When we made our first natural aquarium with the technique of quascape, we have read up on all possible solutions. A home aquarium, which was not a simple piece of furniture, but a model of design and a real ecosystem. The natural aquarium, in fact, is a "philosophy" well described by the Master Takashi Amano, but also the set of components such as the tub, the filter, the lighting and the accessories that also make it an extraordinarily beautiful object to be observed.
Un natural aquarium made with the technique of tank setup, (with unique and original styles) stands out from a common fresh water aquarium, not only for being a simple tank with some fish and some seedlings. It is a real ecosystem, where living beings (fish, plants and invertebrates) will work together to help keep the small world we have recreated alive. A natural aquarium (where the naturalistic aspect is equal to that of a precise study on the style of the submerged landscape) is in many cases an open tank with minimum measurements of about 10 liters (nano aquarium), to those larger than approx 60 / 70 liters and beyond.
We can safely say that the inventor of thenatural aquarium was the Japanese master Takashi Amano (deceased in 2015) of which we have published an exhibition complete biography at this link: Takashi Amano aquariums. Indeed, he was the first to introduce the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in an aquarium, with enormous benefits for the luxuriant growth of all plants. Amano created ADA - Aqua Design Amano (the Apple of aquariums) and since that day, modern aquariums have never been the same. A natural aquarium today is also a beautiful object of observation and of design.
Natural aquarium in "style" aquascape
The term tank setup instead, it indicates the technique of arranging aquatic plants together with rocks, caves, stones or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing way within an aquarium. The projects tank setup (layout) incorporate numerous distinctive styles and refer to precise techniques codified over time by Japanese masters such as Takashi Amano. Usually, a tank setup it hosts fish, invertebrates and plants. L' tank setup it is a thickly planted freshwater aquarium that bases its style roots on the concept Wabi-Sabi, where: "Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, nothing is perfect".
In this little one of ours tank setup di only 20 liters the protagonists are nature and nature design.
Everything that cannot be missing in a natural aquarium
Precisely because the main objective ofacquascaping is to build a fascinating underwater landscape All technical aspects related to the cultivation of aquatic plants must be considered, in addition to animal health. Many factors must also be balanced in the "closed system" of a natural aquarium to make sure theacquascape be successful. These factors mainly include:
- Diffusion of carbon dioxide (CO2 to support plant photosynthesis)
- Filtration (mechanical and biological)
- Lighting (with various types of LED ceiling lights)
- Algae control (they are always present in an aquarium)
- Fertilization (in column and substrate)
Luxuriant plants with CO2
In addition to attention to the choice of the best components for functionality and design, for an natural aquarium requires specific care to grow healthy and luxuriant plants. Some aquarists prune the plants to acquire the desired shape and sometimes position them by tying them with wire. All the aquascaper use aquarium fertilizers, most commonly in liquid or tablet form, to help plants grow faster. It is also essential that the whole aquarium system supports photosynthesis, providing light and the correct amount of carbon dioxide (CO2).
One of our aquariums design only 12 liters net ideal for the office.
NOTE: to diffuse the precious gas (which from its liquid form is micronized in the aquarium in the form of very small bubbles), we use glass atomizers inside the aquariums, placed at the bottom in the back and connected to an external cylinder from 500 grams. The number of bubbles per minute depends on the volume of the tank and the buffer effect given by the KH. In the hours of "solar" peak it is possible to witness a phenomenon called "pearling", an indicator of the photosynthic rate: in optimal conditions the plants release oxygen in a visible way in the form of small bubbles.
Dedicated tools with a unique design
Tweezers for aquascaper and special scissors are part of the set of tools that every enthusiast always has at hand. Of different dimensions depending on the size of the tank but generally very long, the tweezers are used for any type of maintenance. while the "wave" scissors are ideal for pruning plants and lawns in our densely planted tanks.
The classic "wave" scissors to be used for all maintenance and pruning operations of our aquatic plants.
The pleasure of observing becomes well-being
Un natural aquarium generates well-being and great satisfaction. Just as for a pet, you need to take care of it, but if the job is well organized it will not take you more than two hours a week. Keeping plants and fish healthy will be your goal and in no time you will start generating positive emotions as has been amply demonstrated. Further studies have suggested that the proximity of natural environments relaxes and improves mood and better mood reduces impulsiveness in making decisions. A factor that appears to affect the individual's general well-being level.
Our tank setup: small aquariums in the house
3 natural aquariums in aquascape tank setup made by Home aquarium - Nature and Design.
These small aquariums that are easy to manage for everyone make us happy. They are an extraordinary opportunity to become passionate abouthobby aquarists, never forgetting that a natural aquarium it is also one extraordinary preparatory tool which teaches to "observe". Only by carefully observing the natural life cycle, in fact, will you be able to gain greater awareness of what is true and precious around you!
Small decorative aquariums: open tanks
Natural aquariums in "style" tank setup find their maximum expression in open tubs of measures that are not too demanding and that start from 20 liters to get to 120 liters. They are easy to place in any home or office environment and can even show off on their desk. For smaller pools, dedicated furniture will not be necessary, while for larger ones, it is always recommended. All functional components as a external filter andCO2 plant they will thus be hidden from view in the furniture designed to be functional for periodic maintenance. On our page find the best open tubs in extra clear glass of different sizes. Simply choose the one you want on the shop online to receive a welcome gift: The KIT for setting up your aquarium.
Another tub of 35 liters created by us and detailed on the cover: The magic of the woods.
Characteristics of the illustrated tank:
- Tank: Dennerle Scaper's Tank (40x32x28cm)
- External filter: Dennerle Scaper's Flow (the best ever among the "backpack" ones)
- Led ceiling light: ONF Flat Nano + (1300 Lumen, Full Spectrum)
- CO2 system: Prodeac International
- CO2 diffuser: Twinstar (to micronize the optimal dark brown bubbles)
- Heater: electronic Aquael (for the colder months)
- Fertile Fund: Seachem Fluorite Black (lasts throughout the life of the aquarium)
- Algae sterilizer: Twinstar M3
Build your natural aquarium with us
Browsing this international website in 2 languages with professional English and reading the blog articles, you can stay updated on everything related to the fantastic hobby aquarium fish and the creation of a natural aquarium. We explain in detail, article by article, the techniques we use, which are illustrated by the results of our tanks. If you need technical advice or want to contribute with your experience, we are naturally always available. For more information: info@acquarionaturale.it.
