Category Archives: Natural aquariums

low-tech natural aquariums

Important economy lesson that I learned from aquariums

As experienced aquarium-keepers know very well, the biggest problem in an aquarium is water purification; that is, keeping the water and sand healthy in the long term, for several years. Nitrogen compounds such as nitrate and other chemicals accumulated in … Continue reading

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Natural Aquariums for Ecological Literacy and Ecosystem Modeling

Natural aquariums: Sustainable, low-tech, low-maintenance, low-cost aquariums (ecological aquariums) This is a project idea that I developed in September 2021 to discuss it first with some organisations in Switzerland. You can use it, change it, improve it, and if you … Continue reading

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Aquariums and Ecosystem Mutilation Business

A semi-natural aquarium in our kitchen (100x40x40cm) without heater and filter.

Thanks to my aquarium hobby, I became aware of ecosystem mutilation business already as I was a 11 year-old boy, though I couldn’t name it then very clearly. Ecosystem mutilation business is about destroying self-sufficient and sustainable ecosystems in order … Continue reading

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Impressions from my Bolivia journey in 2007, part 1

Hot water lake in Robore, Bolivia

Impressions from my Bolivia journey in January 2007, organized by the retired Swiss biologist Robert Guggenbühl. Our travel group consisted of botanists, nature lovers and some passionate aquarium hobbyists. Passing from places like St Cruz, Robore, Trinidad, Magdalena and Bella … Continue reading

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Indoor plants for water purification and nitrate reduction in aquariums

Umbrella papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius) in a lowtech natural aquarium (see biotope in my room)

Ecology of the Planted Aquarium written by Diana Walstad is one of the books which inspired me most for low-tech natural aquariums. Diana Walstad explains why emergent plants are better water purifiers than the submerged water plants as follows (in … Continue reading

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