How to properly settle the aquarium Xiaomi: plants, fish and finesse settings

Xiaomi’s smart aquariums are not just a decorative element of the interior, but a high-tech ecosystem that requires a competent approach to settlement. Unlike classic aquariums, the Mi Smart Fish Tank or Viomi Aquarium models are equipped with pH, temperature, automated lighting and aeration systems that impose special features on the choice of flora and fauna. But even with smart filling, mistakes in the selection of plants or fish can lead to ecosystem imbalance, water bloom or death of inhabitants.

In this article, we will discuss which plants and fish are suitable for Xiaomi aquariums, taking into account their technical characteristics (volume, filter power, lighting), as well as give step-by-step recommendations for start and care. Particular attention will be paid to species compatibility, water parameters and typical mistakes that owners of smart aquariums make. If you are just planning to buy, at the end of this article there is a comparison of Xiaomi models on key parameters for aquaristics.

Technical features of Xiaomi aquariums: what you need to know before settling in

Xiaomi Aquariums (for example, Viomi Smart Aquarium) 30L Mi Smart Fish Tank Pros differ from traditional tanks by integrating with the Mi Home ecosystem and automated parameter control:

• 💡 Lighting: Built-in LED-lamps with controlled spectrum (usually) 6500K–10000K) They are suitable for most low-light plants, but may not be sufficient for light-loving species (e.g. Ludwigia arcuata.
• 🌊 Filtration: Built-in filters are designed for biological and mechanical cleaning, but their performance (usually 200-400 l / h) limits the density of occupancy. For aquariums with a volume of 20-30 l, it is recommended not to exceed 1 cm of fish body per 1 liter of water.
• 📱 Smart Control: Sensors monitor temperature (18–30)°C), pH (6.0-8.0) and turbidity, but do not replace manual water testing for ammonia (NH₃) nitrites (NO₂) in the first weeks after launch.

Critical point: in the aquariums Xiaomi can not use external filters or heaters that are not certified by the brand - this can lead to failures in the operation of sensors or loss of warranty. 20L), Avoid heat-loving fish (such as discus or gourami).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi sensors are calibrated for freshwater aquariums. Marine or brackish ecosystems will require manual settings in the Mi Home app, but the accuracy of readings may decrease.

The best plants for the aquarium Xiaomi: top-10 low-species

The choice of plants depends on the intensity of lighting, the type of soil (complete with Xiaomi aquariums usually comes fine pebbles or quartz sand) and the level of the soil. CO₂. For beginner aquarists, we recommend starting with low-tech species that do not require additional fertilization:

For Xiaomi aquariums up to 30 liters, it is optimal to combine 2-3 plant species with different heights: for example, Anubias in the foreground, Vallisneria in the rear and Java Moss in the scenery. Avoid light-loving plants (such as Rotala macrandra or Eriocaulon) if your model does not support additional plants. LED-panel.

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Before planting, spray the plants with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (1 ml per 1 liter of water) for 5-10 minutes - this will help remove possible parasites (for example, snails or algae).

What fish can be kept in the aquarium Xiaomi: compatibility and requirements

When choosing fish for a smart aquarium, consider 4 key factors:

1. Size: The maximum body length of an adult should not exceed 1/3 the length of the aquarium. 30-The liter models will fit the fish to 5–6 centimeter.
2. Temperament: Aggressive species (such as cockerels or cichlids) are incompatible with peaceful soybeans and can damage plants.
3. Water parameters: Most fish prefer pH 6.5-7.5 and temperature 22-26°C, but there are exceptions (e.g. goldfish like cooler water).
4. Density of settlement: In the aquarium Xiaomi 20L You can keep no more than 10-12 small fish (for example, neons or guppies).

The best options for beginners:

• 🐟 Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) – unpretentious, breed in a common aquarium, but males may conflict.
• 🐟 Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) – schooling fish (keep from 6 individuals), sensitive to water quality.
• 🐟 Endler's Livebearer (Poecilia wingei) - bright and active, compatible with guppy.
• 🐟 Otocinclus catfish – useful “cleaners” of algae, but require vegetable fertilization.
• 🦐 Neocaridina davidi (Red Cherry Shrimp) – Shrimps that are ideal for nano-aquariums but vulnerable to fish.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid soil-bugging fish (such as kooridas catfish or some cichlids) – they can damage the root system of plants and clog the filter of the Xiaomi aquarium, which will lead to false alarms of turbidity sensors.

Step-by-step instructions for launching the Xiaomi aquarium

The proper launch takes 2-4 weeks and involves several mandatory steps, skipping at least one of which can lead to a new aquarium syndrome (a burst of ammonia and nitrites that is dangerous to fish).

Set the aquarium on a flat surface (check the level)|

Wash the soil and decorations without detergents|

Install equipment (filter, heater, if necessary)|

Put water on 2/3 volume and filter|

Add the starting bacteria (e.g. Tetra SafeStart)|

Plant plants and start lighting for 6-8 hours a day|

Wait 7-10 days before the first fish settle (test water every 2 days)

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Features for Xiaomi aquariums:

1. After pouring water, calibrate the sensors in the Mi Home app: go to Device Settings → Sizing → pH/Temperature and follow the instructions.
2. In the first 3 days, do not turn on the backlight for more than 4-5 hours - this will help to avoid an algae outbreak.
3. If the turbidity sensor is high, don't drain the water! It's a normal process of establishing biobalance. Wait until the turbidity is stabilized (usually 5-7 days).

To speed up the nitrogen cycle, you can use a filter start from an already working aquarium or special preparations (for example, Seachem Stability). But remember: even with smart automation, the first 2 weeks require daily manual control of ammonia and nitrites using tests (for example, for the first 2 weeks, API Freshwater Master Test Kit).

Xiaomi Aquarium Owners’ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced aquarists face challenges in switching to smart aquariums, and here are the most common mistakes:

• 🚫 Ignoring manual tests: Xiaomi sensors don't measure ammonia and nitrites - critical parameters in the first weeks.Without test strips or drip tests, you risk losing fish.
• 🚫 Overloading the aquarium: In pursuit of beauty owners settle too many fish at once. For a 20-liter aquarium, a safe starting load is 4-6 small fish.
• 🚫 Incompatible species: For example, cockerels and guppies (male cockerels attack guppy veil fins) or shrimp and cichlids (shrimp will become fodder).
• 🚫 Neglecting software updates: Aquarium firm Xiaomi regularly improves parameter control algorithms. check for updates in Mi Home → Device profile → Update of the PO.

Another common problem is water blooming (greening due to algae), which in Xiaomi aquariums is often associated with:

• Excessive lighting (over 8 hours a day).
• Insufficient filtration (clogged filter or weak water flow).
• Overfeeding fish (fed residues decompose, provoking the growth of algae).

Compatibility of Xiaomi Aquarium with Other Ecosystem Devices

One of the advantages of Xiaomi’s smart aquariums is the integration with other gadgets of the brand.

• 🔄 Automation with Xiaomi Smart Plug: You can program the backlights to turn on/off on a schedule or tie to a motion sensor.
• 📊 Monitoring via Mi Home or Apple HomeKit: Water settings (temperature, pH) are displayed in real time on your smartphone.
• 🎵 Voice control: via XiaoAI or Alice (if Mi is connected) AI Speaker) can be turned on or the status of the aquarium can be checked.

For advanced users, scripts are available through Mi Home Automation.

If the water temperature is < 23°C,


Turn on the heater (if supported by the model)




And send a notification to the phone.

⚠️ Note: When setting up automation, keep in mind that Xiaomi sensors have an error ±0.5°C for temperature and ±0.2 for pH. Do not rely on them alone for sensitive species (e.g., discus or Caridina shrimp).

Xiaomi Aquarium Models Comparison: Which One to Choose?

For 2026, Xiaomi’s range includes several aquarium models, differing in volume, equipment and price. Below is a comparison table to help you choose:

For beginners, the optimal Viomi 20L — It's compact and easy to set up, and for experienced aquarists planning to plant or keep fish flocks, consider the Mi Smart Fish Tank Pro with heated and more powerful filtration.

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When choosing a model, consider not only current plans, but also the prospects for expansion. For example, if you want to add shrimp or light-loving plants, you will need an aquarium with adjustable lighting and heating.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi aquariums