Setting up a 100 liter aquarium. Decorating an aquarium with your own hands: soil, driftwood, accents. Directions of decoration

Aquascaping is a long-studied art form that allows you to create an underwater landscape. The inspiration for many works comes from underwater locations, as well as natural landscapes such as mountains, jungles, deserts, waterfalls and many others. Before you create a beautiful DIY aquarium design, you will need a functional component of the aquarium environment. Some aquatic plants require that they be supplied with rich lighting and nutrients.

The low operating costs of the aquascape allow a low amount of carbon dioxide, less fertilizer and lighting. Diffused or dim lighting can be just as stunning as the plants will create beautiful highlights. For aquarium design, plants, stones and wooden driftwood are usually used.

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Types of aquascapes

The Iwagumi style is a stone aquarium design that comes from Japan. All decor elements are thin and pointed, but supported by flowing elements. large stones with an uneven surface are placed in the central part of the tank. To create an analogy with the natural environment, the stones have slopes that water can hit.

Admire the iwagumi-style aquarium.

"Ivagumi" aquascapes are often used to tall plants that are brought to the fore. The emphasis is on the rocks, not the plants. Dark and cool stones are in demand in this type of design.

Dutch style is an aquascape of many plant species. In the traditional dutch style minimal emphasis is placed on stones and snags. The choice of plants, their color and location are key factors to create a style. Dutch aquascapes visually look like dense thickets of underwater rivers. Here you can often see bright red, orange, green plants that are planted in large numbers in the foreground, center and background. This type design involves the use of the most unusual and whimsical forms of plants. It takes a lot of time, skill and patience to prepare an aquascape.

Natural style - recreates natural landscapes. Plants, driftwood and stones are arranged in such a way that they resemble a lake or river from the natural environment. This style is characterized by randomness of forms, simplicity. It uses only natural materials. The arrangement of plants, snags and stones is of key importance. Pisces are just an addition to beautiful design. Modeling natural environment requires careful planning. Plants for this aquascape require low height, and are attached to snags, stones or planted in the ground. Fish for him are chosen such that they can revive the landscape - barbs, swordsmen, tetras, neons, scalars (schooling species).

Symmetry

To make an aquarium design with your own hands, you need to know some rules for arranging parts.

The form

1. Avoid straight lines and fenced plants. Tall seedlings in the background that stretch are not recommended. At natural species there are often very few straight lines and little continuity. Best Forms- those that look like a smooth curve, or chaotic.
2. Natural curves and concavities are a plus - plants can be trimmed to create height at the edges, and lowered in the central plan, making the visual fall. This will help create more open space for the fish to swim.
3. Beveled shapes can be very attractive - triangular shapes and islands can look natural and aesthetically pleasing. Mowed dark plants look like a riverbed, which gradually becomes deep.

See how you can arrange an aquarium for 100 liters.

Foreground, middle ground and background (background)

It is important to distinguish each background of the aquarium. Each background should have both high and low plant bushes. The medium ground should consist of snags, rocks and medium sized plants. The foreground should have beautiful broadleaf seedlings such as anubias, cryptocoryne, arrowhead, aponogeton, and others.

You can make a synthesis - stones and driftwood can be planted in the foreground, and plants can be planted on any plane to improve appearance aquascape. If you can afford an open top tank, then you have more options to use rocks and driftwood that will stick out of the water.

Plants are best planted like this: starting from the foreground and ending with the background, visually "going down" down. Long-stemmed species weigh less, and are easily entangled in low plants that are in the foreground. To install rocks, stones and attach them to each other, use silicone aquarium glue. It is more secure and allows you to keep mosses, ferns and all wires in place. Also, mosses, ferns and creeping plants should be attached to a solid surface - wood or stone. Do this with aquarium glue or fishing line.

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 quality aquatic environment, the presence of aeration, regular water changes. But, even fulfilling all these simple requirements, you can notice a significant decrease in the population at one moment. 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 it is precisely such an idea that is already erroneous, since aquarium keeping is not the usual keeping of fish in some kind of enclosed space, but the whole world with their 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 performed very well antique style, 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 must be carried out regular cleaning, since in its absence, it can begin to release substances dangerous to aquatic inhabitants, seriously affecting their further 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. Most simple design is to create the background of the back wall using purchased films attached to the back wall. But it is worth noting that such a design does not always justify itself due to its artificiality.

More laborious but in an efficient way it is considered to create a backdrop using own hands and connecting fantasy. So, the first step is to seal it with a film of dark or blue tint, which will not only give the aquarium depth, but also contrast.

Also as auxiliary elements to create a unique picture, you can use both a stone and a plant, 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 magnificent design solutions 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. Then all that's left is to put her in for a few hours. clean water in order to move 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 containment of soil 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 subject of an artificial reservoir, but also personal experience 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. Moreover, once all decorative elements, used in a particular vessel, will be installed in their places; 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. Usually, ideal solution will be the placement of 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 small space for a true decoration of any aquarium, namely its inhabitants.

Nowadays beautiful and fashion design An aquarium for a person engaged in keeping and breeding fish is not just entertainment, but a matter of prestige and simply aesthetic pleasure from contemplating the results of their labors.

Psychologists say that an aquarium with fish in an apartment can calm the nerves and normalize the mental state of a person. To do this, it is enough just to organize a recreation area with an aquarium and watch the fish for at least 30-60 minutes. in a day.

Aquarium: do-it-yourself decoration

The most exciting and time-consuming task for all of us in the process of installing and filling an aquarium tank is its correct and beautiful decoration in the same style as the design of the room.

Today there is great amount accessories that can be placed in the aquarium. Do-it-yourself decoration will allow you to accurately recreate in it exactly the situation that you want to see there. Just do not forget that the main inhabitants of the aquarium are fish. And they need maximum amount free space in order to be able to swim freely.

The main components that allow you to design an aquarium (200 liters and all others) are:

• stones;
• natural and artificial algae;
• pebbles;
• various wooden elements;
• artificial decorative elements, such as locks, chests, etc.

Examples

Let's look at the following steps and examples of aquarium design:

• laying the bottom with soil;
• stones and grottoes;
• decorating the aquarium with the right background;
• application various kinds plants;
• correct selection of lighting;
• decoration of the aquarium with decorative elements.

Each of them has its own certain rules, which will be described below.

Covering the bottom with soil

The soil for the aquarium bottom is one of the main and essential attributes. Before purchasing it from a specialized store, decide what kind of aquarium you want to have, since this natural material must be purchased according to a specific purpose. Yes, yes, you heard right: a certain type of soil is taken for each target.

So, if small fish will live in your aquarium, then it is best to buy a small type of soil, and coarse-grained or mixed is suitable for large inhabitants of the tank. A similar approach is acceptable when you decide to equip your home with a Dutch-style aquarium, that is, a tank dominated by plants, not fish.

In addition, when choosing a bottom cover, you must take into account the individual habits of the exotic aquarium fish you have chosen. If you have purchased certain types of catfish, then you must remember that they are very fond of digging in the ground. Therefore, you cannot buy shallow soil for them, otherwise there will always be fog in the aquarium. To avoid this, it is necessary to purchase a bottom cover of such a size that they cannot dig it.

It is best to buy a monophonic coating for the aquarium. It is best to choose a dark-colored bottom base, as it will highlight the inhabitants of your fish house.

Before placing the purchased soil in the aquarium, it must be thoroughly rinsed or, which is ideal option, pour over boiling water.

Stones and grottoes

How is the decoration of the aquarium with stones and grottoes? These details, chosen for decoration, must be made only from natural, natural materials. They should not contain harmful or toxic impurities that, if released into the water, can lead to the death of the inhabitants of the aquarium.

In the case of self-collection of decor elements in the aquarium, do-it-yourself decoration is done only after preliminary processing of everything before collected material in order to decontaminate and check for the absence of all elements harmful to the health of the inhabitants of this tank.

Processing of stones and snags

Stones can be treated in the same way as aquarium bottom soil, but pre-treatment of driftwood is somewhat more complicated. To do this, you need to place the selected wooden decor into a container with water (so that the liquid completely covers it) and pour salt there until it ceases to dissolve, then remove the processed snag and, rinsing it clean water, place in the purchased fish tank.

Do not forget that in no case should the aquarium contain elements made of limestone, rubber, various elements, as well as elements coated with paint or enamel.

Also, do not oversaturate the aquarium with decor, especially elements. large sizes, such as stones, grottoes, etc., since this leads to a decrease in useful inner space necessary for underwater inhabitants for their vital movement.

Do not forget that large decorative elements should be placed in the corners of the container or in the background so as not to spoil the whole appearance.

Decorating your aquarium with the right backdrop

So-called the background is an important element aquarium decor. Since the background coating sets the mood for your entire brainchild, you should not choose dark and gloomy tones that carry the spirit of despondency and sadness.

There are several rear options:

• You can simply paint the back wall of the tank in a color of your choice. This path has its pros and cons. An indisputable advantage is the uniqueness and 100% originality of your brainchild. The list of disadvantages includes certain difficulties with changing the existing background (removing it with a solvent).
• Background in the form of a colored plastic film, which has an unlimited number of different variations, among which everyone can choose the most suitable for him. In addition, the price of such a film will be almost imperceptible to your pocket, and it can also be installed or removed very quickly.
• Panels and dioramas in the aquarium. Do-it-yourself decoration in this case is an ideal option, since these parts can not only be purchased at the store, but also made independently using the following available materials: small pebbles, driftwood and branches, foam and mounting foam. But we must not forget about the environmental friendliness and natural origin of the selected materials, so as not to harm the fish. Such decorative elements will always be one of a kind.

Film sticking rules

A similar film can be attached both from the outside and from inside back wall. If you want more saturated colors, then, of course, it is better to stick it from the inside.

Before sticking the film, make sure that the surface of the inner wall of the back of the aquarium is completely dry (to avoid the appearance of bumps). Treat the purchased film around the entire perimeter with a special transparent silicone sealant pre-purchased at the pet store. Never use a conventional sealant, as the consequences of its use may be irreparable for aquarium inhabitants.

If you decide to stick the film inside the aquarium, then you should not feel sorry for the silicone: it is better to coat the film very carefully, especially its upper edge, in order to avoid the possibility of peeling it off. After fixing, wait for the material to dry completely, and only then fill the tank with water.

Decoration of the aquarium with various types of plants: live or artificial

If you have purchased an aquarium and are engaged in its design, then do not forget about the purchase and planting of various types of algae. You don’t need to oversaturate the container with them, but you can’t do without them either, since they saturate the water with oxygen and are food for some fish species.

They also act as a "crèche" for newly born fish, because only by hiding in the algae can they survive, because eating their fry is common among many fish species. Those species of fish that spawn hide it on sheets of algae or under them.

Planting and caring for live aquarium plants

Before purchasing, it is best to consult with the seller in the pet store, he will help you choose the perfect suitable plants, and also tell you how to plant them in the aquarium so that they please your eyes for a long time.

In any case, there are varieties of aquatic vegetation that do not require landing in the ground. For all others, the thickness of the soil should not exceed 3-5 cm, and it is recommended to choose grains of medium or large sizes. It is this size of the soil that will speed up the process of full rooting of plants. A newly planted plant can be lightly pressed with pebbles or other decorative element. At the same time, its roots should be in a straightened state.

Choosing the right backlight

If you decide to decorate the purchased aquarium with your own hands, then do not forget about correct backlight, because not only the appearance of the tank depends on it, but also the health of its inhabitants, since strength and its spectrum are vital for plants.

To date, there is a huge number of different lights, both external and fully adapted for working underwater, so that everyone can find the option that suits him. To help the novice aquarist, many different manuals have been published that help to properly and quickly design an aquarium. The photos below will help make this process as simple and easy as possible.

Making an aquarium with decorative elements

When decorating an aquarium with decorative elements, you must remember that they must be environmentally friendly and not have harmful impurities, and in no case should you oversaturate the aquarium with them.

You can use both purchased and self-made decor.

Styles

To date, there are various styles decoration of aquariums. All of them are very richly represented in the pictures and photographs posted in our article and in various books on the aquarium business. Also in Russia they can be seen in dolphinariums. Among them, the following options for decorating an aquarium stand out:

• Biotope, which is the landscape of a single reservoir.
• Dutch design style, focusing on the richness of the underwater flora, and not on the fish.
• Geographic - an aquarium with representatives of the animal and flora a particular region.
• Pseudo-sea aquarium stylized as sea ​​bottom without plants, and its inhabitants are fish of bright colors. Since such a tank is decorated with large decorations, such as stones, corals, artificial polyps, shells, and there is almost no vegetation, it is excellent for cichlids. After all, this design of the aquarium for cichlids is ideal.
• Children's aquariums are designed in accordance with the child's favorite theme (games, cartoons, book plots, etc.).
• Marine aquarium with inhabitants living in salt water.
• Futuristic aquariums filled with luminous elements, including special hybrid fluorescent fish.
• Household and thematic containers created on the basis of human imagination.

The design of the corner aquarium is made according to the same principles as all the others. Various types and the styles of work of experts in aquarium business, known all over the world, will help you in this difficult task. We hope that the recommendations in this article will help you get a clear idea of ​​​​the future. interior decoration fish house. In addition, the photos offered by us will help to correctly and beautifully design the aquarium. They will serve as excellent visual aids.

The design scheme is based on different shapes, textures and colors. Them harmonious combination contributes to the creation of an interesting underwater world. The dark, rounded marine gravel of Monosolenium, Anubias nana and Cryptocryne "Tropica" is meant to be the base.

The light shades and sharp ends of the arachnid root Microsorum "Windeløv" and Echinodorus quadricostatus, as well as the shape of these bushes, aim to enrich the composition with a special sense of movement and life. And by strong contrast, they make it outstanding.

The soft, light green leaves of Nymphoides "Taiwan" at the surface of the water create the necessary shading. The lower tiers of the aquarium in this case are shaded, so plants are planted on them, shadow loving and related to hardy aquarium vegetation. In a specific example, these are Anubias and Cryptocoryne Tropica.

In the composition are used: one bush of Echinodorus quadricostatus, Nymphoides sp. "Taiwan", Microsorum pteropus "Windeløv", Cryptocoryne wendtii "Tropica", Anubias barteri var. nana. Subvacusta: Vallisneria sp. Asiatica and Vallisneria sp. Asiatica.

Black and blue pebbles, the size of which is 0.8-1.2 mm, are used as soil. Driftwood, dark and round stones intended to be decorative elements. A 15 W fluorescent lamp is used for illumination. 25°C is the required water temperature.

Purification is carried out carbon filter. Liquid fertilizers are applied 2 times a week for 15 milliliters. As already noted, CO2 is absent. Approximately 30 minutes a week is spent maintaining such an aquarium.

Aquarium 100 liters

You can saturate the interior with a lot of aquarium plants, or you can start from the fact that everything ingenious is simple and create an incredibly stylish, simple and harmonious interior, which will involve only 4 types of aquarium plants.


The originality of the shape and color of Ammania, Myriophyllum and Hydrocotyle will be emphasized by a very calm and soft lawn of Eleocharis sp. Mini. It doesn't need to be cut. A low and soft cover will be maintained permanently.

A special effect in the composition is achieved by the fact that the orange tops of the shoots of Ammania sp. 'Bonsai' and reddish-brown stems of Myriophyllum mattogrossense 'Red' blend seamlessly into one another. When composing the interior design of the aquarium, red plants are chosen so that cool undertones and warm oranges are in harmony with the red.

In the composition, the plants are divided into groups with the help of “Dragon” stones, which look like small rocks. This helps to visually reinforce the direction of the composition. It is viewed from right to left. The gaze involuntarily lingers on each individual plant, which allows you to consider all its details.

Plants used in the interior of the aquarium: two bushes of Hydrocotyle tripartita and Myriophyllum mattogrossense "Red". 3 packs of Eleocharis sp. "Mini", 2 bunches Ammania sp. Bonsai.

Aquarium 200 liters

It can be decorated using fairly large, lush and beautiful plants. Their relative unpretentiousness contributes to the effective launch of a new aquarium. Almost all plants are attached to stones. In order for the aquarium not to lose its attractiveness, most plants need to be trimmed in time. But this procedure is carried out only a few times a year. A small amount of liquid fertilizer and a supply of CO2 keeps the plants healthy and brightly colored.

Placed directly under a light source, Echinodorus osiris is able to acquire bright red tones. The creation of additional contrast becomes possible after a certain period of time.

To compose the composition, plants such as Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia. Bushes are attached to 3 big chunks lava. It is also necessary to purchase 5 bushes of Echinodorus tenellus and 3 bushes of Echinodorus quadricostatus and Echinodorus osiris. Microsorum pteropus bushes and fix them to 2 small pieces of lava, and to fix Pogostemon helferi you will need 5 small pieces of lava too. 2 small bushes of Microsorum pteropus "Windelov" are placed in pots.

Nutrient substrate and light gravel are used as soil. Pieces of lava, with plants attached to them, become a kind of decoration. To ensure a full life in an aquarium, you need 3 led lamp TMC Grobeam 500. They provide a natural daylight. The duration of the inclusion is about 8 hours per day.

• 1 bubble per second is the supply of CO2.
• Water temperature: 24°C.
• Filter capacity - 1000 l/h
• Less than 30 minutes a week is required to maintain such an aquarium.

Aquarium 300 liters

It is necessary to decorate it in such a way that it radiates calmness, which means you can stop at the classic design. On the left side, a towering structure of stones is being built. The gaze involuntarily concentrates on this mountain, surrounded by a flat landscape, which includes 6 Staurogyne repens bushes, 10 Echinodorus tenellus bushes and 3 Hydrocotyle tripartite bushes.

In addition to the mountain, there are two islands in the composition, which are separated by a small gorge. Heteranthera zosterifolia will help form a light green hat over a small island, and Hygrophila pinnatifida will rise sharply above another island.

Ludwigia glandulosa, Aponogeton crispus "Red" and Hygrophila sp. "Araguaia" have red-violet hues. They are bright green in Heteranthera and Rotala sp. Green. The combination of these plants is beautifully emphasized by both colors used in the composition. The sharp ends of the branches are visually softened with the help of tender mosses "Weeping Moss" and "Christmas" attached to them.

In the resulting composition, calmness and spaciousness reign, which will appeal to its inhabitants.

When developing a design, you should not forget about a sufficient amount of light: about 1 W per liter. The color of the plants at the same time will be bright and saturated, and the size is compact.

In addition to the mentioned bushes, to compose the composition, you will need 3 more bushes of Aponogeton crispus "Red", Rotala sp. "Green" and Hygrophila sp. "Araguaia". 2 bushes of Ludwigia glandulosa, 1 bush each of Hygrophila pinnatifida and Heteranthera zosterifolia, as well as 2 packs of Vesicularia ferriei "Weeping Moss" and Vesicularia dubyana "Christmas".

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 with each other. Thus, a whole system of grottoes, caves, cracks, passages is obtained, in which several fish can hide.

Other types of decorations and shelters

As such, clay shards, ceramic tubes of different diameters can be used (large ones like to be occupied by catfish and loach, small ones - shrimp), shell halves coconut. 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 finished embossed background, you can glue it yourself to back wall on silicone stones various shapes 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 of 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 covers 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.