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

  1. Base Layer: Coarse volcanic rock (5–8mm).
  2. Middle Layer: Fine volcanic rock (3–6mm).
  3. 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