as they contain a large amount of calcium, which will change the acidity and hardness of the water.
4. The decor of a round aquarium or any other needs to be thought out in advance. For example, there you can put any items that are purchased at a pet store specifically for this purpose. The main thing is that the decorations in the aquarium are chosen from safe materials, for example, clay, ceramics, porcelain. Objects can be folded in an unnatural position, various experiments can be carried out.
5. Driftwood is also a common decoration, they are supposed to be pre-prepared. It is better to choose a dense branch, and then dry it. It is allowed to use any tree, the only exception is oak, as it colors the water. All residues from the driftwood are supposed to be removed. It is preliminarily supposed to boil it in a solution of potassium permanganate or ordinary water, then cool and put on the bottom. If the aquarium is small, then one snag will be enough. All this should be done before the plants begin to grow.
6. Select vegetation. Decorating the aquarium here depends entirely on the preferences of its future residents. In addition, additional factors must be taken into account. For example, if the algae are bright red, then more carbon dioxide and special mineral supplements will be needed. Still need to monitor the lighting. Then a beautiful aquarium will please the eye. In any case, before planting plants, it is necessary to trim their roots.

How to design an aquarium is a topical issue for many people. But it will not be difficult if you act strictly according to the instructions and follow certain rules. Making an aquarium with your own hands is not so difficult.

Now it remains only to wait 1-2 days, check the capacity and how the additional equipment works.

If everything is in order, then you can launch the first inhabitants - snails, newts, shrimps. Only after a week is it allowed to start the fish.

Examples of arranging an aquarium

Before you independently arrange an artificial reservoir in the house, it is recommended to look at several options.

1. Option for young aquarists. In this case, the design of a small reservoir is assumed. Its dimensions are 60x30x30 cm. Fill the soil with a thickness of 4 cm. The use of special aquarium gravel is recommended. Grains in diameter should be no more than 4 mm. In total, you need about 7 kg. Then lay out various roots, snags, stones (should not contain lime). Use a variety of easy-care plants. This decoration is perfect for a simple ancistre, red neon, cockatoo apistogram, armored catfish. Since all these specimens come from South America, it is necessary to maintain the water temperature at 25ºС.
2. Option for beginners (already adults are assumed). In this case, it is planned to equip an aquarium with a size of 100x40x40 cm. The thickness of the soil should be approximately 6 cm. For this, you need to choose special aquarium gravel, the diameter of which should be at least 3 mm and not more than 5 mm. It will take approximately 24 liters. Ate to make it and the terrace, then an additional 10 liters will be required. Decorate with stones that do not contain lime. You can make buildings from slate, decorate everything with roots and plants. Then fill with fish. For example, a fiery and Sumatran barb, a zebra danio rerio, a beautifully finned epal (it must be taken into account that it can harm algae), a 2-color labeo (in this case, it must be borne in mind that 2 or more individuals are able to conflict) are suitable.
3. Africa option. In this case, the home artificial pond will have dimensions of 160x50x60 cm. From plants, a dissected fern, spiral wallisneria, Senegalese ammania, lanceolate anubias are suitable for its design. A lily that has wavy leaves will look great. As for the fish, it is better to run phenacograms of rainbows, arnoldicht, neoleb, gnathotemus, nannethiops, ctenopom, catfish-shifter, papidocranus here.
4. South America option. In this case, the dimensions of the container will be 160x50x60 cm. The height of the soil layer should be approximately 8 cm. It is necessary to make a terrace along the entire length. Between the tiers there should be a space of 5 cm. For the base surface you need about 65 liters and another 15 liters for the terrace. Of the plants for aquariums, a large and medium Amazon, heart-leaved and herbaceous echinodorus, ludwigia, and pinnate are suitable. To make wood or stone have a green tint, you can use Java moss. From fish in such conditions, you can breed fiery and brilliant tetra, phylomena, Ramirez chromis, acara, high-finned scalar, ancister, panak, various types of corridor and marble carnegiela.
5. Asia option. In this case, the dimensions of the container will be the same as in the previous version. The soil should also be selected and designed in the same way as in the case of the Asia option. As an aquarium decoration, you can use such vegetation as a dissected fern, cryptocoryne, Thai krinum, hygrophilous oak, hygrophilous lemon, limnophila, as well as Javanese moss and fern. To make an artificial reservoir look spectacular, you can place a red-leaved rotala, a nymphaeum, in the background. Of the fish for such a home reservoir, a shark ball, a black and Sumatran barb, a Malabar zebrafish, a cuneiform rasborak, a girinocheil, a mesh botia, and a gourami are suitable.

Conclusion

Many people are interested in how to properly equip an aquarium. Actually it's not that much difficult process, so that not only a specialist, but also a beginner can cope with this task.

The main thing is to take into account all the rules for decorating an aquarium, pay attention to various important features.

Aquariums are different, but still most people keep them in order to decorate their home or office with a corner of nature. And then the main task of the aquarium is to be beautiful. It’s good if you have the opportunity to turn to professional aqua designers to design a home or office pond. And if not? Then you have to act on your own, but how, we will now tell.

Of course, aquascaping is in fashion now - decorating an aquarium in the form of a beautiful natural (but not necessarily underwater) landscape. However, it is unlikely that everyone needs to chase fashion. If you want, you can create an urban picture in your pond or a psychedelic landscape with a bright pink bottom, ultraviolet lighting and phosphorescent fish.

You can buy ready-made driftwood (for example, mangrove). Its preparation is much easier and takes less time: it is boiled for a couple of hours and soaked for one or two days.

Driftwood in an aquarium must be of the same type.

They are often decorated with plants: mosses, ferns, anubias. To grow plants to them, it is usually enough to tie them with fishing line or secure with a plastic clip for several weeks.

The function of driftwood in an aquarium is not only aesthetic. They zone the space and create shelters for fish, and in addition, they release humic substances into the water, which acidify and soften it and have a beneficial effect on the well-being of many species of fish and shrimps.

In an aquarium with aggressive cichlids, they often do this: they take several long branched snags and place them against the back wall, crossing and interlacing them. Thus, a whole system of grottoes, caves, cracks, passages is obtained, in which several fish can hide.

Other types of decorations and shelters

Clay shards, ceramic tubes of different diameters can be used as such (large ones like to be occupied by catfish and loaches, small ones - shrimp), halves of a coconut shell. Moss or fern can be grown on coconut.

All kinds of bubbling crocodiles and turtlenecks in aqua design are considered signs of bad taste, but, in my opinion, their presence is quite justified if the aquarium is designed for a child.

Back wall of the aquarium

Of course, the simplest thing here is to stick a film behind the back wall from the outside. dark color or with a discreet natural pattern, and plant tall plants in the background.

If the aquarium is without plants, then they often resort to the help of embossed backgrounds fixed inside the aquarium. It can be a ready-made sheet background made of expanded polystyrene or fiberglass.

It has a drawback: if it is not firmly glued and its edge moves away somewhere, fish and shrimps can get under it, and it can be difficult to get them out of there.

Once, for several hours, I tried to pull out or lure a freshwater stingray teenager out from under such a background. As a result, almost the entire aquarium decor and equipment had to be destroyed and then rebuilt.

Instead of a ready-made embossed background, you can independently glue stones of various shapes to the back wall on silicone or ceramic tiles. It will be beautiful, but this is a time-consuming procedure, and such a background will greatly burden the aquarium and reduce its internal space.

Decorating an aquarium with plants

This is a separate huge topic, but the basic principles are quite simple:

• low plants are planted in the foreground,
• at the back and side walls - high long-stemmed,
• sprawling bushes are usually placed in the middle ground on the sides.

The sequence of actions when decorating an aquarium

The sequence is:

1. Preparation of stones and snags.
2. Setting the background.
3. Equipment installation.
4. Placement of stones, snags and grottoes in the tank.
5. Soil filling.
6. Planting plants. Sometimes this is done with a small amount water (according to the launch rules, plants are planted a few days after pouring water, but if there are a lot of them and there are small and ground cover among them, it is very difficult to plant them in an aquarium full of water).
7. Filling with water.

These are the basic principles of aquarium design. Of course, it is not easy to make your own aquarium a masterpiece of aqua design, but this is not the main thing. It is important that you like it and enjoy looking at it.