Nowadays, owners of aquariums prefer waterfalls as a stylish and original element of decor. It looks very beautiful and spectacular. At first glance, the phrase "waterfall in an aquarium" seems awkward. From where and where does the water flow when the reservoir is already filled with it? Sand comes to the rescue of aquascapers, because it flows from top to bottom. Thanks to this, the illusion of a waterfall is created. Is it possible to create such a decoration at home? And what will be needed to make a waterfall in the aquarium with your own hands?
The principle of the waterfall in the aquarium
Today, specialized stores are ready to offer a wide range of jewelry in the form of a waterfall. Fans of aqua design can purchase such a device by choosing the appropriate shape, size and cost. Waterfalls in stores can take various forms, such as the sphinx, tower, stalactite or rock. The kit contains all the necessary elements that are needed for assembly and connection.
But aquascapers get real pleasure when they make this spectacular decor element at home. How to make a waterfall in the aquarium with your own hands? First of all, you need to understand the principle of its work. The effect of falling water is achieved by the flow of fine grains of sand. First of all, you need to understand how the sand will rise to the surface, and then sink to the bottom. This is due to the air compressor, which creates a rarefaction effect in the tube in which the sand is located. Applied physics defines this phenomenon as injection. Sand grains rise up the tube, and, reaching the outlet, flow down under the influence of their weight. Therefore, the main tasks in the design of the waterfall is to ensure two points: the continuity of this process and the patency of the tube along which the sand rises.
Necessary components for the manufacture of a waterfall
When making a waterfall, patience and accuracy are required. But if everything is done correctly, the result will surely please you with its beauty and originality.
How to make a waterfall in the aquarium with your own hands? First of all, it should be determined which unit will provide the injection effect. For this purpose, an aquarium compressor is excellent , which is a necessary attribute of almost any fish house. The injected air will trap the grains of sand and lift them up the tube. The compressor is the first and main component for the manufactured device. You will also need the following elements:
- The support for a falls made of rigid material. Its height corresponds to the size of the entire design of the decor. For use as a support, any plastic pipe is perfect. To ensure stability, it should be attached to a rectangular base.
- Rubber hose with a cross section of 10-15 millimeters. Its length will correspond to the height of the support from the previous paragraph.
- Tube from the dropper system.
- Scotch.
- Bottle made of plastic with a capacity of 1.5 liters.
- Silicone glue.
- Lightweight stones for decorating the structure.
Making the details of a waterfall
How to make a waterfall in an aquarium? A rubber hose must be attached to the support made of a plastic pipe using silicone. Its upper part should rise one or two centimeters above the surface of the water in the aquarium to ensure air exit.
A cut should be made in the bottom of the hose at a distance of five to six centimeters from the edge. Subsequently, a bowl for collecting falling sand will be inserted into this hole. Such a container is recommended to be made from a plastic bottle. To do this, cut off the upper tapering part, then get rid of the neck and thread and cut the remaining funnel lengthwise into two halves. This element, outwardly resembling a scoop, will serve as a bowl for collecting sand.
Waterfall construction assembly
When all the components of the structure are ready, you can proceed with the layout. To collect the waterfall in the aquarium, you first need to insert the prefabricated sand tank into the rubber hose in the slot that was made earlier, temporarily fix it with tape and glue it with silicone glue.
Next, attach the thin tube of the dropper system to the lower edge of the rubber hose. It is through it that the air pumped by the compressor will be supplied.
In the upper part of the main hose from rubber, you need to make a large slot, from which sand will pour. This hole should be located just below the water level in the aquarium. For correct and uniform operation of the device, this slot should be covered with a thin padding polyester, which will function as a filter.
The waterfall for the aquarium is almost ready. It is recommended that all joints of the structure are well sealed with silicone to prevent weakening of the injection. Then it remains to show imagination and decorate the device.
Dressing
When installing the waterfall, it is recommended to put several stones on top of the rectangular base. They will simultaneously serve both as design objects and as elements that give the device stability. To decorate the structure, you should use a sheet of waterproof material in order to hide the support and the rubber hose and leave only falling sand in sight. For additional decor, you can place a composition of stones, snags and plants near the waterfall.
If you place the structure in the center of the aquarium, the tank will be divided into two parts. It looks unaesthetic. Therefore, you should install a waterfall near the walls or in the corner of the fish house.
Sand recommendations
The completeness of the waterfall illusion is influenced by the sand used in the construction. It should be chosen, guided by the following principles:
- You should not use too fine sand, because the air flow can spray it in different directions.
- Too large a fraction of the bulk substance is not recommended, since large grains of sand can create a blockage inside the rubber hose.
The waterfall in the aquarium will look more impressive, elegant and unique, if you use colored artificial sand.
Before you finally install the design in the tank, you should conduct several experiments using bulk material of various fractions and choose the appropriate one that will create the necessary drop-down effect.
The waterfall in the aquarium is a fashionable and unusual element of modern art to create an underwater landscape. Every fish breeder dreams that his pet's house should stand out with a special, original element of decor. It is a waterfall, created with your own hands, and will be such a highlight that successfully fit into the overall interior of the aquarium. Moreover, making such a device is not too difficult.