DIY Lava Rock Aquarium with Background

If you're looking for an alternative to standard, messy aquarium gravel, lava rock is an attractive and clean choice. Gravel tends to collect fish waste and food sediment and is difficult to maintain no matter how frequently you clean your aquarium. Lava rock is easier to maintain and will improve your water quality in the long run. A tasteful background can also help spruce up your aquarium. You should have a holding aquarium to place your fish in while you remove the old gravel.

Things You'll Need

  • scissors
  • tape
  • colander
  • aquarium siphon hose
  • tap water purifier
  • holding aquarium
  • scoop net
  • background
  • small aquarium heater
  • thermometer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the background up to the back of your aquarium to size it. Backgrounds come in different sizes, to fit different tanks with different scenes, like a coral backdrop. Use scissors to trim the edges if need be. Hold the background flush against the back of the aquarium (on the outside of the tank) after you trim it and then tape it into place.

    • 2

      Unplug the pump on your aquarium.

    • 3

      Use a bucket to transfer approximately 4 to 5 gallons of water from your aquarium to the holding tank. Once you have done this, use the scoop net to transfer your fish over. Adding some of the old tank water to your new aquarium setup will help to decrease stress on your fish they can experience during tank changes. Drastic changes in water temperature can damage or harm your fish. By transferring some of the old water into the holding tank, your fish will maintain proper body temperature.

    • 4

      Place one end of the tank siphon into the aquarium and then gently suck on the other end. Once the water begins to drain, place the end of it into a bucket and allow it to siphon out. Continue this process until you have removed the rest of the old water.

    • 5

      Use your scoop net to remove the old gravel. Place it in a plastic bag and throw in in the trash for disposal.

    • 6

      Place the new lava rocks in a colander and rinse them off well. Once you have thoroughly rinsed the lava rocks, line the bottom of the aquarium with them.

    • 7

      Add fresh water to your new tank. Use a tap water purifier, like Aquasafe, to remove chlorine or other chemicals before adding the water to your tank. Aquasafe calls for eight drops of tap water purifier for every gallon. However, be sure to follow the instructions on your tap water purifier as they may vary from brand to brand. Leave room to add the water from the holding tank.

    • 8

      Check the water temperature in the new tank with a small thermometer and then check the temperature of the water in the holding tank. If need be, use a small tank heater (most models simply plug in and adhere to the side of your aquarium with suction cups) to attain like temperatures in both tanks. Using a bucket, gradually transfer water from the holding tank to the freshly-changed aquarium. Also remove fish from holding tank and transfer them over.

    • 9

      Plug your pump back in.