Connecting Xiaomi aquarium to a smart home: full instruction with photos and tips

Xiaomi’s smart aquariums are not just a decorative element of the interior, but a full-fledged device for the Mi Home ecosystem that automates fish and plant care. Models like the Mi Smart Fish Tank or Xiaomi Youpin Aquarium are equipped with temperature sensors, a smart filter system, and even a spectrum-adjusted lighting system. But many users face difficulties when they first connect: the app does not see the device, the indicators flash incomprehensible code, the filter does not work correctly.

In this article, we’ll look at everything from unpacking and physical installation to setting up with Mi Home and solving common bugs, and focus on compatibility with other Xiaomi devices (such as smart sockets or humidity sensors), as well as nuances that aren’t mentioned in the official instructions. If you’re just planning to buy, there’s a comparison table of models with their key features at the end of this article.

Let’s warn you right away: the connection of the Xiaomi aquarium is different from the configuration of other smart devices of the brand. Here it is important not only to connect the device with Wi-Fi, but also to correctly calibrate the sensors, adjust the feeding schedule and synchronize the filter with external conditions (for example, with the temperature in the room). If you miss even one step, the system can give false alerts or even refuse to work.

1. Preparation before connection: what should be at hand

Before you start installing, check the aquarium configuration. In the box with the Mi Smart Fish Tank or Xiaomi Youpin Aquarium should be:

• 📦 The aquarium itself (usually 10–30 liters, depending on the model)
• 🔌 Power supply with adapter (note voltage - some models require 5V/2A)
• 💡 LED-backlight with cable (in models with adjustable spectrum)
• 🌀 Built-in or external filter (often with a carbon cartridge)
• 📱 QR-code for connecting to Mi Home (sticker on the case or in the instructions)
• 📄 Paper instruction (usually in Chinese but with pictograms)

If something is missing, don’t panic. For example, in some sets of Xiaomi Youpin filter is separate (it can be purchased under the item). YLY.FISH.001). Also check if you have any:

• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi with a frequency of 2.4 GHz (Xiaomi aquariums do not work with 5 GHz!)
• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home app installed (version no lower than 6.0.100)
• 🔧 Cross screwdriver (may be needed to fasten the filter)
• 💧 Distilled or settled water (you can not pour tap water without preparation!)

Critical: If you already have other Xiaomi devices (like smart lamps or sockets), make sure they are connected to the same region in the Mi Home as the aquarium. Otherwise, the system may not see the new device. Region changes in the application profile settings - choose Mainland China (yes, even if you are in Russia), as aquariums are officially only sold in the Chinese market.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi aquarium models require you to connect to a smart outlet of the same brand (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug). Without it, the filter and backlight will not work automatically!

2. Physical installation of the aquarium: where to place and how to assemble

Choosing a place for an aquarium is not just a matter of design, it's also a matter of safety.

• 🚫 Don't put the aquarium near batteries, cookstoves or in direct sunlight. Overheating water is detrimental to fish.
• 🔌 The socket should be within walking distance, but so that the wires do not hang over the water.
• 📏 The surface under the aquarium should withstand the weight of water (1 liter) = 1 kg) + The weight of the device is the 20 litre model, and you need a table that can hold 25.+ kilogram.
• 📶 Make sure that the installation site catches Wi-Fi. The aquarium should be within a radius of 5-7 meters from the router.

Now we're going to start assembling:

1. Place the aquarium on a flat surface. Use the building level to check for any skewedness.
2. In Mi Smart Fish Tank models, it's usually built into the back wall. Make sure the tubes aren't bent.
3. Install. LED-In some versions, it needs to be fixed to special clips inside the lid.
4. Lay the ground (if provided with a complete set) and decor. Do not use sharp stones - they can damage the bottom.

Important: Before pouring water, check the tightness of all compounds, and you can fill the aquarium with water without fish for 10 minutes and see if it leaks somewhere, if you notice drops, tighten the mounts or use a silicone sealant (for example, Moment Crystal).

Fill the aquarium with water on 2/3|Check the filter (should emit a light gurgle)|Connect the power supply to the socket|Make sure the indicator on the body flashes blue|Download the latest version of Mi Home-->

3. Connect to the Mi Home app: a step-by-step guide

Now, the most important step is to connect the aquarium to the app, and follow the instructions in strict order:

1. Adding the device to Mi Home:

• Open the Mi Home app and go to Devices → Add Device.
• Choose the Other category (aquariums often don’t appear in the main sections).
• In the search box, type the model name, such as the Mi Smart Fish Tank or the Mi Smart Fish Tank. YLY.FISH.001.
• Click on the device you find and follow the prompts on the screen.

Wi-Fi interface:

• Make sure your smartphone is connected to a 2.4GHz network (the aquarium won’t see 5GHz!).
• Press and hold the button on the aquarium body (usually hidden under the lid) for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks quickly.
• In the app, select your Wi-Fi network and enter your password. If the network is not listed, check if it is hidden in the router's settings.

Sensor calibration:

• Once connected, the app will suggest calibrating the temperature sensor, load the thermometer in water and wait for stable readings (usually 2-3 minutes).
• If the aquarium is equipped with a pH sensor, use test strips to check the accuracy (they can be bought at the pet store).

If the app gives an error "Device is not responding" try resetting the aquarium to factory settings. To do this, hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator goes out and flashes red.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Europe), Xiaomi aquariums may not connect to servers due to geo-locking.Solution: In the Mi Home settings, change the region to China, even if you have a European version of the app.

Set-up of parameters: temperature, filtration, backlight

After the successful connection, we proceed to fine-tune the aquarium card in Mi Home and go to the Settings section (cog in the upper right corner).

Water temperature:

• Optimal range for most tropical fish: 24–28°C.
• Turn on the option Auto-adjustment if the aquarium supports heating (there should be a heating element in the kit).
• If the temperature goes beyond - check whether the aquarium is on the draft or next to the air conditioner.

Filtration:

• Set the filter mode: 🌊 Continuous - for aquariums with a large number of fish. ⏱️ Scheduled – for example, turn off overnight (but not recommended for beginners). 🔄 Automatic – the intensity depends on the level of pollution (determined by the turbidity sensor).
• Clean the filter at least 1 time every 2 weeks. In the application you can configure reminders.

Illumination:

• LED-Xiaomi aquarium lighting typically supports 16 million colors and modes: 🌅 Sunrise/Sunset – a smooth change in brightness. 🌈 Color music – synchronization with music (requires connection to Xiaomi smart speaker). 💡 Night mode – dim blue light to watch fish at night.
• For plants, choose a spectrum with a predominance of red and blue (wavelengths 450-470 nm and 620-670 nm).

You can also set up automatic feeding (if you have a dispenser in the kit), specify the time and portion of food, the device will dispense it itself, but experts recommend that you feed the fish manually for the first 2-3 weeks to adjust the optimal amount.

💡

If you have live plants in your aquarium, set the backlight timer so that it is turned on for 1-2 hours in the morning and 6-8 hours in the afternoon with a break, this simulates natural daylight and prevents water from blooming.

5.Integration with other Xiaomi devices

One of the key benefits of Xiaomi aquariums is the ability to create smart scenarios in the Mi Home ecosystem.

1. Connection to smart socket:

• If the filter or heater is connected via Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug, you can configure their shutdown when voltage surges.
• Scenario: If the voltage in the socket > 230V → turn off.

Synchronization with the humidity sensor:

• The Xiaomi Temperature and Humidity Sensor will help adjust the temperature of the water depending on the climate in the room.
• Scenario: If the temperature in the room < 18°C → increase water heating by 2°C.

Notifications of critical parameters:

• Set up alerts in Mi Home in case: 🌡️ Water temperature will go beyond 22-30°C. 💧 Water level will fall below the minimum level (level sensor is available in the models Youpin Aquarium Pro). ⚠️ Filter blocked (determined by increasing the load on the engine).

Voice control:

• If you have a smart speaker Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker, you can control the aquarium by voice. Examples of commands: "Enable the aquarium to light up blue," "Set the water temperature at 26 degrees," "Tell me how many fish are in the aquarium" (if you have a camera with recognition function).

To create scripts go to Profile → Automation → Add and select conditions. Remember to test scripts manually before you trust them to control the aquarium.

💡

The most useful automation is a bundle of the aquarium with a smart socket, which will allow you to remotely turn off power in the event of an accident (for example, if the sensor detects a water leak).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, users often face problems.

1. The aquarium is not connected to Wi-Fi:

• 🔹 Check that the router is running at 2.4 GHz (Xiaomi waters do not support 5 GHz).
• 🔹 Restart the router and try again.
• 🔹 If you use dual-band Wi-Fi, divide the networks (give them different names, for example). MyWiFi_2.4 and MyWiFi_5).

The temperature sensor shows incorrect values:

• 🔹 Remove the sensor from the water, wipe with a dry cloth and submerge back.
• 🔹 Check if the sensor touches the aquarium walls (this distorts the readings).
• 🔹 Calibrate the sensor manually: in the aquarium settings, select Calibration → Reset and wait for the remeasurement.

3. The filter is too noisy:

• 🔹 Check if the cartridge is clogged (wash it under running water).
• 🔹 Make sure that the filter tubes are not bent or clamped.
• 🔹 If the filter is new, let it work for 2-3 days: often the noise disappears after running.

The lighting shall not be activated:

• 🔹 Check if the power cable is tightly connected to LED-module.
• 🔹 In the Mi Home app, go to Lighting Settings → Drop it.
• 🔹 If the lamps flash, the power supply may be faulty (replacement required).

5.The app does not see the aquarium after the update:

• 🔹 Remove the device from Mi Home and add again.
• 🔹 Check that the region of China (Mainland China) is selected in the application).
• 🔹 Update the firmware of the aquarium: Settings → Update of the PO.

⚠️ Warning: If fish become restless after being connected to the aquarium (throwing, rubbing against the walls), immediately check the chlorine level in the water. Xiaomi's new aquariums are sometimes covered with a protective film that must be thoroughly washed off before the first launch.

7. Model comparison: which Xiaomi aquarium to choose

There are several models of smart aquariums from Xiaomi and its sub-brands on the market, and here are their key differences:

When choosing, pay attention to:

• 🐟 Type of fish: for small species (for example, shrimp) suitable filter weak power, and for goldfish need an aquarium of 25 liters with increased filtration.
• 🌿 Presence of plants: if you plan to plant live plants, choose models with a RGB-lighting and possibility of spectrum adjustment.
• 📱 Ecosystem compatibility: Not all aquariums work with Xiaomi Home Assistant or Apple HomeKit.

Expert advice: If you're just starting to breed fish, take a simpler model (like the Mi Smart Fish Tank), and smart features like automatic feeding or UV sterilizers come in handy later when you're stuffed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi aquarium