The soil of an aquarium

aquarium floor cut into

The ground influences the course of biochemical process in the aquarium. The free spaces it contains, as small as they are, are the place of proliferation of bacteria of different species. These transform For example Organic metabolism waste fish or food remains . The biochemical process in the soil is identical to that which takes place in the filter, except that it takes place more slowly due to the very low current of water which spreads to it. In addition, and depending on the amount of oxygen contained in the soil, it can cause different results.

The element of the soil most often used and most important is gravel . Its particle size should not exceed 2-3 mm. But for bins without plants, you can use larger gravel. Those from gravières, or better, those of fluviatile origin, have proven themselves. These are more widespread in their use because they do not have lively edges. A dark floor composed for example black basalt is very decorative. The colors of plants and fish are very well highlighted. Unfortunately, algae tends to colonize the substrate and give a certain uniformity to the whole.

gravel aquarium gravel aquarium
gravel of various granulometries Volcanic rock aggregates

 

often we underestimate substrate needs during the development of an aquarium. We can measure the quantity required by calculating the volume by the formula

length x width x height

This gives for a 100 cm long and 40 cm wide tank, a volume of 16 liters taking into account a 4 cm ground height , which is sufficient for an un planned tank. The weight corresponding to this volume is dependent on the materials used. As a rule, the weight of a gravel or dry sand, is approximately 1.5 kg per liter .

The new gravel contains waste from grinding or its place of extraction. This may disturb water from the aquarium for a while. Before its use, it will be necessary to rinse it well in a bucket under the running water of a tap. It is prudent to carry out this manceuvre outside to avoid splashing the freshly cleaned bathroom.
farms in principle do not require substrate . They are thus easier to clean and we manage to better treat any diseases because no germ penetrates the ground.

In addition to its decorative appearance, a soil, by its absorption capacity, avoids also that too much Mulm particles are suspended in water.

If you want to maintain background fish , you will have to avoid at all costs to use cutting gravel ( Crushed), from the basalt or of volcanic lava . These materials hurt the fish which are continuously looking for food by fucking the ground. Some other species require rather soft water for their maintenance. So we will have to choose a non-limestone substrate which will not increase the value of the DGH hardness.

quartzite does not contain limestone. granite, basalt, gneiss can contain traces. The hydrochloric acid test is infallible to detect limestone. A few drops of this product on the substrate and a foam immediately forms if it contains it.

There are many materials in the wild which can serve as a decoration as for example gravel, stones or roots . These products are free, but are not always suitable for an aquariophile use.

Due to their composition, all metals are automatically avoided . They are all more or less soluble in water and will find themselves in the form of trace elements, which, in excess, will cause poisoning and side effects on plants and animals. Copper , as well as all alloys based on this metal such as bronze or brass , are particularly harmful . A very low quantity dissolved in water can already cause a disaster.

However, the iron is an exception to the rule , but its use is unthinkable in aquarophilia because it is very corrosive and a dubious aesthetic.

Aquarium fish

Blennius gattorugine

Blennius gattorugine

Lying body, laterally, almost transparent. The coloring offers greenish yellow reflections while the dorsal and anal fins have a black point surrounded by a lemon yellow strip. The caudal is tinged wi...