Which soil is best for an aquarium? How much does it need? How to siphon and clean soil in an aquarium? The answers to all these questions, important for the full existence of the "inhabitants" of the aquarium, will be considered in this article. Let's build the right aquarium with our own hands, taking into account all the nuances of the nutrient soil and its laying.
What soil is best for an aquarium - the first question of a person starting to breed fish
Very often at the initial stage of arranging a "house for fish" the question arises: what soil is better for the aquarium? Although later it loses its relevance and ceases to be actively discussed. Nevertheless, after the time has passed, the mistakes made at first make themselves felt, and as a result, large-scale corrections begin.
The main goal of our article will be the nuances of the selection, preparation and placement of soil filler. In addition, important circumstances in this matter are decoration and cleaning of the bottom of the aquarium.
Initially, it is worth noting that black soil for the aquarium is an essential part of its configuration. Together with elements such as background, lighting and additional decorative components, it gives a noticeable uniqueness to the placement. Moreover, as a substrate, the soil provides the conditions for the existence of a whole complex of microorganisms and plants.
Along with this, the nutrient soil for the aquarium works as a primitive filtering mechanism. Microscopic suspensions that pollute the water settle in it, which significantly expands its functions.
Before buying the aforementioned filler, it is worth deciding on the goals, as well as the general vision of the "underwater kingdom". In addition, you need to navigate the key aspects of choice.
Aspects of choosing aquarium soil
- The presence of living plants.
- Suspected species of fish and crustaceans.
- The main color scheme.
- Volumes of aquarium soil.
Main characteristics of aquarium soil
Both a small aquarium and its large counterpart must be “decorated” with various colors. Usually, the owners themselves choose the jewelry. But, despite this, many experts are inclined to choose a dark soil that allows you to well view the contents of the aquarium.
If we talk about the estimated thickness of the layer, then it depends on the parameters of the aquarium, as well as on the number of living and non-living objects. Therefore, the approach to solving the question of which soil is best for the aquarium to choose is strictly individual.
It is worth considering that for aquarium plants and fish, the soil will have a significant difference. As mentioned above, representatives of the flora use it as a substrate for rooting and subsequent nutrition. Given this, it should be not only a decorative component, but also life-supporting.
If you believe the general rules for arranging aquariums, the soil should be fine- or medium-grained, taking into account the power of the root systems. Sand can be used for underdeveloped plants, and a coarse-grained fraction can be used for highly developed plants.
Everything else should be considered and the nutritional value of the soil, because for plants and fish the right aquarium is the place that allows them to receive nutrients. Peat, clay, and also special preparations purchased at pet stores are sometimes laid in the ground.
Note! If you choose which soil is best for the aquarium, then during its purchase you need to study the material from which it is made, and the color scheme. The best option for the aquarium is a natural unpainted finish.
It is also advisable to determine the chemical composition and origin of the soil before purchasing it. The presence of limestone will provoke the release of carbonate, which will significantly increase the hardness of the water. The presence of gas bubbles indicates its presence.
Aquarium soil groups
- Natural soils - sand, gravel, gravel, pebbles. They can be used where small burrowing species of fish and plants with weak root systems are kept .
- Soils obtained by processing natural materials mechanically or chemically. They satisfy almost all requirements and are offered in various color options. Despite this, their bright colors interfere with the natural perception of the aquarium.
- Artificial primers - glass or plastic balls made using special technology. They are absolutely harmless, but they can be used only where single plants will be. In addition, they are completely unsuitable for keeping digging fish.
Since porosity is one of the most important characteristics of the substrate, fine sand with a particle size of less than 1 mm is hardly useful. Everything is due to the fact that in such a filler metabolic processes are violated due to the rapid caking of the material. This, in turn, leads to decay of the roots of plants.
In addition, the biological balance that should “visit” the aquarium at home is very unstable. In this situation, even mollusks and fish, loosening the soil, do not help.
Sand having a particle size of 2 to 4 mm will be an excellent and readily available substrate. Sufficient porosity affects metabolic processes, which for a long time remain in their original form.
This option is quite suitable for most plants having both a powerful and weak root system. In addition, it has increased permeability to newly formed roots.
You can also note the success of small pebbles, particles of which vary from 4 to 8 mm. The level of caking is much lower than that of sand, but the formation of sludge is very slow. This type of soil is more suitable for large plants with a strong root system.
Coarse pebbles and gravel will decorate a small aquarium rather than a large one. In any case, the amount of such soil should be substantial in order to at least somehow differ against the general background. In addition, pebbles and gravel are not used as an independent substrate.
It is worth noting that all the aforementioned natural soils are connected by a common origin - these are small particles of granite. Their mass distribution argues accessibility for aquarium lovers. Moreover, the color parameters of such primers are from light gray to red shades.
Among artificial substrates, expanded clay is considered the most common. It has excellent porosity and low weight, which makes it indispensable for lovers of fish farming and gardeners. During plant transplantation, this type of soil practically does not injure root systems.
Together with the above advantages, the inner part of expanded clay is an anaerobic flora - oxygen-free microorganisms. They purify water from numerous organic compounds that appear in the aquarium over time.
To determine how much soil is needed in the aquarium, it is necessary to take into account its individual parameters. Among them are the sizes of the "house for fish", as well as the occupancy rate of living and non-living components.
Soil preparation
If there is an aquarium of 200 liters, then before laying the soil, its bottom must be prepared. This is especially true of the aquarium soil, which is collected "on the street." Mandatory rinsing and boiling are the main procedures that prevent infection.
There is no need to boil a store purchase, but it must be washed and rinsed with boiling water. This eliminates the use of soap or other cleaning products, since subsequently it will be very difficult to wash chemical impurities from the soil. At the very least, it will take a lot of time and energy, which can be used for other useful actions.
These procedures are fundamental. If you properly processed and prepared the soil for the aquarium, the price for it, even if it was significant, will subsequently no longer be of particular importance to you. It is worth noting that there is no need to wait for the full drying of the future “stone bottom”, since a wet state is natural for him.
Placing the soil in the aquarium
If you follow the recommendations of experienced aquarists, then the soil should be laid in three layers. Moreover, the content and nature of the placement must correspond to a certain sequence.
The bottom layer should consist of gravel, which is enriched with laterite iron or clay. Its thickness should be from 3 to 5 cm and include balls with fertilizer. In addition, there may be a mixture of trace elements that do not contain phosphates and nitrites, which are so harmful to plants and fish.
It is advisable in the soil mixture to focus on iron, which is present in chelated form. Otherwise, it will be simply unavailable for food to representatives of flora and fauna. In addition, iron sulfate, usually used for feeding garden bushes, will not work, since it will significantly reduce the acidity of water.
If heating cables are used, they are also laid in this layer. They should not be located directly at the bottom, because uneven heating leads to cracking of the glass, and the aquarium at home can quickly deteriorate. In addition, sand and clay in this case will be inappropriate - they will also heat up unevenly.
The middle layer should contain land with impurities of peat, which makes up 15-25% of the total volume of bottom soil. Its thickness can be no more than 2-3 cm, since an overabundance of peat-enriched soil can provoke a rotting process. If a large amount of organic substances is noted in the earth, then it can be supplemented with sand.
In addition to everything, the middle layer can be filled with trace elements and clay balls. However, this requires careful preparation of peat and land. As a matter of fact, such a rule holds for each layer.
The top layer should be of fine gravel mixed with sand. About 5 cm of such soil prevents clouding of water due to the contact of peat with the ground. It is here that stones for the aquarium are used, which can be purchased at the same pet store.
If snails or fish digging in the soil are present in the aquarium, 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.
It is worth noting that usually the soil in the aquarium is placed unevenly. Although it can be distributed in such a way that it will look like a slide that rises to the back wall. This version of the bottom cover can visually give the aquarium volume and a more spectacular appearance.
Most beginner aquarists lay out various drawings from the ground. Since they gradually move under the influence of water, these compositions are short-lived. Of course, this is not so scary, but the general appearance of the aquarium can still deteriorate.
The final procedures that will make an aquarium of 200 liters impeccable will be the installation of decor, pouring water and planting plants. You need to take care of this in advance so as not to “slow down” the overall process of arrangement.
Decoration and decoration
For modern aquariums, one laying of the soil will not be enough. Indeed, only a professionally designed aquarium can harmoniously fit into the interior and delight its observers for an infinitely long time. Therefore, the more responsible the approach to decorating it will be, the more it will be able to bring joy to people around.
As mentioned above, for a full "entry" into the interior of the room, you need to correctly select not only the ground, but also the background with decorative elements.
The role of the scenery is no less important than the representatives of the flora and fauna that fill the aquarium. If the answer to the question, which soil is better for the aquarium, has already been registered earlier, then you need to talk more about design. This is explained by the fact that the decor will be able to mask the equipment installed inside the aquarium.
Types of decoration of the bottom and glass
- Driftwood from different types of wood (alder, mango, mopani).
- Multi-colored stones.
- Sea corals and shells.
- Pebbles, black quartz, coral sand.
- Plastic and living plants.
- Backgrounds for the aquarium in the form of a film on glass.
- Various objects (castles, sunken ships, arches, volcanoes, statues).
Aquarium soil care
Once the main points regarding the quantity and quality of the bottom soil have been resolved, we should move on to the question of how to siphon the soil in the aquarium. Simply put, how to remove accumulated mud sediment from its bottom.
Of course, there are special devices called aquarium siphons, the analogues of which are ordinary hoses. They are elongated flasks and flexible tubes with a length of 1.6 to 2 m and a diameter of up to 2 cm. These components are connected through special holes, representing a hose with increased dimensions.
After installing the aforementioned cleaning structure, it plunges into the aquarium and begins its activities. Due to the periodic suction of air, water from the aquarium begins to pour out, and the most contaminated areas of the soil become clean. Some aquarists, when searching for an answer to the question of how to clean the soil in an aquarium, can use conventional medical syringes.
While the siphon moves from place to place, its external end can be clamped, thereby preventing excessive loss of water. Modern versions of cleaning devices are already equipped with taps for adjusting the pressure, so it is easier to “clean” the aquarium with them.
During cleaning, lower the end of the hose from which the dirt comes out below the water level of the aquarium itself. This must be done so that the dirt does not flood back.
In addition to the aforementioned variant of the siphon, there are other designs for cleaning. Most often, these are electric pumps equipped with special fabric bags that filter water. However, here you need to consider that stones for the aquarium can get there, so it is recommended to use them as carefully as possible.
The preference of a siphon over a conventional hose is confirmed by the presence of “soil drilling” processes during cleaning. Although, on the other hand, dirt is much lighter than soil filler, and it should go out unhindered.
Output
High-quality soil allows you to give the aquarium the appearance of a natural reservoir, creating a unique color background for its inhabitants. However, in addition to performing decorative functions, it maintains biological balance, determining the composition and properties of water. In addition, millions of microorganisms "work" in it, providing a natural cleaning of the surrounding air.