Before everyone who decided to embark on the exciting and mysterious path of home aquarium, sooner or later the question arises: how much tank to choose and how much tank 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 in which you are going to buy capacity. As a rule, the available aquariums are presented in standard sizes: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 70, 100 liters, etc. But in these mean figures, there is a catch. They are very exemplary. Firstly, what volume is it about: after all, itโs actual and useful for the aquarium, which is slightly smaller (as a rule, they donโt fill the aquarium to the very edge, there are lamps on the lid, and about five centimeters of soil are laid on the bottom of the aquarium, driftwood is placed , stones, plants). Measurements can be made on the outer and inner walls, which can significantly affect the volume - the glass can reach two centimeters thick.
What affects the volume of the aquarium
The amount of fish (snails, shrimps, frogs, crayfish and other aquatic creatures) that can be found depends on the volume of the aquarium. Their number depends on the size, aggressiveness, territoriality and stress exposure of these animals. The modern world of pet stores offers a whole range of products for aquarium lovers: means to soften chlorinated water, to destroy harmful algae, liquid mineral fertilizers for aquarium plants, medicines for fish. As a rule, these additives should be used 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 must not allow overdose and poisoning of animals.
What will be needed for measurement
To measure the size of the aquarium, you will not need so much. A ruler (a sewing centimeter, a building tape measure - any measuring device are also suitable), a calculator and restoration of the school course in physics and geometry in the memory.
How to calculate the volume of the aquarium in liters. Formula for different types of aquarium
This will be easiest if the aquarium is in the shape of a cube or parallelepiped. Before calculating the volume of the aquarium in liters by size, write them 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 โโwill give us the volume of the aquarium in cubic centimeters. To translate this value into liters, you need to multiply the resulting value by 0.001. That is, the formula has the form:
The volume of the aquarium in the form of a cube in liters = A * B * C * 0.001.
The type of cylindrical aquarium is widespread (it is especially popular as a marine variant). To measure its volume, we 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 the number Pi and by the height. As a result, 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 = ฯR ^ 2 * H * 0.001.
And finally, how to calculate the volume of an aquarium of a spherical shape: we denote by the letter R the radius of our ball. We cube it, multiply by the number Pi and the fraction 4/3. And of course, do not forget to translate the volume in liters:
The volume of a spherical aquarium in liters = ฯR ^ 3 * 0.001 * 3/4.
How to calculate the volume of an aquarium in liters in other ways
Unfortunately, sometimes itโs not always possible to figure out how to calculate the volume of an aquarium in liters using the formula.
Of course, you can, using well-known formulas, divide this complex figure into several simple ones, fit into a cube or ball and, having calculated their volumes, mentally cut off the extra liters. But there is a much simpler and more reliable way. For this, measured containers and, in fact, the โjar" itself (our aquarium) are needed. It is logical that the volume of water that fills the aquarium will be equal to its capacity. This method is good in that it can take into account the volume of soil, large decorative elements, plants, an internal filter and other devices already in the aquarium, and, accordingly, give out only the volume of water entering it. The Internet will come to the rescue. There are many online calculators on the network with which you can easily calculate the volume of an aquarium.
Choosing a Home Aquarium Size
Now, knowing how to calculate the volume of the aquarium, you can begin this responsible choice. The main mistake that a novice in this business can make is choosing too small a volume. Aquarium is a kind of ecosystem. There are plants that produce oxygen in the light during photosynthesis, there are fish that scrape harmful algae deposits from the leaves and walls of the vessel, there are snails and shrimps that collect leftover food and dead parts of plants. The larger the aquarium, the more complete this ecosystem will be. Therefore, it is not recommended to start aquariums of less than 50 liters - it will be difficult to care for them. The optimal size of the aquarium is from 100 liters.
And it is better to abandon aquariums of a round or too intricate shape - the fish in them are more susceptible to stress, fewer opportunities to plant plants. Even banal aquariums with a rectangular base can serve for different purposes: for a paludarium (herbal aquarium), low aquariums are chosen. Shrimp can be of various shapes, but the most common are with a square bottom, โcubesโ.
And it is better to abandon aquariums of a round or too intricate shape - the fish in them are more susceptible to stress, fewer opportunities to plant plants. Even banal aquariums with a rectangular base can serve for different purposes: for a paludarium (herbal aquarium), low aquariums are chosen. Shrimp can be of various shapes, but the most common are with a square bottom, โcubesโ.
For aquarium fish, a slightly flattened box with a height of not more than 70 cm will be good (for fish, the height does not matter, 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.