Aquarium is a very popular hobby. Its essence is to simulate an eco-system in a closed artificial reservoir. Using his knowledge and capabilities, the aquarist creates an amazing world. Despite the variety of aquariums, they are organized according to the same principle: first, the soil is laid, then algae are planted and then the fish are launched. Therefore, the first thing after you have purchased an aquarium, prepare the soil.
Instructions
Step 1
The main function of the soil is that it is a substrate for plant strengthening. Some aquarists do not use sand or pebbles at all to make cleaning the aquarium easier, but if you want the aquarium to serve as a decorative function, it is still better to use soil. It is home to organisms that process dead organic matter into useful substances and cleanse the aquarium. In addition, carbon dioxide reserves are stored in the soil, which affect the buffering capacity of water.
Step 2
When choosing a soil, pay attention to the fact that it should not release soluble substances into the water, should not have sharp edges so as not to injure the fish and should be permeable to water. Usually, river sand or pebbles are used as soil. To make sure that the soil is right for you, it is enough to splash on it with table vinegar. If no bubbles or foam appear on the surface after that, then this primer can be used.
Step 3
If you decide not to buy soil from the store, but to prepare it yourself, go to the nearest stream or river for coarse river sand. Be sure to clean the soil from impurities - sticks, algae particles, pieces of paper.
Step 4
Take a sieve and sift the sand through it. All that passes in the sieve, ruthlessly throw away, anyway, it is unsuitable for use in an aquarium and will only pollute the water. Repeat the procedure several times, then start flushing the soil.
Step 5
Rinse the soil thoroughly under warm running water, stirring constantly. It is necessary that the soil is completely cleaned of small particles. The better you rinse the sand, the faster the water in the aquarium will become clear, and you will be able to populate fish there.
Step 6
If desired, the soil can be disinfected. To do this, rinse it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, after which do not forget to rinse the sand again in running water.
Step 7
The soil can now be used in the aquarium. Lay it in an even layer of 4-7 centimeters and start creating your underwater kingdom.
