Harmonizing Aquatic Ecosystems

A harmonious aquarium design is essential for the health and well-being of its inhabitants—from fish to plants, bacteria and everything in between. It can also help promote environmental sustainability, balancing the needs of all species in a community aquarium and minimizing stress on them. Source: FocusingOnWildlife.com

Challenges Facing Aquatic Ecosystems Today

Aquarists can achieve harmony in their tanks by carefully selecting plants with different colors, including greens that range from vibrant, olive tones to deeper, almost khaki hues. They can also create a balance between taller, bushier plants for the backdrop of the tank and shorter ones—including carpeting plants—for the foreground. They can also avoid combining fish with fin-nipping behavior that may result in injury to other members of the tank. For example, bettas should not be combined with other fin-nipping species like angelfish or guppies.

Increasingly, aquarists are looking for ways to go beyond traditional aquariums by creating self-sustaining aquatic ecosystems in their backyards. These ponds are not only beautiful additions to the landscape, but they can also be a step towards environmental sustainability. By implementing eco-friendly practices, such as using a biological filter and planting the pond with plants that naturally absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, they can improve air quality in the home and contribute to ecological coexistence with nature.