FIRST AQUARIUM - WHERE DO I START?
You have probably seen beautiful aquariums with unusual landscapes, lush plants and colorful fish and now you want to have such an aquarium in your apartment. In this regard, novice aquarists have many questions. Finding out what you need to buy in the first place can stump many beginners. Fortunately, there are many recommendations and tips to guide novice aquarists on where to start building a home aquarium.
This article will help you create your own basic aquarium. In the future, when you gain experience, you will be able to create a more advanced aquarium, but first you need to start with the basics.
What you will need to get started:
- aquarium;
- aquarium plants;
- LED lighting and timer (optional);
- water filter;
- air compressor;
- substrate;
- snags and large rocks (optional);
- CO2 (optional)
Fill the substrate into the aquarium
The amount of substrate depends on the layout of the aquarium and the plants you are going to plant. It is desirable that the layer of substrate was at least 5 cm, in this case, the plants will feel comfortable and grow well in such a soil.
Decorate the aquarium with large stones and driftwood
Place the stones and driftwood in the desired location. Do not forget to allow space for aquarium equipment (filter, heater, etc.). Do not be afraid to experiment - this is how you will achieve an acceptable result. To create the illusion of depth, it is recommended to lay the substrate obliquely, and the thickest layer of soil should be at the back of the aquarium.
Prepare the plants for planting in the aquarium
Prepare the plants you are going to plant. Remove old leaves on them and divide them into sections to make them easier to plant. Plant the plant clumps about 5 cm apart. Over time, as the bushes root and grow, they will fill in the gaps and create dense thickets that will not only serve as a beautiful green backdrop, but also in the thickets of which will hide fry and other small fish.
After planting the plants slowly fill the aquarium with water, so as not to wash the bushes along with the roots from the soil.
Install timers (optional)
Install timers and connect light sources to them. The duration of artificial light should be at least 8 hours per day.
That's it. Once you have installed the aquarium, you will eventually witness your aquarium plants growing. Of course, successfully growing a variety of aquarium plants requires a lot more technical tools than what is given in this guide, but all of the above will help you gain skills and literally install your dream aquarium in the future.
