Interesting options for decorating an aquarium. Designing a home aquarium: rules, elements, styles Aquarium design with large fish

It would seem that doing aquaristic is not difficult. But as a rule, people who have not yet tried themselves in this role think so. So, even beginners understand that the comfort and well-being of the inhabitants of an artificial reservoir depends on a huge number of various factors, such as the quality of the aquatic environment, the presence of aeration, and regular water changes. But, even fulfilling all these simple requirements, one can immediately notice a significant decrease in the population of aquatic life.

It would seem that everything is being done correctly, but the situation is not improving. And then it’s time to put an end to your dream of creating an incredibly beautiful underwater world in your room, if not for a little hint left by experienced aquarists. So, in order to avoid such negative aspects, it is necessary to pay special attention to the design of the vessel, and how to arrange the aquarium correctly will be described in detail in today's article.

What you need to design aquariums

First of all, thinking about doing aquarism, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, a vessel. But it is worth emphasizing that just such an idea is already erroneous, since aquarium keeping is not an ordinary keeping of fish in some kind of confined space, but a whole world with its own customs and rules. So, before you think about purchasing an artificial reservoir, you need to visually imagine your future aquarium. Its design cannot be imagined without such important elements as:

• pebbles;
• soil;
• decorative elements;
• vegetation.

Also, a separate place in the above list is occupied, of course, by aquarium fish. So, it is very important before purchasing them to determine your internal preferences regarding their appearance and character. And based on this, make their purchase.

Remember that each fish is an individual, so when designing an artificial reservoir, you need to take this into account. So, as a negative example, one case can be cited when African cichlids living in reservoirs with rocky shores were purchased by inexperienced aquarists and launched into an artificial reservoir with a huge amount of vegetation, which is categorically unacceptable for representatives of this species. Such a sharp change in natural conditions can cause not only serious stress for the fish, but also lead to more serious consequences.

What are the styles

Like every room, the design of an artificial reservoir also has its own design. But today there are some styles, following which you can easily choose the design of the vessel, even for those who have only recently begun to engage in aquarism. So, aquariums are:

1. Biotope. As a rule, such artificial reservoirs are decorated for a specific landscape of a river or reservoir, repeating their natural conditions.
2. Dutch. Such vessels are distinguished by the fact that the main emphasis in them is on vegetation.
3. Geographic. As you can already guess, based on the name, such vessels are designed for a specific geographical region.
4. Household or themed. Most often, such aquariums are decorated in a way that allows the imagination of their owner.
5. Futuristic. Similar artificial reservoirs, photos of which can be seen below, have become fashionable relatively recently. So they stand out from the rest by the fact that everything in them glows and phosphoresces. Such a vessel is especially beautiful in the evening.

Also, the antique style has proven itself very well, where small ceramic copies of various statues, monuments, amphoras or castles of those times can be used as decorative elements. But it is worth noting that ceramics need to be cleaned regularly, since in its absence it can begin to release substances dangerous to aquatic life, seriously affecting their future life.

In addition, some aquarists make a treasury aquarium out of their artificial reservoir, placing a sunken ship and some chests and coins at the bottom.

Background

As a rule, the design of the aquarium begins with the background. Thus, the creation of a unique rear wall of an artificial reservoir will not only become a wonderful decoration for its owner, but will certainly be appreciated by the inhabitants of the depths. The simplest design is to create a background for the back wall using commercially available films attached to the back wall. But it is worth noting that such a design does not always justify itself due to its artificiality.

A more time-consuming, but effective way is to create a backdrop with your own hands and connect your imagination. So, the first step is to seal it with a film of a dark or blue tint, which will not only give the aquarium depth, but also contrast.

Also, both a stone and a plant can be used as auxiliary elements to create a unique picture, thereby creating various cozy caves or small shelters for the fish.

Decoration of the aquarium with stones, snags

Creating an artificial reservoir design using stones, as shown in the photo, is a fairly common occurrence. So, they not only look quite stylish, but can also serve as a place for fish to spend their leisure time and spawn. Ideal for decorating an aquarium

• granite;
• gneiss;
• basalt;
• porphyry.

It is also worth noting that, for example, limestone and dolomite should be used for artificial reservoirs with hard water. In addition, it must be remembered that all sufficiently large structures must be placed on the bottom with plastic under them, until the main soil is filled up.

As for snags, their presence in the aquarium will give it a unique appearance. They are also not only a favorite place for fish to hide, but also a great place to create great designs by attaching moss to them. It is worth noting that before lowering the driftwood found, for example, in the forest, into the vessel, they must be pre-treated in order to somewhat reduce their buoyancy. So, for this, the snag must be put in an enameled container and sprinkled with salt. It is necessary to pour until the salt visually ceases to dissolve. After that, boil for an hour and wash off salt residues. Further, all that remains is to put it in clean water for several hours, in order to move it to an artificial reservoir after this time.

Priming

One of the important aspects of the design of an artificial reservoir is the selection and placement of soil. So, it is recommended to backfill it after placing serious and massive structures in the aquarium. In addition, it is also advisable to place heaters or bottom filters in the aquarium in advance. Also, in those areas where the placement of vegetation is planned, it is strongly recommended to fill the nutrient substrate.

The ideal soil thickness ranges from 40-50mm near the front wall and 60-70mm near the back. It is also worth noting that in case of unsatisfactory soil containment of vegetation or decorative elements, it is best to distribute it evenly throughout the vessel. In addition, if the creation of terraces is planned, then they are easily obtained with a high relief of the soil.

Decorating an aquarium with plants

When planning the placement of vegetation in an aquarium, it must be taken into account that its choice directly depends not only on the theme of the artificial reservoir, but also on the personal experience of the aquarist. So, for example, beginners are strongly advised to start with unpretentious and hardy plants that differ in height. So, higher, we place near the back wall, and less high - closer to the front. It is also desirable to avoid symmetry.

For example, several tall plants surrounded by stones look very original, as you can see in the photo below.

It is also very important after the planting of plants is completed, do not forget about their further spraying. This is necessary for that. to avoid algae. In addition, as soon as all the decorative elements used in a particular vessel are in place, you can glue the algae with oilcloth. This will protect them from the influence of water currents.

It is necessary to fill in water without undue haste and using a watering can or a small bucket for this purpose. As soon as the level of the aquatic environment exceeds 150 mm. you can slightly increase the speed of filling the tank with water. It is recommended to remove the oilcloth itself after the aquarium is completely filled.

Experienced aquarists recommend carefully selecting the placement of plants in the vessel. So, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the design of the room, so that the interior of the aquarium does not stand out from it, but harmoniously complements it. As a rule, the ideal solution would be to place an artificial reservoir near an empty corner or in the center of the room.

And finally, I would like to note that when planning the design of your artificial reservoir, you should remember that there is no symmetry in nature. Therefore, it is possible and even necessary to place decorative elements in a chaotic manner, but in no case should you overdo it and leave too little space for a true decoration of any aquarium, namely its inhabitants.

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. There are a large number of nuances and features that must be taken into account.

There are 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. It is necessary to repeat the natural conditions that are characteristic of the chosen place. 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, it is necessary to use various types of 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, marine species of fish are not used. 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. This option is also suitable for other forms of water. For example, a round aquarium will also look good. You can even connect several of these balls with special pipes. The whole design of the corner aquarium, as well as other containers, should be unusual. There is a separate species that has appeared quite recently: fish that phosphoresce swim in an artificial pond.

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, as they have not yet formed the necessary microflora, 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 the environment is 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.

A fairly common mistake is to put into the aquarium those species that are simply not able to get along in one tank.

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. Such forms do not exist in nature, and asymmetry is the basis of 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 plain 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 decoration for the pond 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, randomness, smoothness, curved lines are better suited.

All these tips will help to equip a 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 instead use a plastic bottle in the aquarium, 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 steps to decorate the container.

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. The interior decoration consists of special plates that need 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. Of the 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 carnegieella.
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 pond, 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. In fact, this is not such a complicated process, so 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.

Making an aquarium is an interesting, but rather complicated process, not only for a beginner, but also for a professional aquarist. It has its own features and recommendations, which it is advisable to familiarize yourself with before proceeding with the design. Let us consider in more detail the main points and main elements of decor.

The soil in a freshwater aquarium should be dark in color; on a light one, the fish lose their bright color. Choose a suitable substrate and carefully place it on the bottom with a plastic spatula or a cut plastic bottle. If there are plants in the aquarium, sprinkle the bacterial culture before laying the soil. In the future, it will promote the growth of plants. And use several layers of different substrate (sand, coarse and medium gravel). Styrofoam sheets should be placed under heavy decorations or stones. Pour the soil carefully and only into a clean aquarium without water. Make a slight slope towards the front wall. The height of the soil near the rear wall should be 5-7 cm, in some places up to 12 cm, near the front wall - 5 mm -15 mm. It is convenient to use a wooden spatula to level the substrate. If desired, you can make a light strip on dark ground. Before backfilling light gravel or sand, separate the borders of the strip with two sheets of cardboard. Pull them out very carefully. The background in the aquarium can be external and internal. The easiest option is roll film. It is sold in specialized stores by the footage. It comes in different heights and with a variety of patterns. You can also use plastic, paper, cork tiles as an external background, or simply paint the glass in dark colors. The interior background is always set before the aquarium is filled. It is made from special plates that are glued to silicone directly to glass or an additional substrate. This process is longer and requires certain skills, but the result is worth it. Shells are not the best solution for all fish. They contain calcium, affect water hardness and acidity. Any items that you buy at a pet store can be placed in the aquarium. The main thing is that they are made of safe materials (ceramics, clay, porcelain). Don't be afraid to experiment and put things in unnatural positions. As a decor, you can use pipes for supplying drinking water.

The driftwood in the aquarium looks very beautiful, but they need to be properly prepared. Choose a dense, already dry branch. Any tree will do, with the exception of oak. Oak strongly stains the water. Now clean the driftwood from the remnants of the bark, saw off or break off the excess parts. Boil the branch for 12-24 hours. Change the water periodically. You can add potassium permanganate or salt. Let it cool in the open air and lay it on the bottom of the aquarium. It is better if this is in the process of preparing the aquarium, when there are no plants yet. It is worth noting that any snag will soften the water and give it a slight brown tint.

A day or two after setting up the aquarium and checking the equipment, you can start the first inhabitants (a couple of snails, shrimp or newts). Fish are allowed in no earlier than a week later.

The bewitching beauty of the water depths has always attracted mankind. Amazing landscapes, unusual inhabitants and plants, seen once, forever remained in the memory of a person. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that most people want to create a small part of this natural miracle in their own premises.

And now, having made the long-awaited purchase of an aquarium, all that remains is to turn on your imagination at full capacity and completely surrender to the creative process. After all, there is little in the world that can compare with that feeling of pride for the bizarre and unique decorations created with such diligence and tenderness inside an artificial reservoir. But sometimes situations arise when novice aquarists do not know how to do it at home. Therefore, in today's article, we will consider all the decoration options that allow you to create a simply unique environment inside an artificial reservoir.

What are the design rules?

Before you start decorating an aquarium, you should familiarize yourself with some rules for its design. So, they include:

1. Creating an environment in the aquarium that will be as close as possible to the natural habitat of the inhabitants living in it. So, it is recommended in most cases to opt for a decor that is of natural origin.
2. Avoid overbuilding the free area of ​​the aquarium with decoration. This will not only make the artificial reservoir cumbersome, but also significantly constrain its inhabitants. Remember that the aquarium in the first place is not a decoration of the room, but a home for living creatures.
3. Creation of various shelters or caves. Also a good option would be to build a labyrinth for small aquarium fish.
4. The use of decorative ornaments only in case of special need.

It is also worth emphasizing that decorations can be both very simple and complex. For example, you can buy a real antique castle or a plain slide made of small pebbles. But there are things without which the design of any aquarium is impossible. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Sand and gravel

The role of gravel and sand in the design of an artificial reservoir is difficult to overestimate. Unlike the same clay, such soil is easy and simple to clean. The only thing to remember is that you need to buy it without any impurities. But this should not cause any difficulties, since both purified sand and gravel are sold at any pet store.

Jewelry from stones

As a rule, stones do not play any role in the life of the aquarium. Therefore, they are added only to create a beautiful picture. But even here it should be remembered that this is necessary to maintain the overall interior and without harming aquatic inhabitants. It is also recommended to select stones with a rounded shape. So, ideal for placement in an artificial reservoir:

1. Basalt.
2. Granite.
3. Sandstone.
4. Syenite.

1. Limestone.
2. Stones with sharp edges or variegated color.
3. Pebbles that have various inclusions of metals or with a strange shape.

It is worth emphasizing that it is quite easy to build various shelters or minks from stones. And this is not to mention the fact that they can easily hide some technical devices from prying eyes. In addition, special attention should be paid to their natural location in an artificial reservoir and to exclude even the slightest hint of their heaps. So, for example, for arranging a stream, the best option would be to use round-shaped stones located close to each other. Also, do not forget that dirt accumulates under the pebbles. Therefore, when cleaning the aquarium, it is recommended to raise them

Important! Before placing this type of decor in an artificial reservoir, it must be cleaned of dirt and boiled in water for at least 8-9 minutes.

Wooden decorations

As a rule, decoration in such a decor always gives the aquarium a more natural look. In addition, due to the wide variety of shapes and sizes of this material, it can be used to make various shelters for fish, as well as areas for their recreation. But even here there are certain restrictions on the use of certain types of wood. For example, it is strictly forbidden to use oak for this purpose because of the special tannins released by it into the aquatic environment. Also, do not use representatives of conifers because of the content in them of a huge amount of resin.

In order to create a high-quality and durable wooden decoration, the wood must be boiled before adding to the aquarium. After that, it is advisable to boil it in an unused dish.

As for the possible structures that can be created from this material, the grotto is, of course, the most popular. It is created in the following way. We select a stump of the appropriate size and clean it from the bark. After that, as mentioned above, boil it in water with the addition of a small pinch of salt. The maximum duration of this procedure should not exceed 30 minutes. Next, we cut an opening in the side of the wood and burn it around the edges.

It is also recommended not to immediately place the resulting product in an artificial reservoir, but to let it lie down in cold water for some time, while not forgetting to replace it once a day. And the final step is to fix the created grotto at the bottom of the aquarium with silicone or small pebbles pressed on the sides. The described method is ideal for processing snags.

Coconut Jewelry

To add originality to their artificial reservoir, some aquarists use coconut shells as a decorative design, which allows them to make a hideout for fish that is unique in its beauty.

So, first of all, we get fresh coconut. Upon returning home, we find 3 holes in its shell and drill them with a nail, drill or screwdriver. After that, we drink delicious and healthy coconut juice. Next, using a jigsaw, open the shell and remove its pulp. After that, we boil the shell and, based on our own vision and preferences, we cut out the future outlines of the intended decorative exposition. After that, we carefully fix the coconut halves on the ground of an artificial reservoir and enjoy the view of the work done.

It is also worth noting that the pile on the shell is extremely useful for some types of fish. Therefore, it will not take about 30 days for its entire surface to become completely smooth.

Bamboo jewelry

To place such a decoration in an aquarium, you should dip bamboo stems in liquid glass. This action is necessary in order to prevent a possible deterioration in the appearance of plants. Further, it is recommended to slightly strengthen the stems on a special board with openings pre-drilled in it. And most importantly, before placing the prepared composition, you should make sure that the plants are not located in the correct rows.

Making the back wall of an artificial reservoir

A special place in the design of aquariums is occupied by the decor of its back wall. And this is not at all surprising, given that the main task of an artificial reservoir is precisely to decorate the room in which it is located. But before starting work, it is necessary to take into account one important point, namely the location of its location. For example, if the vessel is on the windowsill, decorating the back side can create difficulties for the penetration of sunlight into the aquarium. But for artificial reservoirs located near the wall, this design suggests itself.

So how do you decorate the back side?

To date, there are several ways to decorate. So, the simplest is the usual coloring of the back of the aquarium with a uniform shade. But you should carefully consider the choice of color. The ideal option would be to choose light green or pink. This decision is explained by the fact that such colors will not only be pleasing to the eye, but the fish themselves will feel more secure, which will significantly reduce their possible aggression.

Important! It is necessary to select colors in such a way that they complement the rest of the decorations placed in the aquarium.

As for the second option, it consists in applying a mottled layer, which will not only not be too noticeable, but will also significantly emphasize the colors of the rest of the inhabitants in the vessel.

And, finally, one of the most popular ways to decorate the back of the aquarium is to apply all sorts of patterns or curls to it. If desired, you can do it yourself or use a stencil. But do not get too carried away with such painting. Remember that the result should not be an artistic picture, but a decoration that will be in harmony with both the landscape and other structures placed inside an artificial reservoir.

And finally, I would like to note that there are items that are strictly forbidden to be used in decoration. So they include:

1. Corals.
2. Buildings made of baked clay.
3. Plastic fish and animals.
4. Decorative plants.
5. Multicolored sand.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in decorating an aquarium, and by following these simple recommendations, you can create real works of art that will simply fascinate with their appearance.

Increasingly, most people around the world are beginning to get involved in aquarism. And this is not at all surprising, because thanks to this passion and a few simple actions, you can create a real corner of wildlife in your room that will bring joy and give a great mood to both its owner and its guests. And in today's article, we will consider in detail how you can design an artificial reservoir for 200 liters.

Choosing a 200 liter aquarium

As a rule, before thinking about creating a magnificent and intriguing underwater world in your room, you need to decide in advance on its shape. After all, it largely depends on her how harmoniously it will be combined with the interior of the room. So, an aquarium of 200 liters can be:

1. Angular. Ideal for office spaces. Due to their structure, these vessels allow you to build incredible underwater harbors or a coral lagoon in them, the photo of which is presented below.
2. Wall mounted. Registration in this way for quite a long time caused concern even among experienced aquarists. But today this option is increasingly beginning to occur both in office and in home premises.
3. Panoramic. Such vessels are distinguished by concave glass, which allows, due to this, to consider in great detail the events taking place inside the aquarium.
4. Rectangular. The standard option, which is perfect for keeping all kinds of fish, for example, such as discus, barbs, angelfish, gourami. In addition, such a vessel allows you to embody any design of the underwater landscape. And that's not to mention its high quality and fairly affordable price.

It is also worth considering that an artificial reservoir of 200 liters has an impressive weight. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a special stand for it.

We select the design for the aquarium

First of all, I would like to note that in many respects it should take into account not only the interior of the room, but also certain features of its inhabitants. So, discus prefer the presence of pebbles as soil and the presence of small snags. Others need dense vegetation and living stones. Therefore, we will consider several ways to decorate a vessel designed for 200 liters.

Pseudo-sea design

This design is perfect for aquarists who want to recreate a piece of the seascape in their premises. In addition, the pseudo-sea style is ideal for calm and peaceful fish. So what does it take to make it? First of all, a pleasant and calm background is selected in an aquarium of 200 liters. For this purpose, both photos with corals and drawings depicting water can be suitable. After that, the turn comes to the choice of lighting.

For this purpose, you can use:

• neon lamp;
• cold light;
• standard light bulb.

Important! Many aquarium inhabitants, such as discus and guar, react differently to light intensity.

The bottom is recommended to be decorated with stones. Tuff stones are best suited for this style. Also, one should not forget about the indispensable attribute of such a design as corals. Of course, you can use the design in the pseudo-sea style and without stones, as shown in the photo, but then you can forget about creating such beautiful decorative structures as coral slides.

As for the fish, as mentioned above, mostly peaceful and calm species are populated. For example, discus, panaki, cichlids.

But before populating 200 liters of its future inhabitants in an aquarium, it is necessary to take into account the ratio equal to 7 liters per individual. This is necessary in order to avoid territorial overpopulation.

Artificial Vegetation Vessel Design

In most cases, such a design, the photo of which can be seen below, is distinguished by non-standard decorative elements that bring brightness to the underwater world of the aquarium. So, first of all, the advantages of this style include:

1. High lifespan of used decorations.
2. The possibility of keeping various types of fish, which under standard conditions would cause irreparable damage to vegetation.
3. Lightness and ease of care.

So, the first step is to add aquarium gravel. This choice is due to the fact that not only cichlids, but also other fish feel more comfortable with such soil. After that, you can add artificial plants, such as driftwood with imitation Javanese moss. Next, decorate the back. For this purpose, large plants are perfect, forming the viewer's understanding of the height of the vessel, but without imposing the depth of perception. Further, if desired, you can again add a little gravel to the sides of the vessel with planting red plants.

Story design

This design allows you to maximize your imagination and turn any idea into reality. So, if you wish, you can create a fabulous meadow, the gloomy castle of Count Dracula, or even a flooded Atlantis. Various decor options can be seen in the photo below.

So, for this style, you can use ceramics that imitate both various sculptural works and models of sunken vessels. It is worth emphasizing that such decorative elements will not harm the rest of the inhabitants of the artificial reservoir, but rather serve as good shelters. For example, discus, in case of danger, will be able to hide their fry in them.

But it is worth noting that before creating such a design, it is necessary to determine the size of the decorative elements of vegetation and, of course, the fish.

biotope design

As a rule, discus, gourami, angelfish and other types of fish feel most comfortable in artificial reservoirs with conditions that best correspond to their natural habitat. That is why design in this style is not only a real art, but also vital for all the inhabitants of the vessel . But it is worth noting that in order to create such a design, you will have to work hard.

So, first of all, it is necessary to choose for him both vegetation and fish that will feel comfortable in a reproducible landscape. For example, when planning a vessel in which discus are located, it is necessary not only to constantly maintain the required temperature, but also not to forget about the presence at the bottom of the aquarium of a large number of small branches and leaves, among which discus live in their natural habitat.

Design nuances

In order for the decoration of an artificial reservoir to go as intended, you need to remember some simple design rules. So, it is not recommended to overly overload the aquarium with decor or leave too much empty space. In addition, do not forget about the simplicity and ease of subsequent maintenance of the vessel. That is why the ideal option would be the use of collapsible structures. Also, if there are fish in the aquarium that love to burrow into the ground, then it is forbidden to use large pebbles as it. The best choice would be to use sand or 1-3 mm. soil.