Designing an aquarium is a nice thing that could connect you and your children on a creative level. Especially so, when you have a new house to move in and there is a lot of stressful work to do. This could be a good bonding session for the two generations to lessen the workload of shifting. While market-ready fish tanks and decorative items are the easiest ways to install a fish tank, you can always try something new with your own innovation. Kids also like such activities as it involves colors, fishes, and many more ornamentations.
What Is DIY Aquarium and Why Is It Recommended
DIY or simply do-it-yourself is a concept that gives a hands-on experience with any particular activity concerns. When it comes to aquariums, there are lots of things to try your hands in. While kids can polish their cognitive skills while setting the tank backdrop, substrate, and many other tank-related things, you can unwind with the process. After all, we all need relaxation, and for that, DIYs are simply the best. There will be some problems, but your kids can utilize their presence of mind for that. Their decision-making power is formed in such ways.
Before proceeding to the decorating part, you need to know the requirements of fish. Fisharoma.com is an ideal way to know the exact parameters of different types of fish. Just like you can’t provide a saltwater reef tank to your freshwater fishes and vice versa, there are multiple other things that need special focus. So, knowing what your fishes want is the gateway to setting up an aquarium.
Do It Yourself Fish Tank Ideas: Things to Be Taken into Accounts
Tank Placement
Make way for your fish tank to the coziest corner of your house. The tank can’t be exposed to direct sunlight because it will be conducive to a lot of algae production and that is usually not good for any tank. Although there are some snails and catfish species that can consume algae, those might not be on your list of pets. So, choose a beautiful space, whether you don’t have to adjust to anything.
Measurement of The Tank Diameter
For making a glass tank for your fish, you need to decide the proper measurement of the tank, only then you can cut the glasses. It is always better to use a plan beforehand and make a checklist of what to do. The way you progress should be ticked off from the list accordingly. This is also how the entire thing will be systematic enough and you can avoid messy works. There is one more thing, and that is while doing such works, we mean the cutting of the glass should be done without the children. This particular section is dangerous for kids, so even if you involve them, supervision is strictly recommended.
Assembling The Cut Pieces
Now all the cut pieces of the glass should be put together, giving the tank a final shape. There are glass panes and other panels that you need to stick with one another. After this, you will have the tank frame and you can now go for filling it in with proper materials and, of course, the fish.
Substrate Addition
Since every fish has different types of substrate requirements, you can’t randomly put things inside the aquarium. It could be some gravel, sand, or pebbles and rocks and you can add your personal touch by creating colored rocks all by yourself. There are some kinds of rock patterns as well, that you can make on your own.
Arrangement Of Heaters, Lights, And Filter
These are important things that one must incorporate inside a tank. While most fishes prefer subdued lights, you can easily do some creativity as far as the placement of the lights is concerned. Like some hanging lights, with some cover, minimizing the brightness, and many more things.
Tank Decoration
This is the place where you kids can actually showcase their talent. It could be handmade items like LEGO or any other waterproof materials that can be placed inside. This is the way how your child is going to use his or her creativity. Artificial plants in many patterns are also welcome inside the tanks. Just look for certain things, like there shouldn’t be any sharp edge or anything of that sort because fishes can cut their delicate fin or body while swimming. This is some subtle yet practical thing you should always keep an eye on.
When it comes to the ideas of a tank, many people opt for themes that are beautiful and fascinating. Those themes are not as much for the fishes, as it is much for our own eyes. From forest themes to castle themes, pirate themes to garden themes, there are many things you can try. Use fish-friendly colors, and materials so that they are never harmed.
Regardless of how you set a tank up, the prime focus will always be the fish and its health. There is absolutely nothing, that is detrimental for the water critters and they are allowed in the pet trade or aquaculture.
Last but not the least, cleaning all the things that are kept inside the tank is important. The material that you have chosen for making the tank should be strong enough so that there is no leakage. The tank should be able to withstand the growing water volume if you plan to add more fish periodically.
As there are plenty of options where you get the elements and ingredients of DIY tank structures from, go for the ones with good reviews. Reputed stores will not dupe you with cheap quality things. So, do some research beforehand and then get all the items. After once you are ready for the act, just invest your time and concentrate solely on these things. Your kid can draw a painting and you can stick that on the glass, from the outside, so that they act as a backdrop to the beautiful tank.
