How to Create an Aquarium Ecosystem

Ecosystems, or ecological systems, are functional units that result from interaction between living components, such as the plants, animals, and microorganisms, and the non-living factors, such as air, water, land and energy. The earth is an ecosystem. Smaller ecosystems occur all across our planet, from oceans to the forests. Creating an artificial ecosystem in your aquarium will not only enhance its beauty, but also promote a healthy and safe environment for your fish, thereby improving their lifespan.

River silt or clean sand
Aquarium tank with detachable lid, 1 foot wide, 2 feet deep and 2.5 to 3 feet long
A light fixed to the lid of the aquarium
Fish
Water plants
Small rock or pebbles
Plastic plate and bowl

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the silt or sand in a big bowl and put it in the bottom of the tank. Add some rocks on top of the silt and distribute them uniformly over the silt.
- 2
  Place a plastic plate on top of the rocks and pour water on top of it. This will prevent the flowing water from disturbing the rocks and silt at the bottom of the aquarium. When the water is 1 inch over the rocks and sand, stop adding the water and remove the plastic plate from the tank.
- 3
  Plant the water plants in the soil. Distribute them evenly across the aquarium. Plant the larger plants to the sides so they do not block your view of the swimming fish.
- 4
  Add more water until it is about 4 inches below the top of the tank. Let the water settle down for a few minutes. Introduce the fish slowly into the aquarium.

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