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If you plan to design and build an aquarium, acrylic and Plexiglass are the ideal materials because they are lighter than glass and impact resistant. They are also less likely to shatter, chip, or crack. Acrylic tanks are rewarding to build, and besides being a cost-saving project, you will be deeply rewarded with a fish tank that will give you years of pleasure. Ideas to Design a Watertight Acrylic Aquarium? Here we have a few of them in this article!

4 Ideas to Design a Watertight Acrylic Aquarium

#1. Rectangle Acrylic Aquarium is an Advisable Shape

An aquarium shape and size are essential for the fish it will house. Depending on the type of fish you will keep and the quantity you want, you need to plan your aquarium accordingly, so start with research first.

You must decide if you will have freshwater fish or saltwater fish. An example of the water needed by fish is that fancy goldfish species need at least 10 gallons of water per fish. Also, some fish species require warmer water to survive.

The best shape for an aquarium is a rectangular and wider shape rather than a tall one. The form allows for a greater water surface area for your chosen fish with better oxygenation.

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Curved or bowl-shaped tanks can be disorienting and stressful for your fish because it distorts their view of the area outside the tank.

Acrylic sheet thickness for an aquarium will have to be calculated according to the height the aquarium will have. It is easy to cut and assemble the acrylic for an aquarium, and anyone with basic carpentry skills can do it. You could also buy one or have it made by someone who knows, and fish tanks are available in glass, acrylic, and colored Plexiglass.

#2. White Pebbles and Aquarium Décor Wood

There are many colors of pebbles available for your aquarium, but you can choose according to the type of fish you are planning to get. If you have decided on colorful fish, then neutral-colored pebbles are a great option. White is the best neutral color for pebbles because it creates beautiful contrasts with the plants and fish, allowing them to stand out more.

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Aquarium wood can transform your look and offers your shyer fish a safe place to hide. Wood also provides food for some fish species because algae and microscopic animals breed on it in the water. Sometimes wood is also used to alter the pH of the water, creating a better environment for some fish species.

Not all wood species are safe for aquariums, so do your research first. The most common wood used in aquariums is bogwood, but Mopani driftwood is also great. Choose the shape and a suitable size for your aquarium.

#3. Best Aquarium Plants

Plants make an aquarium more vibrant and can create a healthy environment for your fish because they provide natural water filtration.

Like aquarium décor wood, plants provide safety and comfort for fish. Fish also use plants for reproduction and as food.

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Keep in mind that not all plants are suitable for all aquariums and fish species. Do some research before buying. When planning the plants for your aquarium, design a structure to make it enjoyable. You will need plants for the foreground, midground, and background. These all require various types of light to stay healthy.

#4. Aquarium Bubble Stone

An aquarium bubble stone is an essential piece for your fish tank. These are made of porous stone or lime wood, and their function is to supply dissolved oxygen into your aquarium. They also eliminate noise from the filtration system and prevent large bubbles from entering your aquarium.

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The tiny bubbles from the aquarium air pump are filled with oxygen, and the bubble stone distributes them into the tank. The bubble stone also helps to circulate the water by lifting the water from the substrate to the top in a continuous circulation process.

Aquarium Décor Items

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The choices of décor items are endless and depend on the theme of your aquarium. Shipwreck decorations, mermaids, broken pillars, shale ledges, and caves are some examples. They add to your tank’s aesthetics and offer hiding spots and safe harbors for your fish.

Essential Aquarium Substrates

Gravel and sand are essential substrates for the setup of your aquarium. These have many purposes, including their aesthetics. Substrates keep plants rooted in the aquarium surface but also keep your fish and plants healthy.

Gravel is a vital substrate because it allows the water to run through it, stopping the growth of amoeba and bacteria. It also prevents the buildup of unsightly mold. Gravel is heavier than sand and doesn’t clog the filtration system of your aquarium.

Ideas to Design a Watertight Acrylic Aquarium

Customize your aquarium by playing around with mixed gravels, but before adding any gravel to your aquarium, make sure you rinse it well otherwise, dust particles are not suitable for your fish, and they diminish visibility. You can also opt for pre-soaked gravels that don’t need rinsing.

Certain fish species and some plants do better in sand-only aquariums. Sand is not as versatile as gravel, but your choice depends on the needs of the fish and plants you use.

Final Words

If you are worried about the chemistry of your water, you can also use inert substrates. Whatever you opt for, aquariums are all about balance, so remember that you will need a hands-on approach to keeping your fish nourished and healthy. Thank you for visiting my article about Ideas to Design a Watertight Acrylic Aquarium! Hope to see you again at Greenhousecenter!

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