How to decorate an aquarium?

Soil granules should have optimal sizes - from 0.2 to 0.8 mm, while it is necessary to take into account the shape - it is better to give preference to the rounded. The color of the soil can be different - it is determined by the overall concept and style of the aquarium.

Java moss

One of the best ways to add decoration to the natural, while quite unpretentious in the care and cultivation. However, there is one important condition for the normal growth of Javanese moss - carbon dioxide. In terms of lighting, it is not capricious - with a low level it takes a more elongated shape and a light color, with a high one - its structure becomes denser.

Beautiful design of the aquarium using the background is no less important than the correct location of the elements. For lovers of the most natural style, one of the best options will be to use the above-described Javanese moss, snags or other methods of decoration. Placing a special film on a double-sided tape is the simplest.

The volumetric background is somewhat more complicated, but it also looks more impressive. Decorative elements are made of polystyrene foam, as well as cork or slate tiles that create a perspective. It is important to pay attention to the composition of the means used for fixation - only non-toxic will do.

For decoration of the aquarium plants are effectively used both live and artificial, this is determined by the ecosystem and the type of fish, as well as the experience of design and cultivation of plants. It is worthwhile to give preference to artificial plants with hard water, as well as in cases when herbivorous fish inhabit the aquarium, especially with a large number of them.

When choosing plants, it is necessary to present the composition in advance - and it is necessary to take into account that the algae can cover part of the scenery, and also because of them it can be worse to see fish. Low algae are planted in the foreground, and in the background, near the walls, they are high and more luxuriant.

If you choose a plant with a long, thin stem, it is better to place it in the middle of the aquarium. One of the interesting design options for plants is their cascade landing.

It is also important to take into account the peculiarities of care for one or another algae, as well as the compatibility of the species and the speed with which the plants will grow.

Sinks, corals

Corals can also be an excellent option for decorating aquariums. Their use should not be excessive - it is worth remembering that they contain calcium carbonate, which affects water hardness. Fish that feel good in hard water use these decorative elements as a shelter, as well as for hunting or spawning.

Before placing the shells and corals, you must clean them and conduct heat treatment.

Figurines, caves, ships, etc.

The rich variety of different elements of decorating the aquarium allows you to embody any ideas and emphasize the chosen style - from the "sunken" ships and pirate symbols such as treasure chests to statues and entire cities. And if such elements are sold in finished form, then small pots or their parts, as well as clay pipes, can serve as a cave or grotto. As with the placement of any other object, it is important to take into account the types of materials from which the figurines are made.

Aquarium design rules: what to look for?

Making your own aquarium should be carried out taking into account several requirements:

• choice of design, suitable to the general concept of the room,
• meeting the needs of the inhabitants,
• security.

Briefly summarizing the issue of ensuring security, one can say the following: it is necessary to avoid sharp edges of stones, excessive content of lime and mineral impurities, and also to pay attention to the disinfection of elements - snags, stones and so on.

The design ideas of aquariums are presented in a variety, however, there are several favorite styles, each of which is characterized by its own distinctive features and virtues.

Japanese-style aquarium

The basis of this style is not so much an imitation of naturalness and nature, as the composition, which has a calming effect on the observer. A lot of it is borrowed from the rock garden, the culture of Japan, bonsai, and minimalism is the main feature. Sometimes an aquarium is completely formed exclusively by one element - stones of different sizes and always in an odd number.

Dutch style

This is a kind of underwater garden, lush pond. Style implies a very neat execution, it is more like a flowerbed with carefully sorted by all characteristics of plants. Their longline arrangement is one of the distinguishing features of this style.

Sea direction

Design a marine aquarium - one of the most popular styles. It involves filling with sea water and settling with different inhabitants - not only fish, but also other invertebrates. If you use contrasting animals, as well as various forms of plants, the marine aquarium can look very impressive.

Subspecies of the marine aquarium:

• tank, where there are saltwater fish, and decorative elements made of artificial materials,
• reef aquariums, characterized by the presence of soft corals, other animals, algae.

Making a pseudo-aquarium is no less popular lately. This option involves the use of fresh water and the inhabitants, able to live comfortably in it, as well as imitation of the sea landscape with the help of shells, light soil, corals. Blue lights designed to enhance the effect, while the creation of such a style is much easier both in terms of finance, and in relation to the forces expended.

Natural - biotope style

This style means that the owner of the aquarium brings the interior as close as possible to the natural environment. At the same time, biotope involves the most detailed reconstruction of a certain reservoir, and the collection - the choice of flora, fauna and design, taking into account the characteristics of the habitat of a certain type of fish. Of course, here the goal is often the scientific observation of the behavior of inhabitants. The geographical principle allows to demonstrate the diversity of the ecosystem of a particular region. All these styles imply the presence of sufficiently deep knowledge and are relatively more costly to perform.

Pseudonatural style is ideal for a more modest budget - it lacks pretentiousness, and unpretentious inhabitants are used as inhabitants. Registration is carried out with the help of ordinary soil, performing and filtration tasks. As the light is used diffused solar.

Conceptual solution

The presence of specific preferences of the owner of the aquarium can form the basis for creating your own style. From fabulous motifs to modern megacities, ancient temples and cosmic landscapes - you can realize any idea that will appeal.

What else to pay attention at registration?

Making custom-made aquariums allows you to choose any shape and size that is suitable for the interior of the room. Each form of the aquarium has its own characteristics of the content, and hence the decoration. The small size and round shape can make the installation of equipment and the decoration process more difficult, so the design of round aquariums, as a rule, is thought out to the smallest detail. It is also important to pay attention to the inhabitants - the modest size and specificity of the form may limit the choice. The best solution would be to place guppies, catfish, lilius, neons, microassembly, and it is also possible to populate a round aquarium with snails and other animals in case there is a cover glass. It is important to avoid overpopulation.

The soil layer should be about 5 cm, and a compressor and a filter should be a prerequisite for the design. To save space, as well as in cases of unwillingness to install a mechanical internal filter, some aquarists resort to using false - this is a great alternative to the usual ground.

If your choice fell on a corner aquarium, then you should carefully approach the issue of choosing furniture - more often it is located on a special pedestal. The design of the angular aquarium should be in harmony with the color of the cabinet and other furniture in the room. One of the design options is a transparent front wall and the presence of background images in the side parts. Corner aquarium with a cabinet is an important piece of furniture, so in many cases it is better to get expert advice or to order it according to individual measurements.

The size of the aquarium determines a lot in design. So, the happy owners of a 200-liter aquarium can boast with almost any style - the impressive size allows you to place a large number of details and decorative elements, and they will not look crowded. Contrary to stereotypes, minimalist styles look no less advantageous in the design of a large aquarium - a rock garden, for example, means that there is enough space.

Owners should give preference to slow-growing plants, if they decided on a “live” design of a small aquarium. It is important to trim them in time to avoid sprawl. Aquarium design may include original and interesting elements, such as a waterfall. To imitate it, you can draw a strip of light color on the stone with a darker sponge, and the more complex version involves the use of sand. It is blown out by the compressor that allows to imitate the movement of a stream of water.

To create a volumetric background foam will fit - it easily takes the desired shape, so you can use it to depict rocks, stones and much more, even without serious skills. Smoothing the surface of the material is possible by resorting to roasting - the ornament will melt, which will help it to take more smooth forms. After the finished element is treated with cement, sprinkled with sand and tint collector. It is better to fix it using a sealant.

The choice and the correct design of the turnkey aquarium is a difficult but fascinating task. In order to get help in the design, you can contact the professionals. The company "Underwater World" is engaged in the manufacture of aquariums to order, and also offers a full range of services - from maintenance and cleaning of the aquarium to consultation aquarist.

Natural Style Nature

Everything is clear here, nature and everything connected with it. It can be a mountain landscape, a forest, a field, a lake or an ocean. In creating a natural style, special emphasis is placed on the asymmetric nature of the forms of only natural materials and living plants (about 5 species).

Natural aquarium, recreating the biotope of South America.

Pseudonatural style

Psevdonatural registration of an aquarium is available even to the beginner. Quickly and without special financial costs. In the aquarium is placed the usual soil, plants and fish. Sunlight or weak fluorescent lamps are used as lighting. No carbon dioxide supply.

Psevdomorskie aquariums were invented by lovers of seascapes. The design is as close as possible to the seabed (corals, shells and other attributes), but freshwater fish live in the pseudo-sea aquarium.

Psevdomorskogo aquarium populated by bright cichlids.

Materials used in the design of aquariums

So, before proceeding to the design, decide which fish will live in it. After all, each need their own individual characteristics of the content. And it is precisely with this that it is necessary to reckon, and from here to make a start. It is better to once again get acquainted with the habitat and preferences of future residents, than to redo everything again. Materials for home improvement can be varied. The main technical nuance of all materials is non-toxic. Let's look at some of them.

Quite a significant element in decorating an aquarium are stones. They not only decorate, hide the installed technical means from prying eyes, but also serve as a shelter and substrate for some fledgling fishes. For aquariums suitable such stones: granite, basalt, gneiss, porphyry. In the design is better not to use dolomite, limestone, sandstone. They are only suitable for hard water aquariums. Good samples of stones can be found on the shores of lakes, rivers.

Before laying the stones should be thoroughly washed, boiled. Be sure to check for lime and metallic inclusions. To check the stone, it is enough to drop vinegar on it. If you hiss, then the composition has calcium carbonate contained in limestone. After checking the stones are thoroughly washed again. If you do not have the time and desire to mess with the processing of stones, you can purchase them at the pet store.

No need to put stones with sharp edges in the aquarium. This can cause your fish to get hurt.

All large stones, structures put on the bottom before falling asleep ground. Чтобы избежать повреждений дна, под большие камни рекомендуется укладывать листы пластика. Большие декоративные элементы лучше ставить на задний план или по бокам. Не стоит ставить по центру булыжник, который будет только отбирать драгоценную площадь.Resistance to vertical stone slabs can be imparted with silicone rubber glue.

If the stones are small, they can be put on the ground itself. But it should be remembered that the fish, undermining the ground, can be crushed by this stone. Basically, this type of decor is placed close to the walls of the aquarium or at a distance sufficient from them, so that the inhabitants of the aquarium do not get stuck. With the help of a sealant from stones, you can create various step-by-step compositions, fancy caves.

Laying the soil is the next step in the design of the aquarium. Soil - an important element of the decor. In addition to the aesthetic function, it serves as a substrate for nitrifying bacteria, plants, spawning and live fish. By selecting the desired fraction, volume, you can proceed to the choice of color. Here, as your heart desires.

The soil can either fully meet the color scheme of the aquarium, and radically different. When buying at a pet store, pay attention to what it is painted. After all, paint over time can dissolve in water.

The best soil is natural, not colored with anything. Heaters or bottom filters should be installed before backfilling. In places where plants will grow, fall asleep nutrient substrate. High relief of the bottom can be created with the help of terraces.

Natural boundaries for the inhabitants of the aquarium can be created by placing wooden elements on the bottom. The specific texture of the tree will fit beautifully into the underwater landscape of the aquarium.

• dead tree roots
• lain for many years in flowing waters
• hard wood (beech, ash, alder, willow, maple).

• with rot and mold,
• tree roots from muddy places
• polluted by industrial and agricultural waste.

The tree is cleared of dirt and bark. To reduce buoyancy of the boil, boil with salt for more than an hour, wash and leave to lie in cold water for 1-2 weeks. Water is periodically changed to fresh. After that, you can proceed to registration.

If the snag is not very large, then at the time of soaking it can be put in the toilet cistern, thereby providing it with a constant flow path and the best rinse from salt.

Aquarium decoration with shells

River and seashells, of course, look natural and beautiful. But before you put them in the aquarium, they need to be processed. Small shells are thoroughly washed with water, and large shells boil for at least 30 minutes. No need to put in the aquarium shell, treated with varnish or other protective material. To avoid injury to fish, it is better not to choose specimens with sharp edges. Remember that seashells and corals increase the hardness of the water.

Other items

The bottom of the aquarium can be decorated with an ancient castle, a sunken ship or a chest with colored stones. The scenery can be very diverse. Glass vessels, ceramic or clay pots or any other design. Original look plants planted in pots. You can diversify the color scheme of the aquarium by installing a bottom aquarium lighting in the form of a volcano.

Artificial plants for aquariums

Pet shops dazzle with an abundance and a variety of artificial plants for an aquarium. Here you can buy everything. By biological properties, artificial plants, of course, are inferior to natural ones. But with the help of them, a beginner can quite quickly and originally decorate an aquarium. In addition, artificial plants have many advantages:

• quickly and easily cleaned from algae,
• will never be eaten by inmates,
• always look new
• tolerant to water composition.

When choosing artificial plants, special attention should be paid to the quality of the product. It is better to choose plants from silk, fabric or high-quality plastic. Poor quality artificial plants in an aquarium gradually decompose, releasing paint and various harmful substances into the water.

Aquarium Background

To the decorative design of the background proceed first. This is usually the back wall. Two side walls can also be decorated. It all depends on the wishes and initial ideas.

To create the background, you can use sheet backgrounds printed on strong film. Photowall-paper of different themes, colors, shades are sold by the meter of different widths. It is better to take with a margin of several centimeters.

Fasten, as a rule, from the outside. If a thin base, you can simply moisten with water, liquid soap or glycerin, and then carefully level. If you plan to frequently change the background, it is better to use scotch. If desired, the wallpaper for the aquarium can be glued on the inside with a special sealant designed for this. But here there are certain inconveniences - a film, no matter how much you stick it tightly, it will peel off in water.

You can add volume to the back wall using the embossed background. Recently, he has gained great popularity. The price for it is quite high, but still it is in considerable demand among aquarists. Mounted inside the aquarium with silicone glue.

As a background, you can lay stones or put cork tiles.

The easiest way is to paint. And you can any. As you paint the outside of the aquarium, it will in no way affect the quality of the water and the health of the fish. But this method has its drawback. If you decide to redo something in the background design, then after painting it will be more difficult.

Also on the background you can attach bundles of Javanese moss, attached to the suction cup. Over time, they will grow and cover the wall with exquisite green carpet.

What else you need to know about the aquarium:

How to run the aquarium, read here,

article will help determine the decor What are aquariums?

Scenery in the aquarium do it yourself: underwater waterfall

A beautiful and fascinating sight will be the highlight of any aquarium. Before decorating, it is better to immediately write down all your wishes on a sheet of paper, draw a detailed drawing, decide how high and where the underwater waterfall will be.

Sand will play the role of falling water. Only a very small and clean suitable for a good visual effect. Here you will need to experiment with the selection. Still need a tube with a spray. Waterfall will work on the principle of injection. Air bubbles rise. From the pressure, small grains of sand are drawn into the tube and, rising up, fall. In order not to form a hill of loose sand, you need to experimentally select the amount of material, air pressure and the diameter of the holes of the underwater waterfall.

Summing up

Whatever the theme and style of the aquarium design you would choose, the main thing is to make the pond comfortable for the life of its future inhabitants. All decorations should be made of durable and non-toxic materials. It is the fish that will be in the center of attention, and all other decorative attributes are only a harmonious addition to the interior, which should fade into the background. I wish you success in the design and creation of your individual underwater kingdom!

The main styles of creating a unique aquarium

In modern water design there are several stylistic directions. But given that this art form is relatively young and dynamically developing, new methods and ideas for decorating the aquarium appear. Below is a table with the main ideas of aquascaping, its features and main components.

Design aquarium with algae and stones

You can make such tunnels from wood and algae.

Densely planted plants of various shapes, colors and designs.

No more than 3 types of plants are used, which occupy 70% of the aquarium area,

Registration is based on the "rule of thirds"

Large stones or fragments of rocks, usually an odd number.

Each of them has its own name destination, according to Japanese philosophy.

Bonsai and Japanese rock garden, snags, moss, sandy soil as a symbol of the sky.

All components of this design must comply with the rules of Zen, has a certain size, shape, number and location.

In the center of the aquarium is an island or snag.

Equal attention should be paid to both the underwater and above-water parts of the aquarium plant.

Plants, stones, driftwood above / underwater type.

A variety of diverse flower plants are used, harmoniously combined in both the underwater and above-water parts of the aquarium.

High vegetable terraces, small figures and stones.

Full imitation of a live landscape.

The aquarium with color illumination will look beautiful

An example of a classic aquarium with stones

In the aquarium must be algae

General instructions for the design of the aquarium

Regardless of the style in which you decide to design your own aquarium, there are general instructions for quality work. Compliance with these instructions - a pledge of bright and many-sided underwater flora and fauna.

The castle in the aquarium will look very beautiful

You can put various items in the aquarium.

The main rule is to isolate the fish in a separate vessel at the time of the embodiment of the design idea. It is important to fill it with water, in which organisms floated. After completing the work, you should pour it together with the fish in the decorated aquarium.

Also important is the cleaning and disinfecting treatment of all items, including those that can not be replaced. After installation of all parts, it is necessary to make sure that all decorative and mechanical components are correctly installed and functioning.

The branches of the tree in the aquarium will look beautiful

You can decorate the aquarium with stones and shells

To create a real pond for fish, you can decorate the aquarium with algae and wood.

The nuances of the design of aquariums

Some secrets of decorating aquarium do it yourself.

• When used to decorate items, personally collected on the coast or in nature, you need to boil them for 6-8 minutes.
• To check the element for suitability in aqua design, you should drop a couple of drops of vinegar on it: you should not use the object when there is foam and a characteristic “hiss”.
• The background gives the effect of depth. To do this, you can use special backgrounds, which are sold in pet stores, or do it yourself - paint the outer side of the back wall in a solid saturated color (blue, green, gray, etc.).
• To fix decorative components optimally with the use of fishing line or cotton thread.
• Do not use oak branches in the decor, as there are special enzymes that can stain the water in the aquarium.
• You can make the effect of an uneven bottom and an embankment by putting a regular plate on it, imitating a mound.
• For fish of small size it is better to use shallow soil, and for large waterfowl the use of a combined bottom will be optimal.

You can put stones in an aquarium

Sand Tank Design Example

Aquascaping 50 liters

Decorating an aquarium of 50 liters is suitable for beginners in aquascaping. In these tanks, automated water purification systems and oxygenation of it are used, which greatly facilitates further maintenance. Such a vessel is suitable for plants that grow slowly and do not require large amounts of light. The nuance of this design is regular pruning of algae to ensure sufficient space for the living organisms inhabiting it. For a comfortable existence, you need to populate the following types of aquarium fish with the maximum number in such an aquarium:

• Guppy - 20,
• Danio - 10,
• Swordsmen - 10,
• Percylia - 6,
• Minesies - 5,
• Goldfish - 1.

For large inhabitants, such as Balu sharks, such displacement will not be enough for a comfortable existence.

Beautiful lights will additionally decorate the aquarium.

Aquarium with algae and a tree will look very nice

Remember, the fish should have enough space for swimming.

Aquascaping in 100 liters

Such a vessel volume expands the boundaries of creativity. Here you can use different aquarium plants, making it in the Dutch style, or use a minimum of elements and create aquascaping in the manner of willow or zen garden.

At the bottom of the aquarium, you can put a small artificial lock

Home Aquarium Design Option

For example, decoration with Eleocharis sp. “Mini” will create a soft lawn that does not grow and does not require regular cutting. You can also supplement the aquarium with a pair of stones and a bonsai snag with moss. To do this, you can use Javanese moss, which is unpretentious in breeding, and the only requirement for full growth - an established system of carbon dioxide turnover. Under dim light, Javanese moss will have an oblong shape and a light shade, in bright light its texture will be more dense, and its shape will be more compact and neat.

An aquarium with algae and pieces of wood will look very beautiful

In the aquarium, you can pour stones

Aquarium can be built into the interior doorway

Aqua design in 200 liters

Such an aquarium is an ideal environment for creating marine design. This style is the most difficult to create your own hands, because it requires the use of special equipment to maintain the level of acidity, salt and other indicators of the state of water. An important detail of the marine aquarium is the living aquarium stones and plants that prepare the water for the launch of underwater inhabitants and provide it with special minerals and trace elements. It is recommended to lay them directly on the bottom of the aquarium, and not on the sand. As a decor, you can use real sea corals, fully reproduce the imitation of the ocean floor. An important nuance is to make a phased settlement of living inhabitants: first, fish, several subspecies in 3-4 days, and after 2 weeks you can populate the aquarium with sea corals.

You can put a piece of wood in an aquarium

You can decorate the aquarium with stones

Attention! Creating the design of the aquarium, remember that you need to take care of it.

Creating a unique underwater world with your own hands is only the first stage of long-term work. Like any living organisms, algae and fish need regular care:

• cut overgrown algae and plants
• do the glass cleaning
• vacuum the ground.

If these works are done in a timely manner, harmful nitrates will accumulate in the water and soil, which adversely affect all living inhabitants of the aquatic world. Optimal when cleaning the aquarium will not use chemicals, and a solution of warm water and 5% vinegar.