Very many people have only one glance to catch the desire to have their own, albeit small, but personal marine aquarium. Amazing and bright fish, against the background of strange algae, for a long time fascinate, and their contemplation brings peace and tranquility. Beginners may be afraid of large investments and lack of experience. But everything can be solved by purchasing a small and simple aquarium.
The simplest aquarium
As the material for the tank use glass or acrylic. The second is somewhat stronger, but it easily scratches. Glass can be broken more easily, but it is much cheaper. A beginner can easily arrange a small, volume of liters for 20, an aquarium. Its small inhabitants do not need a lot of water. The water quality in it can be controlled by a simple substitution: up to a third of the total volume per week. Such a simple amateur can do without much experience. If you bought a standard Chinese simple aquarium, you will have to change the lamp. It is better to put the lamp energy-saving, power of watts for 30, besides it has a more acceptable spectrum for your fish spectrum of light. Try to provide your wards a 12-hour light-day.
You can prepare water yourself . To do this, distilled water or purified by osmosis, but do not just dial it from the tap. Next, you need to purchase a special aquarium sea salt and dilute it in the correct proportion, controlling the density with a hydrometer around 1,022. A good heater should provide a constant temperature of about 24-27 degrees.
A fine primer for the simplest aquarium can be a small coral crumb, a layer of 2-3 cm. You can use pebbles or large river sand. If you sand the sand in the oven, you will create a good support for the roots of the plants. Sand is easier to clean than pebbles, where dirt gradually accumulates.
How to clean an aquarium for beginners?
A regular pump is perfectly capable of circulating water. There are mechanical, biological and chemical types of filters. But even the most intricate and fashionable equipment can not replace the right content. With a simple filtering system, you can learn to work faster and easier. You will soon understand how much extra equipment you need for your hobby.
On the good quality of water says how your fish feel. Dead and sick inhabitants, as well as all remains of food, must be removed daily on examination. It is desirable to feed the fish at one time, thoroughly washing live food. Make sure that the food does not get more than necessary for proper nutrition of fish. Do not turn off the filter at night! This is a big mistake for all beginners. It should work round the clock. When the circulation is weakened, it is worth cleaning the filter element.
Aquarium Plants for Beginners
Aquarium plants not only provide a beautiful exotic view, but also serve as food for its beautiful inhabitants. The thickets of algae are a wonderful place for fry, and adult fish spawn there. Plants increase the percentage of oxygen in water and reduce the concentration of ammonia, and also inhibit the development of lower organisms. Conditionally all plants can be divided into three categories: root, floating and unconcerned. You can name a few of the most popular names: water moss, duckweed, hygrophil, kowlerpa, cryptocoryn, kladofora, hornwort and ambulia.
Inhabitants of a simple aquarium
For a small aquarium, it is advisable to purchase small fish. In the wild they also occupy not very large territory, and your volume of 20 liters for them will not be small. You can try to start with the amphipryon, griffel sea hedgehogs, anemones and several species of mollusks. Later you can use other varieties of aquarium inhabitants, when some experience and skills will appear. Too carried away, you can overpopulate your marine aquarium for beginners. One simple rule should be observed: one centimeter of adult fish should be at least half a liter of water. The most important thing in your venture with the acquisition of an aquarium should be the joy of a new interesting hobby.