WaterCare

Algae is the simplest form of plant life, but its lack of complexity is often its strong point as it allows it to respond rapidly to a shift in water conditions meaning that a ‘bloom’ of algae can happen quickly. Let’s first look in more detail at the two nutrients that help algae thrive. By understanding where these nutrients come from, we can control them and prevent algae being a problem in your pond and aquarium. Although plant life needs many nutrients to grow, there are three key nutrients that enable algae to flourish. Nitrogen and Phosphorous are at the top of the list and are big triggers of algal growth. Sources of Nitrogen The principal source of nitrogen in your pond comes from waste ammonia, which is caused by fish excretions and from the breakdown of organic matter. Nitrogen also enters our pond water through tap water, and as many parts of the country now suffer from high levels of nitrogen due to agricultural fertilisers, controlling the levels in your aquarium or pond is more important than ever. By using Tetra AquaSafe, you can be sure that your fish are protected from any harmful substances in tap water. Phosphorus in your water Phosphorus will cycle through numerous forms in the water, none of which are toxic to fish at normal levels. Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus (DIP), Dissolved Organic Phosphorous (DOP), and Particulate Organic Phosphorus (POP) are the most abundant forms and are also known as Orthophosphate, reactive phosphate and phosphate. Here the phosphorus is dissolved in the water body usually as PO43-, H2PO4– or HPO42+. The acidity of the water determines the proportion of these phosphorus species in the water.  One of the main inputs of phosphorus in the water is fish food. Artificial diets like flake and pellet foods have a phosphorus concentration in the region of 1%, so after each feeding session, the amount of phosphorus cycling in the aquarium will increase. The nutrient is also excreted by animals and plants as they metabolise. Another significant source of phosphorus into the water is the rupture of dead cells. Fish will be constantly sloughing dead cells into the water, plants will release dead tissues into the water, where the cells will again rupture and release their contents. Controlling these nutrients in your aquarium and pond The key to controlling levels of Nitrate and Phosphate in the aquarium and pond is to minimise the inputs and maximise the outputs. As mentioned above, nitrate and phosphate enter the water primarily due to the breakdown of your fish’s waste, so limiting the numbers of fish and the food fed will limit the nutrient levels in the water – but where is the fun in that! In aquariums, regular ‘hoovering’ of the gravel and cleaning of sponges in filters will flush both fish and organic waste down the drain where it cannot pollute the tank water. Remember, nitrate also enters the system through tap water, so if levels are high in your area, consider installing a nitrate specific anion exchange filter or reverse osmosis (RO) unit. As well as lowering inputs, another way to lower these levels in the tank is to amplify the pathways by which they naturally leave the tank. As mentioned, all plants need nitrogen and phosphorous to thrive, so increasing the level of aquarium plants will deprive the algae of spare nutrients and it will not be able to grow. Another pathway by which nitrogen may leave the aquarium is through bacterial denitrification. The nitrogen cycle sees bacteria that live in oxygen-free environments using nitrate as an oxygen source. These oxygen free pockets can be found deep in the aquarium gravel. Tetra’s EasyBalance relies on these bacteria to lower the nitrate level of the aquarium, whilst reducing cleaning efforts and keeping fish and plants in top condition. Liquid additives can also be very effective at removal of phosphates from aquarium water, Tetra PhosphateMinus can remove 2 mg/l of phosphate when used as instructed and will cause no water clouding, KH reduction or pose any threat to aquarium inhabitants. Phosphate removing chemical filter media are also very useful in removing DIP from the aquarium or pond. These rely on a natural attraction for negatively charged phosphate (PO43-), to positively charged molecules such as aluminium or iron. When it comes to pond algae, there are some fast solutions on the market to target both floating and pond algae, such as Tetra’s AlgoRem and AlgoFin water solutions, which provide effective and safe treatment for persistent blooms. Overall, there are many ways to attack aquarium or pond algae, but the most successful and sustainable strategies place nitrate and phosphate reduction at the heart of the approach.

At Tetra, our customers often ask what it is that they should be looking for when it comes to pond and aquarium water quality. Many believe that it’s the clarity of the water that reflects its quality, however, this is not always the case. In fact, water clarity has very little to do with the actual quality of the water. For instance, many fish, such as goldfish or Koi, are renowned for preferring the security offered by murky water. So, what should we be looking for when discussing overall pond or aquarium water quality? What are the signs of poor water quality? What are the problems with murky water and the problems with perfectly clear water? What is water quality? We can define this incredibly important concept as a description of the physical and chemical properties of the water. In other words, the profile of the water and the level of pollutants in it. For example, the water we draw out of the tap at Tetra’s UK offices is very hard and slightly alkaline. This hardness comes from the chalky rocks in our area dissolving minerals into the rainwater. This rainwater seeps down into the ground, is then extracted to be treated and turned into tap water. These minerals give the water a characteristic hard-alkaline profile. So, water quality involves a description of the water’s profile, hard and alkaline, soft and acidic etc. These are chemical properties, but the definition also includes physical properties of the water, most notably temperature. Different fishes have varying environmental requirements of water and so good water quality for one species could be dreadful for another. Water quality will change over time as living organisms extract and deposit various elements and compounds into it. Therefore, water quality also encompasses a description of the natural and unnatural ‘pollutants’ in the water. Natural pollutants could include ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate etc, all compounds released from natural processes in the pond or aquarium such as fish metabolism. Unnatural pollutants could include those substances added by man such as chlorine in tap water or other nasties such as heavy metals or pesticides. The dangers of crystal clear water. The thing to realise when discussing water quality for any fish is that the eyes are not chemical test kits. Two water samples, one of which was perfect for fishkeeping, the other which for example, had an incorrect pH (Acidity level) or too much ammonia or nitrite (toxic fish wastes), would look identical to our eyes. We use chemical test kits to determine the quality and measure the properties of the water, such as pH, hardness and oxygen level and also the ‘pollutants’ such as ammonia or chlorine. There is no substitute for regular water chemistry testing. Water chemical testing kits and test strips, such as those in the TetraTest range, are the only way to measure and determine overall water quality. Now with the Tetra Aquatics App, testing water and storing the results for comparison over time is a simple task. The common phrase ‘look after the water and the fish can look after themselves’ is as true as ever and our ability to monitor the water quality is easier than ever before. Signs of water quality problems: As we have seen ‘good’ fishkeeping water quality can look to us the same as ‘bad’ fishkeeping water quality, in the sense of the appearance of the water itself. However, the behaviour and physiology of the fish themselves can tell us much about the quality of their medium. The most common example is the behaviour of fish in water of low dissolved oxygen (DO). When the DO level drops below that preferred by a fish they begin to ventilate their gills at a faster and deeper rate, and frequently move up to the water surface where the DO level should be marginally higher. This gasping at the surface is a behavioural and physiological response allowing the fish to extract enough oxygen for its needs, rather like us humans huffing and puffing when we are ‘out-of-breath’. Many tropical freshwater fish have evolved organs to allow them to breathe air, and they will begin to use this special ability if the dissolved oxygen level of the tank begins to drop. An ideal example of this is Corydoras sp. catfish which dart up to the water surface to take a quick gulp of air if the DO level in the tank is slightly too low. The gulp of air is then swallowed where a highly vascularised area of the gut allows the uptake of oxygen into the blood. However, a fish gasping at the water surface is by no means a unique sign of low DO levels. Many other parameters and pollutants can lead to gill damage which hinders the fishes’ ability to uptake oxygen leading them to gasp, even though the DO level is adequate for healthy fish. Other ‘signs’ of poor water quality include the dreaded algae or blanket weed, which is an indication of an excess of plant nutrients in the system, most notably nitrates or phosphates. This can be prevented by using products such as Tetra PhosphateMinus which reduces high phosphate values to prevent the growth of undesired plants. Another good example is foaming on the water surface – this can indicate an excess of organic material in the system probably due to overstocking with fish or overfeeding. It is also a sign of under-performance by the filter system again due to too much fish or food, or due to some trauma to the biofilter. So clear water does not mean good water quality, and murky water does not mean bad water quality. Why do we desire such clean water for our fish and why do we associate clarity with quality? Why do we want clear water? Firstly, we need clean water to ensure that we are creating an optimal habitat for the fish, but we want clear water for the simple reason that we want to see our fish. But is clear water good

Fish swimming around, lush greenery, dragonflies hovering over the water… Who wouldn’t want to own a pond and enjoy the wonders of nature? A well-tended pond is a beautiful sight to behold and the perfect place for relaxing in the garden. If you care for it properly, your pond will maintain an optimum biological balance and offer your fish a comfortable home. However, the care measures for your pond vary from one season to the next. For example, in autumn it’s important to gradually prepare your pond for winter and in spring, to get it back in shape again so that you can enjoy it to the full in summer. Find out here about which care measures your pond needs all year round. Pond care in spring Once the frosts are over, the flowers start blossoming in the warm sunlight and the fish wake from their hibernation due to the rising water temperatures, it’s also time for you to rouse your pond from its winter slumber. As soon as your fish start to stir and become active, you should begin feeding them again. If the water temperatures are still below 10°C you should start by feeding them energy-optimised food that contains a balanced mix of vitamins, nutrients and trace elements. As your fish are not in peak form after the winter and are therefore more vulnerable to disease, it is important to help them get back into shape again quickly and to boost their energy reserves. Once the water temperature rises above 10°C in the long term, you can switch to normal, top-quality, high-energy food. Please note that you shouldn’t start “spring cleaning” your pond until your fish have finished hibernating. The first step is to check the edge of the pond for any damage sustained during the winter and to repair it if necessary. If you have stored your technical equipment in a frost-proof location over the winter, now is the time to put it back in your pond and check it: are your pond pumps still working perfectly and is your filter’s flow rate sufficient? It’s important to put the filter back into your pond in good time so that it can become biologically active again and enough microorganisms can settle on it to help clean the pond water. Green water is a common occurrence in spring, as this is the time of year when most algae problems crop up. Plant growth is not yet vigorous enough to counter any algae and compete with them for nutrients. This doesn’t happen until later in the year. It’s therefore crucial to ensure good water quality and clear water in spring. For this purpose, you should check the key water values, such as carbonate hardness, pH and nitrate levels, on a regular basis. If an algae problem arises, you can combat it with algaecides or a UVC clarifier in the filter circuit. The latter eliminates floating algae, which turn the pond water green. The main cause of algae growth is an excessive nutrient content in the water. This can arise, inter alia, due to an accumulation of sludge at the bottom of the pond during the winter months. If this is the case, you also need to remove this sludge-like deposit. Be very careful to avoid overstressing your active fish during the mulm-removal process. Other ways of reducing the nutrient content include carrying out partial water changes and making appropriate use of pond treatments. In late spring, you can also add some new plants or some water lilies, for example. Pond care in summer After all your hard work in spring, now it’s time to enjoy the full splendour of your garden pond. Your plants have grown sufficiently in the meantime and are currently competing with algae for nutrients, thereby reducing or inhibiting algae growth. If, however, algae do proliferate, simply fish them out with a dip net or use a special anti-algae agent. If your plant growth is too dense, simply thin out your plants and remove any dead plant parts with a dip net from time to time. Don’t forget to check the water values at certain intervals and to keep an eye on the water temperature. In warm water, less oxygen can be dissolved so we recommend additionally aerating your pond to increase the oxygen level. You can do so by adding a water feature, for example. If the water level falls due to excessive evaporation, you will need to top up your pond. When doing so, you should always use a water conditioner to make the water safe for fish. Carrying out a partial water change is another good way of guaranteeing good water quality. What’s more, you can use the extracted pond water to water your flowers, for example. Pond care in autumn The days are drawing in and the temperatures are falling. Autumn is approaching, so now is the time to prepare your pond for the winter. It is crucial to clean and care for your pond in autumn to help your pond and fish make it through the winter in good shape. In autumn, you should regularly remove any leaves fallen from trees as well as any plant remains and foliage from the water surface, otherwise they will sink to the bottom of your pond and gradually create an ever thicker layer of sediment. Covering your pond with a leaf net could be a great help here, particularly for smaller ponds. Cut your pond plants back and remove any weeds and dead plants. Good water quality is crucial in order for your fish to remain healthy over winter. You should therefore remove any excess sludge and sediment from the bottom of your pond using a pond vacuum. Partial water changes are also essential in preparation for winter as they help to prevent poor water quality and keep the nutrient content in check, thereby preventing the risk of prolific algae growth in spring. You should therefore check the key water values on a regular

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What is aquascaping? We are all aware of the visual appeal of classic aquariums filled with fish, but planted aquariums containing snails or shrimps can also be truly eye-catching – providing they are suitably designed. The design or replication of aesthetic landscapes under water is known as aquascaping. This is an increasingly popular trend in the world of fishkeeping, so much so that there are now plenty of fiercely contended aquascaping contests. This special type of aquarium design can be traced back to Japanese nature photographer and aquarium designer Takashi Amano, who has decisively shaped the concept of aquascaping with his impressive natural aquariums. The difference between classic fishkeeping and aquascaping lies in the structured design or ‘layouts’ of the aquariums. Nature as a source of inspiration Aquascaping is all about creating visually appealing aquariums. The natural world above the water provides inspiration for the aquascaping layouts below it. Aquascapers often try to replicate certain images or scenes from nature, such as forests, mountain ranges or hills. These landscapes are primarily constructed using real plants, stones, roots and caves. As a result, aquascaping is often also referred to as underwater gardening. Aquascaping can involve several types of aquariums, from those containing plants alone to those stocked with snails or even small fish. Creating an aquascape Before aquascapers start setting up an aquarium, they first develop a precise design concept. Only then does the actual implementation begin. First, the appropriate or desired substrate must be added to the aquarium. A substrate slope can be used to create a sense of depth that visually enhances the aquarium. Attention can next be turned to the question of how to divide up the aquarium. This is usually based on the principle of the ‘golden ratio’, a division ratio that determines how the aquarium can best be divided up to achieve a visually harmonious structure. A classic choice is for the sky to make up a third of the overall picture. In addition to the way the aquarium is divided up, the hardscapes are also of key importance. These are the hard landscape materials, such as the right stones and roots. Ideally, only one type of rock and one type of wood should be used. A further aquascaping rule is that using an odd number of stones creates greater visual appeal. If adding roots, it is essential to ensure that they are saturated beforehand as they can otherwise become buoyant when the aquarium is filled with water. Once the hardscapes have been added, it is time for the softscapes, meaning the various plants. A broad range of plants from stem plants to mosses and ferns can be used to create the desired landscape or artwork. There are also designs that incorporate a maximum of three – or even only one – plant species. Softscapes or plants are also used to conceal the technology needed for the aquarium to thrive so as not to detract from the design. On the whole, aquascaping should create a harmonious yet dynamic picture. Aquascaping versus classic fishkeeping In classic aquarium set-ups, little attention is paid to the hardscape elements. Aquatic plants are largely used to positively impact the water quality and provide the fish with safe havens in which they can hide. With aquascaping, precisely the opposite is true. Here, the main focus is on the stones and roots, which should draw the eye. This shows the sheer versatility of the world of fishkeeping, which allows people to give their creativity free rein when designing aquariums.

Decorate your home with an aquarium Home aquariums are real eye-catchers and look particularly good in living rooms. More than just a habitat for fish and other underwater creatures, an attractive aquarium tailored to the look of your living room will enhance your interiors and turn visitors’ heads. They also exude a feeling of calm, creating an inviting, cosy atmosphere. There are many ways to design an aquarium and make it a beloved, high-quality and modern addition to your home. Benefits of living room aquariums As mentioned above, there are many ways to set up an aquarium and incorporate it into your home. Let your creativity run free – whether you focus on the shape of the aquarium, the plants, the lighting, the rocks or the sculptures, this is your chance to express your personal style. Setting up an aquarium can be a truly joyful experience. Aquariums are a fascinating sight, and will help improve your concentration and encourage you to relax after a stressful day. They also have a calming effect. A well-maintained, functioning aquarium will brighten up any room and add that extra special touch. Designing your aquarium While you are of course free to design and set up your aquarium however you wish, there are two general styles to choose from: a more artistic look, or a natural look. The natural look strives to recreate the habitat of the aquatic creatures as closely as possible. If you choose this option, you will use light or dark gravel and real plants, plus wood and rocks to achieve the look you want. Artistic aquarium designs are very colourful. Depending on your taste, you can use gravel in colours such as orange or blue. Artificial plants are usually used here, also in a variety of colours. You can also add striking sculptures, an underwater castle or a sunken pirate ship. You can even play with the lighting, adding LEDs with colour effects and contrasts. A suitable cabinet in a modern design is the perfect place to store your technical equipment. However, you need to make sure that your cabinet is sturdy, won’t topple over and can bear the weight of the aquarium. Naturally, the fish that will live in your aquarium play an important role in its design. You can populate your community aquarium with large or small fish, single-coloured or multi-coloured fish and keep them in groups, pairs or alone, depending on their social behaviour and requirements. The one thing you must not forget when setting up and decorating your aquarium is that this is a home for your fish, and their needs come first. Finding the right spot for a modern aquarium When incorporating an aquarium into your home, it is crucial to pick a location that will help it stand out. Depending on how much space you have and the size of your aquarium, you can let it stand freely, use it to divide up the room or integrate it into the walls and furniture. Aquariums come in round, square and rectangular designs and various litre sizes to help you make the best use of the space available and match your personal style. Perhaps the most traditional variant is a square aquarium installed on a living room wall. With the right effects, such as an interesting rock formation or an underwater castle, even this classic choice can look great and add an eye-catching feature to your home. If you have a dedicated corner for reading or relaxing, a small aquarium can boost the calming effect and allow your thoughts to drift as you watch the creatures swim around. Naturally, a free-standing aquarium will attract even more attention. You will then be able to look at it from all sides and enjoy an even better view of the fish and other creatures. Alternatively, you can use your aquarium to separate your living space. This can be an elegant way to divide an open living space into an eating area/kitchen and living room. This option is becoming increasingly popular in modern interior design. Even if you don’t want a free-standing aquarium or don’t have enough space, there are many ways to make the aquarium part of the room. Built-in aquariums are a very stylish option: you can have your aquarium installed on a living room wall or book shelf or flush-mounted into the wall. This last option creates a modern and impressive look, particularly if the aquarium is visible from two rooms. With many different design options, aquariums are becoming an increasingly popular feature in modern interiors.

An aquarium if left alone can soon become a rather mucky place! The solid wastes released from the fish will accumulate in the gravel and the filter, live plants can shed leaves which will decay in the water and of course the dreaded algae can start to grow coating glass, rock and other surfaces. Keeping the tank clean is not just about aesthetics however, it really is vital for the health of your fishes, invertebrates and plants. Accumulating organic matter, (fish faeces, plant debris etc), will slowly decay in the water. This decay can deprive the precious filter bacteria of oxygen, as well as depriving the fish and invertebrates in the tank of oxygen too. This decaying organic matter can also encourage the growth of opportunistic fish pathogens, not the sort of organisms we want in the tank. Ultimately the decay of this waste will liberate nitrates and phosphates into the water which are likely to encourage blooms of algae. So we can see, as fishkeepers we are strongly incentivised to keep the tank clean! It is tempting to rely on a good filter to keep the tank clean. If all the solid waste gets trapped in the filter sponges then surely the tank is clean? This is not the case as this organic waste is still decaying in the tank water! It is just not visible in the tank. All the problems outlined above will still arise, plus the heavy loading of organic matter in the filter can lead to the delicate ammonia and nitrite oxidising bacteria being displaced from the filter by more competitive ‘heterotrophic’ bacteria. Cleaning planted tanks require care not to disturb the plant’s roots Thus keeping your filter clean is vital, traditional wisdom tells us to clean the sponges in the filter in a bucket filled with tankwater once every week or so – depending on the number and type of fish and the feeding rate in the tank. Small filter sponges, such as those in a Tetra IN Plus range must be cleaned in this way – never clean the sponges in tapwater as those precious ammonia and nitrite oxidising bacteria will be killed off by the chlorine in the tapwater. This will leave your fish tank without a biological filter which is incredibly dangerous for your fishes and invertebrates. Larger canister filters such as the TetraTec EXplus range have distinct sponge and biological stages. Hence really messy sponges could be cleaned in tapwater, but none must be allowed anywhere near the biological filter stage. If in any doubt, simply clean your sponges in a bucket of aquarium water. Another part of the tank where solid wastes will accumulate is the substrate. Basic gravel substrates can be cleaned with a gravel siphon such as a TetraTec GC. These siphon water out of the tank, lifting particles of solid waste with them. The flow can be regulated with a tap to ensure it is of the correct rate to lift solid wastes but not the gravel itself.  Planting substrates can be more difficult to clean as we do not want to disturb plant roots and the layering of iron-rich substrate. Use of a length of 5mm diameter airline hose to remove visible solid waste from the substrate surface is the best method. With a clean substrate and filter, the next area to focus on is the glass. Algae magnets such as a TetraTec MC M allow you to clean the glass without getting your hands wet. More stubborn growths of green spot algae can be removed with a mounted blade cleaner such as a TetraTec GS. Just be careful not to scratch the glass or damage the silicone sealant at the corners of the tank. Finally tank glass and aquarium ornaments can be cleaned safely and effectively with TetraTec Easywipes. In summary, keeping your tank clean is not just about looks! It is vital for the long term health and good water quality in your tank – happy cleaning folks!

These fish are suitable for your aquarium For beginners, we recommend to either use the heated aquarium for tropical ornamental fish or the unheated goldfish aquarium. Ask your local pet store which fish are compatible with each other so your new community can harmoniously coexist. Our suggestion: In order to enjoy the exciting life in your aquarium water to a maximum, all water layers should be inhabited. Your local pet shop owner knows plenty about which fish swim on the water surface, which fish make use of the entire basin, and whether it is advisable to keep some dwarf shrimp for movement at the bottom of your aquarium. Also ask for the right aquarium technology: while goldfish live in cold water, Guppies and similar types of fish need warmer temperatures and thus an aquarium heater. Make an attractive habitat Plants, roots and other decoration make your aquarium into a beautiful eye-catcher and at the same time fulfill vital functions in your habitat. Aquatic plants produce oxygen and provide your aquarium fish with hiding places. The correct substrate provides the plant’s roots with grip. Decoration elements, such as tree roots, rocks, or even posters for the aquarium background provide visual variety and always bring a new look in your underwater world. The right fish food, that your fish loves With Tetra you find the right food for all aquarium inhabitants. Whether goldfish or Guppies, catfish or dwarf shrimp: with Tetra you feed your fish and shrimp with all vital nutrients and strengthen their immune system thanks to the patented BioActive formula. You also keep the aquarium water clean & clear. Whether it be a classic flake food, nutritious crisp or tasty food tablet, we have the perfect product for each one of your aquarium inhabitants. Easy Water Care Water is life! With proper water care you will enjoy a biologically healthy aquarium that you can maintain with simple measures. Our tips: Use SafeStart when setting up a new aquarium or FilterActive when cleaning the filter. It contains live bacteria that create a biological environment in which your fish can live safe and healthy. Treat your tap water with Tetra AquaSafe to take out Chlorine and Chloramine and create natural aquarium water. Thanks to vitamins, natural biopolymers and trace elements, your fish will thrive in their healthy water! Keep your aquarium water biologically healthy and add Tetra Easy Balance just once a week for ideal long-term maintenance. Check the water quality once a week with the Tetra Test 6in1 test strips.

Science has now confirmed what fishkeeping fans have known for some time: watching fish, shrimps and so on in their underwater world is relaxing and promotes well-being. Standing by a gently babbling river, watching the water or gazing out over a favourite landscape – again and again, studies confirm that calm moments in nature help people to relax. Researchers at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth have now proven that aquariums – and the fish that live in them – offer the same form of relaxation. Its huge tanks have been pulling in the crowds for a long time now. When one of the tanks was restored and gradually filled with new aquatic creatures, the scientists seized the opportunity to conduct a small study. Observing the observers The researchers watched the visitors who looked at the new aquarium and measured various parameters – in particular their blood pressure and pulse to draw conclusions about their stress levels. They also used surveys to ask about the visitors’ health. Participants provided information about their mental well-being. And the results were clear: ‘We were able to show that the underwater landscapes had a positive effect on people’s moods’, explains head researcher Deborah Cracknell. Lots to see Watching the fish in their underwater world had a quantifiable effect on visitors’ stress levels. The longer they spent watching the fish, the greater the impact. To make this clear, the scientists recorded data at three different points: when the aquarium contained only water, when it was half-filled with creatures, and again when the aquarium was completely set up with all fish and plants. They concluded that the more creatures the aquarium contains, the greater the effect. Looking at the aquarium reduced visitors’ heart rates and made them more relaxed. Haven of relaxation Up to now, large aquarium experience centres have seen themselves primarily as places of education and clarification. ‘But they can offer totally different benefits as well’, states Dr Sabine Pahl, co-author of the study. In stressful times, underwater worlds could serve as havens of calm and relaxation – particularly for people who do not have the opportunity to enjoy nature. Watching fish swimming around an aquarium and losing yourself in the experience for long periods reduces stress and helps you stay healthy for longer. And as Cracknell explains, the aquarium does not necessarily have to be huge: ‘It has already been shown several times that even small home aquariums have a calming effect on the body and reduce stress.’ Aquariums are a great choice for everyone, not just experienced aquarists. As well as their calming effect, they are easy to maintain and do not take up too much time. But maintenance is important – only a well-kept aquarium will look nice, keep your fish healthy and help you to feel good too. With various aquatic plants, fish and creatures, an aquarium can be an eye-catching feature in any home and good for the soul – both for you and your guests.