What else can you keep in your aquarium?

An aquarium isn't just for fish—if desired, you can create an entire aquatic ecosystem of plants and animals. However, it's important to consider the compatibility of different species. In this article, we'll explore what other species are suitable for an aquarium.

What kind of fish can be added to aquarium fish?

In addition to fish, the following animals can be added to aquarium fish:

1. Snails. Snails can be useful additions to an aquarium, as they can help remove food debris and yeast. Some popular types of snails for aquariums include the apple snail, the Malaysian ramshorn snail, and the neritina snail.
2. CrayfishCertain species of crayfish can coexist with aquarium fish. For example, hermaphrodite crayfish, cardinal shrimp, and amano shrimp.
3. Corals and soft coelenteratesYou can add corals or soft coelenterates to your aquarium to create a beautiful and exotic environment.
4. Plants. Plants are an important element in an aquarium, as they help maintain water quality and create a natural environment for fish. Plants can also serve as a food source for some fish species.

It is important to remember that before adding new animals to your aquarium, you need to study their characteristics to ensure their compatibility with your aquarium fish and that all requirements for their maintenance and care are met.

Some fish can be aggressive or will hunt crayfish or snails in the aquarium.

Therefore, avoid keeping the following fish species together with crayfish and snails:

1. Predatory fish. Predatory fish species that may prey on crayfish and snails include red-eared bass, pike, Persian bass, some species of clownfish and goldfish.
2. Aggressive cichlidsSome cichlid species can be aggressive toward other aquarium animals, including crayfish and snails. Examples of aggressive cichlids include the oscarina, red-spotted African cichlid, and the jazoni cichlid.
3. Botia. Some species of botia can be aggressive and prey on slow-moving crayfish or snails. Examples include the yo-yo botia and the bird's-bill botia.
4. Loach-tailed crayfish. Some species of loach can interact aggressively with other crayfish or snails in an aquarium. For example, the Carolina loach or the male Okinawa loach.
5. Large or active fish. They can accidentally pinch or harm small crabs or snails, such as goldfish or broadband catfish.

If you want to keep crayfish or snails in your aquarium, it's important to research and select compatible fish species that won't pose a threat to them. Consult with experienced aquarists or specialists for recommendations on species compatibility in your specific aquarium.

Read also How to properly clean an aquarium.

What can be kept in an aquarium without fish?

In addition to fish, an aquarium can contain various aquatic plants, crustaceans (such as shrimp or crayfish), mollusks (snails, turtles, etc.), as well as corals or starfish, depending on the type of aquarium (freshwater or marine).

To keep crustaceans in an aquarium without fish, consider the following recommendations:

1. Research different types of crustaceans to choose the ones you'd like to keep. Some popular options include crayfish, shrimp, and conches.
2. Create special hiding places for crustaceans in the aquarium, such as rocks, roots, clay pots or special hiding places, so that they can feel safe and comfortable.
3. Provide proper nutrition for your crustaceans. Information on their dietary preferences is available in literature or on specialized resources. Remember that different species may have different nutritional needs, so choose food accordingly.
4. Regularly check water quality and maintain optimal parameters based on the requirements of the crustacean species you keep. This includes monitoring temperature, pH, water hardness, and ammonia and nitrate levels.
5. Monitor your crustaceans to ensure they are well and healthy. If you notice any signs of illness or aggression, take appropriate measures.

Remember that it is important to choose compatible crustacean species to avoid conflicts and damage.

The compatibility of different crustacean species in an aquarium depends on their behavior, size, and environmental requirements.

Here are some types of crustaceans that are generally compatible with each other:

• Loaches. Loaches usually coexist peacefully in an aquarium. Their small size and calm demeanor make them suitable for community housing. Examples of loaches include the red font and the Carolina loach.
• Shrimp. Different shrimp species often coexist successfully. For example, cherry, amano, cardinal, and red rhino shrimp typically coexist peacefully in the same aquarium. However, some more aggressive shrimp species, such as filter shrimp or vampire shrimp, can be aggressive and prey on smaller or more peaceful species.
• Crabs. Some crab species can be compatible if the conditions meet their requirements. For example, fiddler crabs and pomatodes crabs.

To keep mollusks in an aquarium without fish, it is important to follow these guidelines:

1. Choose the right type of shellfish for your aquariumPopular types of mollusks that can be kept in an aquarium include snails and freshwater mollusks such as ampullaria or planarians.
2. Consider the species' requirements for water parameters such as temperature, pH, and water hardness.Mollusks can be sensitive to changes in water conditions, so it is important to provide optimal conditions for their comfort and health.
3. Create a suitable environment for mollusks in the aquariumProvide them with shelter, such as rocks, roots, or special hiding places, so they can feel safe. Also, ensure they have access to adequate nutrition, such as algae, algae tablets, or specialized shellfish food.
4. Keep your aquarium cleanMollusks can help clean the aquarium of food debris and algae, but they can also be sensitive to high ammonia and nitrate levels. Regularly check these parameters and maintain them at safe levels.
5. Use aquarium equipment, such as filters and aerators, to ensure adequate circulation and aeration of the water. Mollusks require oxygen and clean water to stay healthy.
6. Monitor the shellfish regularlyto ensure their well-being and health. If you notice any signs of stress, illness, or dysfunction, take appropriate action to address the issue.

Keeping mollusks in a fishless aquarium can be a fun and unique experience. Remember that different mollusks have different requirements, so it's important to research the specific requirements of each species and maintain suitable conditions.

Keeping corals and starfish in an aquarium without fish is possible - but with extreme caution, as their requirements for balance and good health are different from those of fish.

Here are some tips for keeping corals and starfish in a fishless aquarium:

1. Create stable water parameters. Corals and starfish are very sensitive to fluctuations in water quality. Maintain stable parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, and ammonia.
2. Ensure good water circulationCorals and starfish require good water circulation to obtain nutrients and remove waste products. Install a powerful filter and/or equipment to create water flow.
3. LightingCorals are photosynthetic organisms and require adequate lighting for growth and development. Use specialized LED or metal halide lamps designed for marine aquariums.
4. Coral careCheck the condition of your corals regularly. Remove loose or dead tissue to prevent the spread of infections. Feed your corals with special supplements or nutrient solutions to provide them with essential elements and nutrients.
5. Caring for starfishSome starfish species may require additional nutrition. Consult an expert or research relevant information about your specific starfish to determine how and what to feed them.
6. Regular maintenanceRegularly maintain your aquarium, clean filters, and drain wastewater. Test the water to ensure its quality.
7. Avoid overcrowding. Avoid overcrowding your aquarium with corals and starfish. Provide sufficient space for their growth and development.

It's advisable to consult with experienced aquarists or specialists before adding corals and starfish to a fishless aquarium. They can provide specific recommendations for your specific aquarium.

Who shouldn't live together in an aquarium?

Some species of aquarium animals are incompatible with each other and should not be kept together in the same aquarium. This is due to the aggressive behavior of some fish species, which may attack other inhabitants. Also, different species may have different water parameters (temperature, pH, etc.), so incompatible species may be sensitive to differences in conditions. Therefore, before combining different species in the same aquarium, it is recommended to carefully research their compatibility.

Keep in mind that even if species are considered compatible, specific individual characteristics and behaviors may influence how well they live together.

There are also fish that can be aggressive or hunt crayfish or snails in the aquarium.

Therefore, avoid keeping the following fish species together with crayfish and snails:

1. Predatory fish: They can hunt crayfish and snails, including such specimens as red-eared perch, pike, Persian perch, some species of clown perch and goldfish.
2. Aggressive cichlids: Some cichlid species can be aggressive toward other aquarium animals, including crayfish and snails. Some examples of aggressive cichlids include the oscarina, the red-spotted African cichlid, and the jazoni cichlid.
3. Botia: Some species of botia can be aggressive and prey on slow-moving crayfish or snails. Examples include the yo-yo botia and the bird's-bill botia.
4. Loaches: Some species of loaches can be aggressive with other crayfish or snails in an aquarium. For example, the Carolina loaches and the male Okinawa loaches.
5. Large or active fish: Fish that are large and active may accidentally pinch or harm small crayfish or snails. Examples include goldfish or broadband catfish.

If you want to keep crayfish or snails in your aquarium, it's important to research and select compatible fish species that won't pose a threat to them. Consult with experienced aquarists or specialists for recommendations on species compatibility in your specific aquarium.

Read also about popular schooling aquarium fish.

Tips and tricks for choosing aquarium inhabitants

Here are some tips for choosing aquarium inhabitants and stocking your aquarium:

1. Give the aquarium time to "start up"Before adding fish and other animals to your aquarium, allow it time to establish biological balance. This requires setting up the aquarium early, setting up and adjusting filtration and lighting, and adding a proportional number of plants. This will allow bacteria to establish themselves and create a stable environment for the animals.
2. Pay attention to the water qualityRegularly check your aquarium's water parameters, such as pH, ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. This will help you maintain optimal conditions for your fish and prevent health problems.
3. Gradual introduction of fishDon't add all the fish and other animals to your aquarium at once. Add them gradually, starting with small numbers. This will allow the aquarium to adapt to the new inhabitants and reduce stress on the animals.
4. Consider the size and behavior of the fish. When adding new fish to your aquarium, consider their size and behavior. Some fish can be aggressive and territorial, so it's important to choose suitable tankmates.
5. Find out the compatibility of speciesIt's important to research the compatibility of different fish species before adding them. Some aquarium species can be aggressive toward others, and some may require specific living conditions.
6. Provide hiding places and swimming areas. Aquarium pets need hiding places and swimming areas. Add decorations such as driftwood, caves, and plants to create territories and hiding places for fish.
7. Regular technical support. Professional aquarium maintenance and service are essential to ensure balance and the health of your animals. Regularly clean your filter, change the water, and care for your plants and fish.

By following these tips, you can create a healthy and thriving environment for your fish and other aquarium inhabitants.

Read also About the rules of aquarium decor.