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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Your Style: Your Aquarium

With all the work that needs to be done to maintain an aquarium, you deserve to dress it up; express your personal style. Three main elements of decoration include: the substrate, the backdrop, and the materials.

The substrate can either be sand or gravel. Sand typically is easier to maintain (dirt can collect between rocks) and is better for fish that like to dig. But the choice is ultimately determined by your preference and the type of fish in your aquarium: some fish need certain minerals. Two suggestions are African Cichlid Gravel, which provides essential minerals for most common types of fish, and the more specified First Layer Pure Laterite , which provides the natural conditions of a tropical stream bed. Remember, if you plan to grow plants in gravel, you should add a one-inch layer of fertilizer underneath and continually care for the plants.

The background of your aquarium is the key to creating an unique under-water world. The backdrop is insignificant to the condition of the tank, so pick whatever background catches your eye. Backdrops can even be hand-made. The only rule: a background should be glued to the back of a dry tank using aquarium silicone so that it stays in place. Try a sunken ship background or a coral reef background.

Adding wood, stones, leaves, and ornaments to the aquarium create either a surreal animated vibe, or a natural straight-from-the-sea impression. Some popular ornaments for the later include skeletons, castles, treasure chests. If you are creating an animated tank note that children are ecstatic with the new animated Finding Nemo decorations.

Labels: aquarium background, aquarium decor, aquarium substrate