What better ground for the aquarium?How it should be?As a siphon and clean soil in an aquarium?Answers to all these questions, it is important for the full existence of the "residents" of the aquarium will be discussed in this article.Let's build a proper aquarium with your hands, taking into account all the nuances of the nutrient soil and its installation.
What better ground for the aquarium - the first question a man who starts to breed fish
Very often initially arrangement 'home for fish, "the question arises: what kind of soil is best for the aquarium?Although later it loses its relevance and ceases to be actively discussed.However, after time mistakes in the beginning, do not come, and as a result begin large-scale correction.
The main purpose of this article are the nuances of selection, preparation and placement of soil filler.In addition, the important fact in this regard are decorating and cleaning the bottom of the aquarium.
Initially it should be noted that the black soil to the aquarium is an essential part of its complete set.Together with elements such as the background, lighting, and additional decorative components, it gives an appreciable unique place of accommodation.At the same time, as a substrate primer provides the conditions for the existence of a whole range of micro-organisms and plants.
At the same time nourishing ground for the aquarium works as a primitive mechanism, which filters.It settles microscopic slurry contaminating the water, which significantly expands its functions.
Before buying the above filler is to determine the objectives, as well as a shared vision "of the underwater kingdom."In addition, the need to focus on key aspects of the election.
aspects of choosing aquarium soil
- presence of living plants.
- Estimated species of fish and crustaceans.
- primary colors.
- aquarium volumes of soil.
Main characteristics aquarium soil
As a small aquarium and a large analogue thereof is necessary to "decorate" with different colors.Usually the owners themselves pick jewelry.But despite this, many experts are inclined to the choice of a dark soil that allows good to view the contents of the aquarium.
If we talk about the supposed thickness, it depends on the parameters of the aquarium, as well as the number of living and inanimate objects.The approach to the issue, which is better for the soil aquarium choose strictly individual.
necessary to consider that, for aquatic plants and fish will be of significant soil differences.As mentioned above, the flora use it as a substrate for rooting and subsequent supply.Given this, it should be not only a decorative element, but also life-support.
If you believe everything the general rules of aquariums, the soil should be fine- or medium-which takes into account the power of the root systems.For underdeveloped plants can use sand, but for the strongly - coarse fraction.
Everything else should be considered and nutritious soil, since plants and fish tank right - is a place that allows them to receive nutrients.The ground is enclosed sometimes peat, clay, as well as special products, purchased in pet stores.
Attention!If you choose what is best for the aquarium ground, during its purchase is necessary to study the material from which it is made, and colors.The best option for an aquarium is a natural uncolored coating.
is also advisable to find out before you purchase the chemical composition and origin of the soil.The presence of limestone will provoke carbonates that will greatly enhance the hardness of the water.Its presence indicates effervescence.
Groups aquarium soil
- Natural soil - sand, gravel, gravel, gravel.They can be used wherever contain small burrowing species of fish and plants with weak root system.Primers
- obtained by processing natural materials by mechanical or chemical means.They satisfy almost all requirements and are available in different colors.Despite this, their bright coloration prevents natural perception of the aquarium.
- artificial soil - glass or plastic beads, made by special technology.They are completely harmless, but they can be used only where there are single plant.In addition, they are completely unsuitable for the content of burrowing fish.
Since the porosity is one of the most important characteristics of the substrate, the fine sand with a particle size of less than 1 mm unlikely to be useful.All due to the fact that in such a disturbed metabolism filler by rapid caking material.This in turn leads to decay of plant roots.
In addition, the biological balance, which should "attend" the aquarium at home, is very unstable.In this situation, even the shellfish and fish ryhlyaschimi ground, do not help.
sand having a particle size of from 2 to 4 mm, is excellent and readily available substrate.Sufficient porosity affects the metabolic processes that have long remained intact.
This option is fine for most plants having both a strong and a weak root system.In addition, it has an increased permeability of the newly formed roots.
can also celebrate the success of small pebbles, the particles of which range from 4 to 8 mm.Level of caking is significantly less than that of sand, but the formation of sludge is very slow.This type of soil is more suitable for large plants with strong root system.
pebbles and gravel decorate rather small aquarium than a big.In any case, the number of such soil to be essential to somehow be different from the crowd.Furthermore, as a separate substrate pebble and gravel are used.
is worth noting that all of the above natural soil bound by a common origin - it is small particles of granite.Their mass distribution argues accessibility for aquarium hobbyists.Moreover, color parameters such soils are of light gray and to red shades.
Among the artificial substrates is considered the most common concrete block.He has excellent porosity and low weight, which makes it indispensable for fans of fish farming and flower.During this type of transplant plants soil practically does not injure the root system.
Together with the above advantages inside of the expanded clay is an anaerobic flora - microorganisms anoxic.They purify the water from many organic compounds that appear over time in the aquarium.
to determine how much you need to ground the aquarium, you should take it into account individual parameters.Among them are marked size "fish house", as well as occupancy living and nonliving components.
Prepare soil
If there is an aquarium of 200 liters, the soil before laying its bottom it is necessary to prepare.This is especially true of the aquarium soil that is collected "on the street."Mandatory washing and boiling - a basic procedure prevents infection.
store shopping boil is not necessary, but it should be rinsed and pour over boiling water.It excludes the use of soap or other cleaning products since then wash chemical impurities from the ground will be very difficult.At least, it will take a lot of time and effort that can be used for other efficiencies.
These procedures are essential.If you are properly treated and prepared the ground for the aquarium, the price for it, even if it was essential, then it will not have special meaning for you.It is worth noting that the complete drying of the future "stone floor" do not need to wait, because the wet for him naturally.
Rock placement in the aquarium
If you follow the advice of experienced aquarists, the ground must be laid in three layers.And the content and nature of the accommodation must comply with a certain sequence.
bottom layer should consist of gravel, which is rich in iron laterite or clay.Its thickness should be 3 to 5 cm and include balls with fertilizer.In addition, there may be a mixture of microelements that do not contain phosphates and nitrates that are so harmful to plants and fish.
desirable in soil mixture to focus on iron, which is present in a chelated form.Otherwise, it will just be available for supply of flora and fauna.Besides ferrous sulfate, commonly used for horticultural feeding bushes, not suitable as it will significantly reduce the acidity of the water.
If you use the heating cables, they also fit into this layer.They should not be placed directly on the bottom, because the non-uniform heating results in cracking the glass and the aquarium at home can quickly deteriorate.Moreover, sand and clay in this case would be inappropriate - they will also be heated unevenly.
middle layer should contain peat land with impurities, is 15-25% of total bottom soil.Its thickness may be no more than 2-3 cm, as a surplus of enriched peat soil can cause rotting process.If the land is noted a large number of organic substances, it is possible to add sand.
In addition to the middle layer can be filled with trace elements and clay balls.However, it needs to be carefully trained and peat lands.Indeed, such a rule takes place for each layer.
top layer should be made of gravel mixed with sand.About 5 cm of the soil prevents turbidity due to contact with the ground peat.It is here that the stones used for the aquarium, which can be purchased in the same pet store.
If there are snails in an aquarium or fish dig in the ground, then you need to grow plants in pots or increase the thickness of the upper layer.This will prevent significant damage to their root systems.
is worth noting that the soil is usually placed in the tank evenly.Although it can be distributed in such a way that it will look like a roller coaster, which rises towards the rear wall.This option is mounting, the bottom can visually make the aquarium volume and a spectacular appearance.
Most novice aquarists spread various patterns from the ground.Since they are under the influence of water is gradually moved, these compositions are short-lived.Of course, it's not so bad, but the overall look of the aquarium could still deteriorate.
completes the procedure, which will make the aquarium 200 liters impeccable, the decor will be the installation, water filling and planting plants.This should take care in advance so as not to "slow down" the overall process of resettlement.
decoration and
For modern aquarium one laying the ground will not be enough.After all, only professionally decorated aquarium will fit harmoniously into the interior, and endlessly to please its observers.Therefore, the more responsible approach to its decoration, the more he will be able to bring joy to people around.
As mentioned above, for the full "entry" into the interior of the premises need to choose the right not only to soil, but the background with decorations.
role of scenery is no less important than the flora and fauna, which fill the aquarium.If the answer to the question of what soil is best for the aquarium has been registered previously, the need to talk about the design details.All due to the fact that the decor could mask set inside the aquarium equipment.
Types decorating floor and glass
- Snags from different kinds of wood (alder, mango, Mopani).
- colored stones.
- Marine coral and shells.
- Pebbles, black quartz, coral sand.
- Plastic and live plants.
- Backgrounds Aquarium as a film on the glass.
- various objects (castles, wrecks, arches, volcanoes, statues).
Care aquarium soil
Once the highlights have been resolved regarding the quantity and quality of the bottom of the soil, go to the question of how a siphon priming in the aquarium.Simply put, how to remove it from the bottom of accumulated sediment mud.
Of course, there are special devices called siphons aquarium, analogues of which are conventional hoses.They are elongated and flexible bulb tube length of 1.6 to 2 meters and a diameter of 2 cm. These components are connected via special holes, representing the hose with increased dimensions.
After mounting the above-mentioned purification design, it plunges into the aquarium, and well-read operations.Due to periodic air suction the water from the tank starts to pour, and the most polluted areas of soil are clean.Some aquarists during the search for an answer to the question of how to clean the soil in an aquarium can be used conventional medical syringe.
While the siphon is moved from place to place, the outer end thereof can be clamped, thus preventing excessive water loss.Modern versions of the cleaning devices already equipped with valves to control the pressure, so they are easier to carry out "cleaning" of the aquarium.
When cleaning the end of the hose should be lowered, from which the mud below the water level of the aquarium.This must be done so that the dirt does not fill back.
addition to the above embodiment of the siphon, there are other structures for purification.Most often it is pumps equipped with special fabric bags, filters the water.However, it should be borne in mind that there can get the stones for aquarium, so they are recommended to use the utmost caution.
Preference siphon hose over conventional processes is confirmed by the presence of "churning the soil" during cleaning.While on the other hand, dirt easier filling soil and it should go smoothly.
Conclusion
quality soil allows us to give the aquarium a natural appearance of the reservoir, creating a unique background color to its residents.However, in addition to decorative functions, it supports the biological balance, determine the composition and properties of water.In addition, there are "working" millions of microorganisms, providing a natural cleaning the surrounding air.
