Among those who own fish, many have one thing in common: a banal and monotonous tub. But a few small tweaks (or a couple of more substantial changes) are enough to make any aquarium unique and vital.
Steps
Step 1. Think carefully about the size of the tub; a valid rule is to have about 5 liters of water per fish
A larger tank guarantees more space for decorations and greater well-being for the fish.
Step 2. Use the gravel as a decoration
You can buy bags of special multicolored stones to be placed on the bottom of the aquarium. They like fish and you can match the color to that of the gravel or the room. They are found in numerous forms, such as crosses, shells, rings, spheres and others.
Step 3. Apply an aquarium background
They exist with river landscapes, ocean bottoms, richly decorated aquariums. The fish feel stimulated by the images and the backgrounds are easy to attach, move and change. In addition, they add depth and charm to the aquarium.
Step 4. Purchase larger, bushy decorative plants
In addition to the varieties of plants found in pet shops, you can also find a large assortment of aquarium plants online: just do a Google search! Arrange the plants in different places and move them from time to time. Whether they are many or even just one, aquatic plants have the ability to make any aquarium beautiful.
Step 5. Choose the accessories for the aquarium
Some people prefer rocks, which give a more natural look, but shipwrecks, castle ruins, bridges and divers are also good choices. Many fish like to swim around accessories, go under bridges, or hide in decorations with holes or open spaces.
Step 6. Done
Advice
- Use gravel creatively! Don't hesitate to mix different colors or use a bright color. A good rule of thumb is to use about half a kilo of gravel for every 5 liters of water. The proportions are indicated on the packaging.
- Make sure the tank is large enough for the fish it needs to house.
- Avoid putting aggressive fish and small fish, as well as cold water fish and tropical fish into the aquarium.
- Make sure you have a filter, a thermostat, a thermometer and all other tools to ensure the health and well-being of the fish.
- It is often believed that the aquarium is large enough for all the fish you want to buy, but many times this is not the case.
- It is good to use sinking feed in the form of flakes or pellets, because with the floating one the fish risk the very painful and potentially lethal condition of "swelling"; by eating floating food, they accidentally let air into their stomachs, which can even kill them.
- Check the water at least 3 times a week to assess ammonia and nitrite levels, PH, water hardness and other parameters. Make sure you have an aquarium control kit.
- Add a personal touch! There are people who put the aquarium inside an old TV (look in the flea markets), in the bookstore and more!
Warnings
- Fish can get trapped in the cavities of the decorations. Buy only rocks that have no cavities or that have escape routes for fish that venture into them.
- Buy only fish of compatible species. Ask the shopkeeper for information or do a research before buying them. It is a great responsibility.
- Make sure the gravel has NOT been treated with soaps, detergents, bleaches or similar products that could poison the fish.
- Do not put rocks and sea shells in a freshwater aquarium.
