Large aquariums: how to launch and design?

A large aquarium in the house immediately attracts the attention of others, because observing the underwater world is a pleasure. But in addition to aesthetic pleasure, the maintenance of a home reservoir carries a number of problems. Therefore, the choice must be taken with great responsibility. It is necessary to talk in more detail about the problems associated with the placement of reservoirs of the largest possible size at home.

The first and most important obstacle is choosing where to put the aquarium in the apartment. Since we are talking about artificial reservoirs of large volumes, they will need a lot of space. But the result is an excellent decoration that will delight the family for more than one year.

The second problem is the need to assert large amounts of replacement water. On average, it is required to change at least 20% of the fluid volume weekly. In this case, you need a special container and a place where it will be located. Usually, plastic barrels are bought for these purposes, which are stored in closets or bathrooms.

And the third is a completely different approach to the maintenance of equipment, which, due to the large volume of water, requires more frequent cleaning.

There are several of the most common types of glass aquariums.

• Classical. This is a regular rectangular tank and can contain any type of fish. It is ideal for creating a wide variety of natural landscapes - from the fantastic to the most ordinary.

• Corner location. This type of reservoir is usually used for the rational use of free corner space. This solution involves a huge selection of interesting ideas.

• Panoramic. It can be either rectangular or angular.The main distinguishing feature is the curved glass, which allows observers to fully enjoy the sight of the swimming fish.

Typically, large aquariums for the home are made of special high-strength organic glass. It can withstand enormous water pressure. Silicate glass, acrylic and high-strength safety glass are also used. But if you plan to start an aquarium with a volume of 400 liters or more, then you need to choose acrylic glass. In terms of price and quality ratio, it suits best.

In order for the aquarium to look aesthetically pleasing, you will need to study and implement a few simple rules. It is important that the appearance of the aquarium matches the design of the room in which it is located. The design of the reservoir should be as simple and convenient as possible, the best option Is to try to reproduce the natural habitat of your pets.

There are different styles of decorating home waters: Japanese, Dutch, pseudo-natural, natural, marine, and so on. How to arrange an aquarium, you choose.

A separate issue is the selection of fish for a huge aquarium. In home reservoirs, not only large pets are perfectly perceived, but also small ones, in groups, especially if there are several such schools. Parrots, discus, astronotuses and many others look great in artificial reservoirs. They grow to impressive sizes and look very impressive.

It must be remembered that these fish require high quality food with dyes to maintain their color. From small fish, you can choose cichlids, small barbs, neons of different colors, etc.

To begin with, the reservoir itself, soil, equipment and decorative ornaments are bought. Fish, molluscs, plants and other residents are purchased last.

There are two options purchasing an aquarium.

• Buy ready-made, from European manufacturers, fully serviceable, complete with a lid and a plastic pallet. Its price, of course, will be quite weighty.
• Just pay for the glass cube. You need to buy or make a lid and a soft substrate for the aquarium yourself. This is a budget option that will help you save money.

After choosing a tank, you should think about a special cabinet on which it will be placed. It is not recommended to put an aquarium with a volume of more than 200 liters on ordinary furniture, it may simply not withstand its weight. It must be remembered that the mass of the tank with water and equipment is slightly larger than the displacement.

When buying, be sure to you need to check the aquarium for the absence of:

• cracks;
• scratches;
• chips;
• scuffs.

You also need to make sure that the seams are tight and the lighting is working. And do not forget to get a warranty card for the product from the seller, if the warranty is provided.

Let's start gluing the background. It can be glued to the back and end walls so that less light gets in if the aquarium is positioned sideways to the window. But this is done at the request of the owner. It is better to choose the background in natural colors, so it is less annoying and hurts the eyes. A huge number of different types of products are on sale - from the simplest to 3D and an internal volumetric background that resembles a natural habitat.

Next, we lay the soil and select the decorations for the aquarium. It is better to choose natural soil, without the use of dyes. The size of the soil fraction depends on which fish and plants will live in the home pond.If artificial plants are available, regular pebbles ranging from 30 to 70 mm can be used. The height of the soil layer is up to 30 mm. If you plan to plant live plants, then the soil is used mixed and at least 40 mm high, so that the roots of the algae can strengthen.

In no case should the soil of various fractions be mixed, it should be laid in layers: first the smallest, necessary for plant roots, then larger, for fish.

Then we start decorating, installing all purchased stones, driftwood and other decorations. Before purchasing decorations and artificial algae, you must make sure that they are made from environmentally friendly materials.so that the population of the reservoir in the future does not suffer from low-quality products.

In the home pond without fail the following items must be present.

• Pump filter. The cleaning device must drive through itself from 4 to 6 volumes of the aquarium per hour so that the water remains clean and the population of the reservoir has enough air.
• Heater with thermostat. Power is calculated very simply - one watt per liter.

The equipment must be of high quality as it works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To fill the aquarium, you can use ordinary water from the water supply networks, but first you need to let it settle for several days. If this is not possible, then you will have to use chemical cleaners. In order not to erode the soil, any container is installed at the bottom, and water must flow to it. The tank is completely filled with liquid, it should be at room temperature (25-26 degrees) to prevent condensation. After that, we connect the equipment, plant live plants and leave the reservoir for several days (from 7 to 9 days). During this period, the reservoir slowly begins to run.

We check for a week for leaks, dampness or smudges. The water is completely mixed, saturated with air, and the desired temperature regime is set in the aquarium. Now everything is ready for the settlement of residents. After checking, we go to the pet store or the market and buy fish, snails, etc. It is better to plant in parts: first the first batch, give it time to adapt, and after 4-5 days start the rest. The first time (up to 5 days) to maintain the biobalance of the fish is not worth feeding - it will not harm them.

Thus, we can conclude that the beginning aquarist needs, in addition to money, to be patient. The launch of the aquarium should be measured and unhurried, and then, with a high degree of probability, you can count on the success of this event.

Next, watch the video with a master class on decorating and launching a large aquarium.