the essentials in brief
A special aquarium base cabinet that is precisely tailored to the size and weight of the tank is best suited for an aquarium. Here you come to the different types of base cabinets...
That depends on the type of fish and plants you want to keep in your aquarium. Learn more…
No, that's not a good idea. Rocks from outside can contain pollutants or pathogens that can contaminate the water or harm your fish.
An aquarium base cabinet is an important accessory for every aquarium owner. It not only offers a stable and safe base for the heavy and sensitive tank, but also a practical and decorative storage space for the necessary aquarium accessories. In this blog post you will learn how to find the right aquarium base cabinet for your aquarium and what you should pay attention to when buying one.
What types of aquarium base cabinets are there?
If you are interested in an aquarium base cabinet, you will quickly find that there is a large selection of different models gives. To make your decision easier, we present the most important types of aquarium base cabinets here:
Aquarium base cabinet with open compartments
An aquarium cabinet with open compartments is the simplest and cheapest option. It consists of a wooden or metal frame with several compartments in which the aquarium accessories can be accommodated. This type of base cabinet is light and airy and goes well with a modern or minimalist interior style.
The disadvantage is that the accessories are visible and can attract dust. You should also make sure that the compartments are large enough to accommodate devices such as filters or heaters.
Aquarium cabinet with doors
An aquarium cabinet with doors is the classic and most popular variant. It consists of a wooden or plastic body that contains several cabinets or drawers with doors behind which you can store your aquarium accessories. This type of base cabinet is stable and elegant and suits every furnishing style.
The advantage is that your accessories are invisible and protected from dust. You can also open the doors design individually, for example with handles, hinges or decorations.
Aquarium base cabinet with glass doors
An aquarium base cabinet with glass doors is a special variant, which has a special appeal. It consists of a wooden or metal body that contains several cabinets or drawers with glass doors through which you can see your aquarium accessories. This type of base cabinet is classy and extravagant and suits a luxurious or creative interior style.
The advantage is that your accessories visible and at the same time protected from dust is. You can also use the glass doors as additional decoration, for example with lighting, colors or motifs.
What should you pay attention to when buying an aquarium cabinet?
Once you've decided on a type of aquarium stand, you should consider some criteriabefore you decide on a specific model. Here are the key points to look out for:
Size
The size of the aquarium base cabinet should exactly match the size of your tank. Not only does this mean that the base cabinet has to be wide and deep enough to support the pool, but also that it doesn't appear too big or too small.
Too big a cupboard makes the pelvis look lost and takes up unnecessary space. A base cabinet that is too small leaves the basin instable work and does not offer enough storage space.
Tip: When buying a base cabinet, also pay attention to the height of the piece of furniture. This should match your body size and your viewing position so that you can comfortably view and maintain your aquarium. Base cabinets that are too high or too low can lead to neck or back pain.
stability
The stability of the aquarium base cabinet is crucial for security your pelvis. The base cabinet must be able to easily bear the weight of the filled tank without wobbling or creaking. Therefore, pay attention to a solid construction made of high-quality materials such as wood or metal. Avoid cheap or flimsy materials like chipboard or plastic that can easily break or bend.
Quality
The quality of the aquarium base cabinet is not only reflected in its stability against, but also in his Processing and optics. Make sure the surface is clean and smooth with no scratches or cracks. Also check the functionality of the doors, drawers or hinges. It should open and close easily without binding or squeaking. Also pay attention to the look of the base cabinet. It should match your furnishing style and have no visible defects such as color differences or bumps.
Price
The price of the aquarium base cabinet is of course also an important factor in your purchase decision. However, you should not only pay attention to the cheapest price, but also to price-performance ratio. A cheap base cabinet can cause you more trouble and costs in the long run if it is not stable or of good quality. An expensive base cabinet can offer you more comfort and pleasure if it meets your needs. So compare different offers and look out for discounts or special offers.
sand or gravel?
The ground is a important ingredient your aquarium. It not only influences the appearance and design of your aquarium, but also the well-being and health of your fish and plants. But which substrate is the right one for your aquarium? Should it be sand or gravel? Both materials have pros and cons that you should weigh based on your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
The grit
Grain refers to the size of the individual particles in the soil. Sand has a finer grain than gravel and therefore forms a smoother and denser surface. Gravel has a coarser grain and therefore forms a rougher and looser surface.
The grain size affects the water circulation, the nutrient supply and the root penetration of the soil. Sand lets less water through than gravel and can therefore lead to waterlogging or rot if the layers are too thick. Gravel lets more water through than sand and can therefore contribute to better oxygenation and less algae growth.
The grain size also affects the uptake and release of nutrients in the substrate. Sand can store more nutrients than gravel, but release them less well. Gravel can store fewer nutrients than sand, but release them better. This means that sand is better suited for nutrient-poor plants and gravel for nutrient-rich plants.
Finally, the grain size has an influence on how well the plants can root in the ground. Sand offers plants less support than gravel because it slips or is displaced more easily. Gravel offers plants more support than sand because it is firmer and forms more cavities.
The fish species
The types of fish that you want to keep in your aquarium also have an influence on the choice of substrate. Then some fish have special needs or preferences to the ground.
For example, sand is better for fish that like to burrow or dig in the bottom, such as Mailed catfish, loaches or Lake Malawi cichlids. These fish cannot injure themselves in the fine sand or clog their gills. They can also act out their natural behavior and search for food.
Tip: If you can't decide between sand or gravel, you can use a mixture of both. For example, you can fill the front of the aquarium with sand to create a shallow and light zone and fill the back with gravel to create a deep and dark zone. In this way you can simulate different habitats for your fish and plants and give your aquarium more depth and structure.
For example, gravel is better suited for fish that like to swim or use bottom orientation, such as tetras, barbels or guppies. These fish cannot get caught or lodged in the coarse gravel. They can also benefit from the contrast between dark gravel and light water.
The optics
Of course, the look is also an important factor when choosing the substrate. Because the ground contributes significantly to the design and atmosphere of the aquarium. Sand has a light and soft appearance that gives a natural and calm impression. Sand goes well with you tropical or asian style, which is designed with many plants, roots or stones.
Gravel has a dark and angular look that creates a high-contrast and dynamic impression. Gravel goes well with one modern or Nordic style, dit is designed with a few plants, glass or metal.
An aquarium base cabinet is a worthwhile investment
An aquarium base cabinet is more than just a piece of furniture. It is the basis for your aquarium and offers you many advantages. It ensures stability and safety, offers storage space and decoration and gives your aquarium a noble and harmonious frame.
If you want to buy an aquarium base cabinet, you should inform yourself about the different types, criteria and options and choose the model that best suits your aquarium, your furnishing style and your budget. So you can enjoy your aquarium base cabinet for a long time and enjoy your hobby to the fullest.