Before everyone who decides to embark on an exciting and mysterious path of home aquarism, sooner or later the question arises: what size of the aquarium to choose and what size aquarium do I have now? How to calculate this value, choose the optimal volume and why it is important, we will answer in the article.
Why is it better to calculate the volume yourself
Of course, you can also contact the consultants of the store where you are going to buy the container. As a rule, available aquariums are presented in standard sizes: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 70, 100 liters, etc. But there is a catch in these mean numbers. They are very exemplary. Firstly, what volume are we talking about: after all, for an aquarium it is actual and useful, which is somewhat smaller (as a rule, the aquarium is not filled to the very edge, lamps are located on the lid, and about five centimeters of soil are laid on the bottom of the aquarium, snags are placed, stones, plants). Measurements can be taken along the outer and inner walls, which can significantly affect the volume - glass can reach two centimetersthickness.
What affects the volume of the aquarium
The number of fish (snails, shrimps, frogs, crayfish and other aquatic life) that can be kept depends on the volume of the aquarium. Their number depends on the size, aggressiveness, territoriality and susceptibility to stress of these animals. The modern world of pet stores offers a whole range of products for aquarium lovers: products for softening chlorinated water, for the destruction of harmful algae, liquid mineral fertilizers for aquarium plants, medicines for fish. As a rule, these additives should be applied based on the volume of water. Naturally, it is very important to know exactly how to calculate the volume of the aquarium for you - you cannot allow an overdose and poisoning of animals.
What you need to measure
It doesn't take much to measure the size of an aquarium. A ruler (a sewing centimeter is also suitable, a construction tape measure - any measuring device), a calculator and restoration in the memory of a school course in physics and geometry.
How to calculate the volume of the aquarium in liters. Formula for different types of aquarium
The easiest way to do this is if the aquarium has the shape of a cube or a parallelepiped. Before calculating the volume of the aquarium in liters by size, write them down in centimeters. Let A be the length of the base, B the width of the base, and C the height of the aquarium. The result of multiplying these values will give us the volume of the aquarium in cubic centimeters. To convert this value to liters, you need to multiply the resulting value by 0,001. That is, the formula looks like:
Cube aquarium volume in liters=ABC0, 001.
The type of cylindrical aquarium is common (it is especially popular as a marine option). To measure its volume, let's measure in centimeters the radius of the base (denoted by R) and the height of the aquarium wall (denoted by H). Multiply the square of the radius by pi and by the height. The result is the volume of the aquarium in cubic centimeters. How to calculate the volume of an aquarium in liters? Multiplying by 0, 001. The formula is converted:
The volume of a cylindrical aquarium in liters=πR^2H0, 001.
And finally, how to calculate the volume of a spherical aquarium: let's denote the radius of our ball as R. Let's raise it to a cube, multiply it by the number Pi and the fraction 4/3. And of course, don't forget to convert the volume to liters:
The volume of a spherical aquarium in liters=πR^30, 0013/4.
How to calculate the volume of the aquarium in liters in other ways
Unfortunately, sometimes it is not always possible to understand how to calculate the volume of an aquarium in liters using the formula.
Of course, using well-known formulas, you can divide this complex figure into several simple ones, fit it into a cube or a ball and, having calculated their volumes, mentally cut off extra liters. But there is a much simpler and more reliable way. This requires a measuring container and, in fact, the “jar” itself (our aquarium). It is logical that the volume of water that filled the aquarium will be equal to its capacity. This method is good because it cantake into account the volume of soil, large decorative elements, plants, internal filter and other devices already in the aquarium, and, accordingly, give out only the volume of water included in it. The Internet will come to the rescue. There are many online calculators on the net, with the help of which it will not be difficult to calculate the volume of an aquarium.
Choosing the size of your home aquarium
Now, knowing how to calculate the volume of the aquarium, you can proceed to this responsible choice. The main mistake that a beginner in this business can make is choosing too little volume. An aquarium is a kind of ecosystem. There are plants that produce oxygen in the light during photosynthesis, there are fish that scrape harmful algae from the leaves and walls of the vessel, there are snails and shrimps that collect the remains of uneaten food and dead parts of plants. The larger the aquarium, the more complete this ecosystem will be. Therefore, starting aquariums less than 50 liters is not recommended - it will be difficult to care for them. The optimal size of the aquarium is from 100 liters.
And it is better to refuse aquariums that are round or too intricate in shape - the fish in them are more prone to stress, there are fewer opportunities to plant plants. Even banal aquariums with a rectangular base can serve for different purposes: low aquariums are chosen for a paludarium (aquarium-herbalist). Shrimp come in a variety of shapes, but the most common are square-bottomed "cubes".
And it's better to refusefrom aquariums that are round or too intricate in shape - the fish in them are more prone to stress, there are fewer opportunities to plant plants. Even banal aquariums with a rectangular base can serve for different purposes: low aquariums are chosen for a paludarium (aquarium-herbalist). Shrimp come in a variety of shapes, but the most common are square-bottomed "cubes".
For aquarium fish, a slightly flattened parallelepiped with a height of no more than 70 cm will be good (height does not matter for fish, but aquarium plants will not receive enough light and perform an aesthetic function). Thus, the volume, shape and size of the aquarium must be approached with all responsibility and intelligence.
