Starting a 30-liter aquarium: preparing water, equipment, fish and plants

Starting with a 30-liter aquarium is a great way to learn about fish husbandry. For those who are just starting out and want to start small but still create a lovely aquatic environment, this size is ideal. Whether your vision is of vivid fish or lush vegetation, this guide will take you through the necessary steps to set up and maintain your aquarium.

First things first: it’s important to prepare the water. It must be hygienic and secure for your fish. To achieve the proper temperature, this entails treating tap water to remove dangerous chemicals and letting it sit for a few days. To create a stable environment that will keep your fish happy and healthy, test the water for pH and other elements.

The equipment setup comes next. A dependable filter and heater are essential for your 30-liter tank. The heater maintains a constant temperature, which is critical for the health of your fish and plants, while the filter keeps the water clean by eliminating pollutants and debris. Select equipment that is suitable for your tank’s capacity to prevent problems later on.

After you’ve prepared your tank, it’s time to consider adding fish and plants. Select fish that fit both the dimensions of your tank and each other. Think about including live plants as well. They not only improve the aesthetics of the tank but also aid in maintaining the proper quality of the water. As your aquarium ages, start with hardy species and gradually add more.

These instructions will help you establish a healthy little ecosystem in your own house. As your fish and plants become accustomed to their new surroundings, take pleasure in seeing your underwater world come to life and the happiness it brings. Cheers to many years of fishkeeping!

Choosing an aquarium

Novice aquarists frequently ponder over the best kind of vessel to select. The configuration determines the 30-liter aquarium’s size and the amount of space it will take up in the room.

Tanks that are rectangular are a classic choice. They are convenient for observing the occupants and simple to maintain. The benefits of cubic containers are the same, but they require less room. For fish keeping, round vessels are not the best choice. The requisite equipment is hard to arrange and keep clean, and convex glass warps the shapes, making it challenging to view aquatic life.

Preparing water

Chlorine and other contaminants are present in water, which poses a risk to aquarium occupants. Consequently, it needs to be allowed to settle for at least 12 hours in a suitable-sized container (such as an enamel bucket or plastic bottle). The majority of the contaminants will be eliminated during this period. In the event that settling is not possible, you can treat the water with aquarium conditioner that is already made.

Soil

The dirt needs to be cleaned in a different container until the water is clear before being added to an artificial reservoir. For total disinfection, the substrate can then be boiled or calcined in an oven.

Design

Because the bottom of a 30-liter aquarium is so small, decorating it could seem challenging. Nonetheless, you can still produce an eye-catching, unique aqua design in such a small volume. Adding a background image of the underwater world will visually enlarge the tank’s volume. There are ornaments along the back wall and in the corners of the tank. Artificial objects, along with small stones and snags, are used in the design of a 30-liter aquarium.

Necessary equipment

A 30-liter aquarium requires equipment to maintain fish and plant conditions that are comfortable for them to function normally. A pond should hold thirty liters:

  1. Heater with a thermostat. It allows you to maintain the water temperature at a given level. The built -in thermostat automatically turns on and off the device. Place the heater near the bottom in the corner or along the back wall of the aquarium.
  2. Thermometer. It allows you to monitor changes in water temperature. Aquarium thermometers are glass and liquid crystalline. The former are placed inside the reservoir, the latter are glued to the glass from the outside.
  3. Lighting. Luminescent or LED lamps are used for lighting. Incandescent lamps are not used, t.To. hey heat the water strongly. The lamp should be protected from splashes of water.
  4. Compressor. He supplies air through the aquarium through the spray hose. Thanks to this, the water is mixed and saturated with oxygen. It is recommended to place the compressor on a separate stand to protect the aquarium inhabitants from vibration.
  5. Filter. It traps dirt particles and neutralizes harmful compounds dissolved in water due to the bacteria living in it. The filter can be external or internal. For a small aquarium, an internal filter with a power of 25-40 W is suitable. A more powerful device will create a strong current in a 30-liter aquarium, which is not suitable for all types of aquatic organisms and plants.

Note: Using an internal filter with an aeration function in place of a standard filter and compressor is a cost-effective equipment option.

Plants

You should choose small, slow-growing plants for a 30-liter aquarium. The most well-known and modest species appropriate for this volume are:

  1. Cryptocoryne. This plant is a bush of 5-15 leaflets on petioles. It is planted in the background. The plant requires: weekly water changes, illumination of 0.4-0.5 W/l, water temperature of 24-28°C, acidity pH 6.5-7.4.
  2. Java moss. The plant has the appearance of a low-growing bush covered with a large number of small leaves. Java moss is undemanding to lighting and water parameters. The plant is suitable for decorating snags, stones and the background: fixed to the surface with a fishing line or thread, the moss quickly takes root and covers the entire area provided to it with an even layer.
  3. Riccia. This is a plant floating on the surface of the water, consisting of thin stems collected in rosettes. Riccia grows well at a temperature of 20-30°C, bright lighting and weekly water changes. Riccia loves stagnant water, so there should not be an intense current in the aquarium.
  4. Elodea. This is a long-stemmed plant with small leaves. He needs a temperature in the range of 14-18 ° C and good illumination. Elodea grows quickly, so it needs to be trimmed regularly.
  5. Hornwort. This plant has a long stem and thin leaves collected in whorls. Hornwort feels good at a temperature of 17-28 ° C, dH 6-15 ° and pH 7-7.5. It is recommended to periodically trim and thin the plant.

What fish are suitable for a 30-liter aquarium

Small artificial reservoirs are not meant for fish keeping, according to some seasoned aquarists. Indeed, you can have aquarium fish in a 30-liter tank, but you must choose species based on factors like size, behavior, and interspecies compatibility. Typically, beginner aquarium hobbyists choose the following species:

  1. Goldfish. Bringing representatives of this popular species, it should be remembered that goldfish requires a lot of space; In a 30-liter tank, only 1 individual can be contained. Goldfish pollute the water quickly, so the aquarium should be equipped with a powerful filter and an aeration system. Recommended water parameters: temperature no more than 18-23 ° C, dH 8-25 °, pH 6-8.
  2. Barbs. These are schooling fish, which are recommended to be kept in quantities of at least 5-10 individuals. Barbs are very active, so the aquarium must be covered with a lid so that the fish do not jump out of the water. For keeping barbs, water with a temperature of 20-25 ° C, dH 4-10 ° and pH 6.5-7.5 is suitable. You should not place fish with veil fins and long whiskers (angelfish, gourami, goldfish) in an aquarium with barbs, because.. barbs can damage them.
  3. Gourami. In a 30-liter volume, you can keep a couple of gourami of small species (dwarf, honey gourami) or 1 individual of a larger species. Aquarium must be covered with a lid. Recommended water parameters: temperature 25-28°C, pH 6-6.8, dH no more than 10°. The volume should be equipped with a filter that does not create a strong current, and planted with plants in which the fish can hide.
  4. Mollies. These are small fish that are recommended to be kept in a group. They can be kept together with other peaceful species. Suitable water parameters: temperature 24-27°C, dH 11-25°, pH 7.5-8. The aquarium should be covered with a lid and planted with plants; a filter and an aeration system must be installed.
  5. Danio. These small fish are well suited for a 30-liter volume; they should be kept in a school. Danio live in the upper layers of water, so the aquarium should be covered with a lid. For feeding, use slowly sinking food. Recommended water parameters: temperature 18-25°C, dH no more than 20°, pH 6-7. It is possible to keep them together with non-aggressive species of a suitable size.
  6. Swordtails. Several individuals of this species can be kept in a 30-liter aquarium. Recommended water parameters: temperature 22-26°C, dH 10-25°, pH 7-8. The reservoir should be covered with a lid, planted with plants and equipped with a filtration and aeration system.
  7. Cardinals. These small fish should be kept in a school. The water temperature should be maintained at 18-22°C, pH 6-8.5. Cardinals are well compatible with other small peaceful fish species (neons, guppies, danios).
  8. Neons. A large group of these small bright fish can be placed in a 30-liter aquarium. The volume should be densely planted with plants and equipped with shelters. Diffused lighting is required, water temperature 24-26°C, pH 5.5-8, dH 5-20°. Neons can be kept together with other small non-aggressive species.
  9. Corydoras catfish. A pair of fish of this species can be kept in a 30-liter volume. Corydoras are bottom dwellers that dig the substrate, so the soil particles should be of medium fraction and not have sharp corners. This is a species with crepuscular activity, so the lighting should be diffused. You should install more shelters in the aquarium, under which the catfish will rest during the day, and plant plants.
  10. Guppies. These are small, brightly colored fish that can be kept in a school. Recommended water parameters: temperature 22-25°C, dH over 10°, pH 6-7.5. Plants should be planted in the aquarium and a filtration system should be installed. Guppies can be kept together with other small peaceful species.

Other inhabitants

An aquarium with 30 liters can hold more than just fish and plants. Additional exotic wildlife can adorn the pond:

They are fascinating to watch, easy to maintain and care for, and do not harm decorations or plants. They also serve a variety of beneficial purposes in the aquarium; for instance, snails use leftover food, and shrimp combat algae.

Starting the aquarium

Laying the substrate and adding the decorations is the first step in starting the aquarium. After that, the container is filled with pre-settled water and left for a few days. The water will turn murky after one to two days, which is an indication of bacterial growth. The water will clear back up a few days after it was cloudy; at this point, install the equipment (filter, compressor, heater, and thermometer). The aquarium is then left for a week. After that, the lighting is turned on and plants are planted. Fish are added 1-2 days later.

Step Description
1. Prepare the Tank Rinse the tank with water (no soap) and place it on a stable surface.
2. Install Equipment Set up the filter and heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach any necessary tubing and check for leaks.
3. Add Substrate Rinse the gravel or substrate thoroughly before adding it to the tank.
4. Fill with Water Fill the tank with dechlorinated water. Use a water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals if you’re using tap water.
5. Install Plants Plant live aquatic plants in the substrate. Make sure they are properly anchored and positioned.
6. Cycle the Tank Run the filter and heater to start the nitrogen cycle. This may take several weeks and involves building up beneficial bacteria.
7. Test Water Parameters Regularly test the water for pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Adjust as needed to maintain a healthy environment.
8. Add Fish Once the tank is cycled and parameters are stable, slowly add fish to avoid overloading the system.
9. Monitor and Maintain Regularly check water quality, feed fish appropriately, and perform partial water changes to keep the aquarium healthy.

Establishing a 30-liter aquarium is a fulfilling endeavor that blends the satisfaction of caring for aquatic life with the skill of crafting an exquisite underwater landscape. You can create a vibrant aquarium that will provide hours of enjoyment by carefully preparing the water, selecting appropriate fish and plants, and making the right equipment and plant choices.

The right preparation of the water is essential for a healthy aquarium. Before adding tap water to your tank, take the time to treat it and make sure it is free of dangerous chemicals. Your fish and plants will thrive in a stable environment thanks to routine testing and maintenance that helps maintain the water quality.

Getting a dependable heater and filter is crucial when it comes to equipment. The proper temperature and clean water are essential for the health of your aquatic pets, and these tools help maintain both. Don’t forget to add adequate lighting to your tank to encourage plant growth and improve its aesthetic appeal.

One of the best parts of setting up your aquarium is picking out the fish and plants. Choose species that can live together in harmony and that are appropriate for a smaller aquarium. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, plants also help to purify the water and provide oxygen, which makes the environment healthier.

With careful setup and maintenance, your 30-liter aquarium will thrive. It can bring you great satisfaction to see your aquatic life flourish and expand. Take pleasure in the setup and upkeep of your tank, and allow it to become a calming and captivating accent piece for your house.

A 30-liter aquarium is an exciting project to set up, but in order to guarantee a healthy environment for your fish and plants, careful planning is needed. This post will walk you through each crucial step, which includes setting up the ideal water conditions, deciding which tools you’ll need, and picking out fish that go well with hardy plants. You can build a healthy aquarium that looks fantastic and supports a balanced aquatic ecosystem by breaking each step down into small, doable tasks.

Video on the topic

AQUARIUM 30 LITRES SELECTION OF FISH

Aquarium 30 liters. Start-up.

Starting an aquarium from "A" to "Z"

How to quickly start a new aquarium (Notes for a beginner aquarist)

Starting an aquarium guide for beginners – step-by-step instructions

Design and Basic start-up of an aquarium from A to Z, for beginners, what and how, part 1 !

What part of aquarium maintenance do you consider the most difficult?
Share to friends
Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

Rate author
InfoProekt24.com
Add a comment