The PICKLE JAR AQUARIUM is a unique mini fish tank that's perfect for your desk. It's easy to put together and a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills.
This jar can hold a lot of life! For example, one Betta fish (or several micro fish) would be great in this jar.
Substrate
Aquarium substrate is the foundation of any successful tank. It acts as a medium for beneficial bacteria to colonize and break down waste. It also acts as a nutrient source for plants.
There are many different types of aquarium substrate to choose from and they all vary in their composition. There are inert substrates, nutrient and soil based, and crushed coral substrates among others.
Inert substrates are very commonly sold to hobbyists as they are non-reactive and do not affect your water parameters. They are a good choice for beginners as it will help them get the hang of keeping their fish tank clean.
Using inert substrate is important for the health and upkeep of your fish. Over time the nitrifying bacteria will grow and turn this substrate into a nice healthy bed of substrate that will not only look great but will help your fish maintain a stable pH.
Nutrient and soil based substrates are made from a variety of materials and additives to suit your specific needs. Some of the most common additives include peat, volcanic ash, carbon, and clay. These types of substrates are more organic and will allow the natural breakdown process to take place.
These type of substrates can be used for both tropical and brackish tanks. African cichlid keepers and saltwater hobbyists often prefer these types of substrate as they will raise the hardness level, buffer the pH levels, and provide better overall water quality for their fish.
If you want to use gravel or sand for your substrate, be sure it is of the right grain size. Too fine of a grain can prevent some plant roots from reaching the substrate, and will create anaerobic conditions which can affect your fish tank.
Some gravels have sharp edges that can hurt some fish species. For example, Corydoras and Kuhli loach fish do not appreciate the sharp ridges on some gravels.
When choosing a substrate, it is always important to consider the type of plants you will be planting. Some plants prefer a soft substrate like sand, while others like the harder gravel and rocky surfaces.
Plants
Plants are an important part of a terrarium. They help with airflow, filtration, and water quality. They also act as food and shelter for the micro-flora, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms living in the terrarium.
Many terrariums use plants that are naturally occurring in the wild. These include mosses, algaes, and corals.
Crypts are another popular type of plant to use in a terrarium. They are small and easy to care for. They can thrive in most tank conditions, grow slow, and don't require a lot of light or fertilizer.
Java moss is another popular choice as it can attach itself to rocks, driftwood, and roots. It's a low light, hardy plant that grows quickly and can make a nice foreground addition to your aquarium.
Anubias Nana is another low light carpeting plant that can be used in most tank conditions. It's a small cousin of Anubias Barteri that is compatible with most fish, does not need high light, and can be grown either emergent or submerged.
Dwarf Sagittaria is a good first time plant to try. This plant is a small grass like cover that spreads to form a carpet in your terrarium. It has minimal maintenance requirements and is perfect for beginners.
For added color, try polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachea). It has pink, red, or white-spotted leaves that add a fun touch to your terrarium.
You can find these types of plants at any garden center or nursery. They are a great way to add a little variety to your terrarium and make it look more realistic.
These plants are available in a wide range of sizes and colors and can easily be grown by anyone. Most are fairly inexpensive, and they make beautiful additions to any terrarium.
When choosing a plant for your terrarium, it's important to select one that has various foliage forms and is suitable for the size of your jar. You'll also want to choose plants that are appropriate for your lighting and temperature.
The best way to ensure the plants you choose will flourish in your terrarium is to pick out those that are native to the area where you live. These will have a natural tolerance to the temperatures and pH of your region. They will also be less likely to become sick or die when planted in your tank.
Lighting
One of the most important parts of a successful nano shrimp jar is lighting. You’ll need LEDs that provide moderate levels of light, about 8 hours per day. This will help ensure that your plants grow at a steady rate and don’t overgrow or die.
You’ll also need a heater. You can choose from a variety of options, but if you go the electric route, make sure it is a good quality model. As water evaporates, mineral salts form a crust that reduces heating efficiency and can cause the heater to overheat and break down. To keep your pickle jar heater humming, fill it with de-ionized water or distilled water, and top up when necessary.
The best part of this is that it’s a low maintenance, inexpensive hobby you can do with kids or on your own. It’s easy to get started with a few things you may already have on hand: a glass jar, water, gravel, plants, figurines, and fish or shells.
A pickle jar is the perfect size to create an impressive aquascape that’s both functional and fun. It’s an ideal way to teach kids about sustainability while they have some fun. The coolest thing about this type of project is that they will have a ton of fun experimenting with a wide variety of materials, from the smallest pebbles to the largest rocks and trees. It’s also a great way to build teamwork skills while learning about nature and conservation in the process. This is especially true if you include the kids in the decision-making process.
Heater
A heater is an essential component of your aquarium. Not only does it heat up the water, but it also helps keep your fish healthy and happy. It can be expensive, but it is worth the investment if you want to have a successful, beautiful aquarium.
When selecting an aquarium heater, consider what kind of fish you are planning to add to the tank. The most common fish species that need a heater are tropical fish, such as bettas and angelfish. These species need water between 75 and 80 degrees F (24 to 27 C), while cool water fish, such as goldfish, require water that is cooler.
Using a thermometer is important when choosing the right heater for your fish tank. This will make sure that the heater is operating correctly and that the temperature is set to a comfortable range for your fish.
Thermometers are available in different sizes and styles, with many having a digital display that allows you to see the current temperature of your water. You should buy a thermometer that can be inserted into your fish tank, so you can keep track of the temperature in real time.
Another thing to consider is the placement of your aquarium heater. You should place it near a source of water flow so that it can circulate effectively. It should not be in direct contact with other objects that might block its heat, such as rocks, plants, or substrates.
One way to keep your jar heater from overheating is to fill it with distilled, de-ionized, or reverse-osmosis water. This will prevent the buildup of mineral salts on the tube and in the jar that can reduce your heater’s heating efficiency.
This is a good idea for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. However, if you have a saltwater tank, it is best to use a heater that is designed for saltwater, such as the Titanium Aquarium Heater, which uses a glass tube with a stainless steel heating element.
A heater can be used to keep your tank at a desired temperature, even in the case of a power outage. You can also use a heater to warm up your tank if you need to make a water change or adjust the pH level.
