Essential Materials for Mini Aquarium Landscaping
1. Container Selection
- Recommended Options:
- 5L mineral water bottles (sterilized)
- Small glass tanks (e.g., 35×25×21cm)
- Tools:
- 500ml plastic bottles (for DIY filters or decor)
2. Substrate Layers
- Volcanic Rock: 5–8mm grain size (5cm thick for pH balance and toxin absorption).
- Aquatic Soil: 2–3cm layer (anchors plants and provides nutrients).
- River Stones/Pebbles: 5–8mm grain size (enhances aesthetics and traps debris).
3. Plants and Livestock
- Aquatic Plants:
- Foreground: Bacopa Caroliniana (slow-growing).
- Background: Rotala Indica or Hygrophila Polysperma (fast-growing).
- Fish Species:
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio) or Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) for beginners.
4. Tools and Equipment
- Basic Tools:
- Scalpel (for cutting containers).
- Stainless steel tweezers (38cm curved for planting).
- Filters & Lighting:
- Mini filter pumps (e.g., USB-powered).
- LED lights (10–12 hours/day for photosynthesis).
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Step 1: Sterilization
- Soak all materials in potassium permanganate (1:1000) for 2 hours, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Layering Substrates
- Base Layer: Coarse volcanic rock (5–8mm).
- Middle Layer: Fine volcanic rock (3–6mm).
- Top Layer: Aquatic soil (2–3cm).
Step 3: Planting Techniques
- Use tweezers to plant foreground species 3–5cm apart.
- Arrange background plants in staggered rows for depth.
Step 4: Watering and Cycling
- Fill slowly with dechlorinated water (let stand for 24 hours).
- Cycle for 7 days before adding fish.
Key Considerations
- Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight to prevent algae blooms.
- Maintenance: Trim overgrown plants weekly.
- Troubleshooting: Monitor fish for stress signs (e.g., erratic swimming).
Aquarium-Supplies