Halogen lamps The tungsten filament of incandescent bulbs is here replaced by another metal, which prevents them from turning black. These lamps can be equipped with a rheostat, but they are generally little used by hobbyists. Discharge lamps An electrical discharge between two electrodes vaporizes a gas, such as mercury or sodium vapor […]
Light sources A whole host of light sources, each with its own distinguishing features, is available to aquarists. Incandescent lamps These are what we use from day to day in our homes, but they are absolutely out of the question in aquariums: the quality of light is poor, and this type of bulb […]
Loss of light The further away the light source, the greater the loss in: - the lighting hood; - the glass lid covering the aquarium; - the water. Part of the light is reflected by the surface of the water, another part is absorbed (the deeper the aquarium, the greater the importance of the absorbed […]
Intensity of the light The total intensity provided by the lighting is an extremely important factor, as plants must be provided the amount of light they need to grow in this artificial environment. It is inevitable, however, that some light is lost, particularly if the beams have to travel long distances. The importance of the […]
LIGHT Light not only serves to provide visual pleasure and highlight the aquarium, it is also essential to its equilibrium, as fish, like most living beings, need the alternation of day and night, which acts as a biological clock. The action of light also makes it possible for plants to perform photosynthesis and grow. Marine […]
EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES An aquarium can only function properly with reliable equipment. It must be easy to put into place and to use and it must offer every possible guarantee of safety, paying particular attention to the potentially dangerous combination of water and electricity. There is sufficient variety in the aquarium trade to supply hobbyists […]
The sequence for the operation is as follows: 1. Even if the glass panes were sanded when they were cut, run a piece of fine sand paper along the edges, then wipe them clean. 2. Lay the panes flat, as in diagram B. 3. Clean the parts to be glued with the acetone or methylated […]
Supplementary materials You will require the following materials for the gluing process: - methylated spirits or acetone, for cleaning the panes before gluing; - clean rags or absorbent paper; - cutter with a fine blade; - sticky tape; - small receptacle for water; - set square and tape measure. When you have assembled all the […]
Glue A good glue is needed for sticking the glass walls together effectively: transparent silicone glue for this purpose is available. When exposed to the air it hardens to form a watertight join. The speed of hardening depends on temperature, so special care must be taken in summer. At a temperature of 19-20 C, the […]
Materials and tools Glass The fundamental material for your aquarium, the element which underpins its existence, is obviously glass. It can be cut to measure in glass merchants or do-it-yourself stores. This operation must be performed correctly, as any slight mistake in the cutting can have serious consequences, especially if the corners are […]