General and Beginner

Adventures in Nano-Scaping #3

A modern glass aquarium with a cube shape showcases adventures in nano-scaping #3, featuring green plants, rocks, and a striking piece of driftwood. A small light fixture casts a warm glow over the aquatic scene. The tank rests on a dark surface against a plain wall.

PLANTING

The aquascape has been successfully planted, with only minor deviations from the original layout plan. The main one being the plantings directly to the right and left of the Seiryu stone “mountain”. There was not enough space here for both the Java Fern Trident Mini and Crypt Wendtii Brown to be planted on both sides, so we decided to opt for Java Fern only on the left and Crypt only on the right. The initial planting position of these plants is not quite as emergent as we were hoping, but as they grow larger more foliage will become emergent.

We also felt it looked most natural to try to keep the different varieties of Bucephalandra planted together with their own type, versus mixing the varieties and spreading them out. This allows for a fuller lush look to the plantings right out of the gate. Epiphytic plants were wedged in existing crevices to hold them in place, and attached to the stone using small amounts of Seachem Flourish Glue were needed. 

A glass aquarium with a planted aquascape showcases adventures in nano-scaping. Green plants and rocks create a lush landscape, while driftwood protrudes. A lamp above provides light, and the whole setup rests on a dark wooden surface, blending natures beauty into your space.
A glass terrarium sits on a wooden table, showcasing Adventures in Nano-scaping #3. Inside, green plants thrive among rocks and soil, with a twisted piece of driftwood extending above the water. A soft light illuminates this intricate aquascape.
This small aquarium offers adventures in nano-scaping, featuring a natural landscape with lush green plants, textured rocks, and a large piece of driftwood. A few small fish swim around under bright lights that highlight the vibrant greenery beautifully.

WATER

The water used for the initial fill of the aquarium is RODI filtered with a calculated blend of Sechem Acid Buffer, Seachem Alkaline Buffer and Seachem Equilibrium:

Alkaline Buffer – 0.5g per gallon

Equilibrium – 1.0g per gallon

Acid Buffer – 0.38g per gallon

The ratio used will target a pH of 6.4 – 6.8, dKH of 1 – 2 meq/L and GH of 1 – 2 meq/L. Subsequent water testing will dictate if this ratio needs adjustment.

Two SEACHEM ACID BUFFER containers, one 600g (1.3 lbs) and a smaller one, show a fish image on the label. They lower pH and convert alkalinity. A code at the bottom emphasizes Seachems trusted quality.
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SEACHEM ACID BUFFER

$9.99$64.99
Two SEACHEM ALKALINE BUFFER containers are shown: a 300g on the left and a 600g on the right. Both have green labels with fish images and highlight their capability to effectively raise pH and alkalinity.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

SEACHEM ALKALINE BUFFER

$9.99$64.99
Two SEACHEM EQUILIBRIUM containers are shown: the smaller on the left and larger on the right. Both have green labels with white text, designed to restore and maintain mineral balance and GH without any sodium.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

SEACHEM EQUILIBRIUM

$9.99$64.99

SEACHEM FLOURISH GLUE 8 GM (0.28 OZ)

$7.99

INITIAL EXPECTATIONS

We expect that this is the “best” the tank will look over the next 6 to 8 weeks. This can be one of the hardest, most discouraging periods to endure for a new aquascape. For many of the plant species selected, such as the Monte Carlo, Anubias and Crypt, a melt stage is anticipated where the original foliage that had been grown emergent will often die off once the plant is fully submerged. Do not despair! New submerged growth then begins to appear as the plant slowly recovers and adapts to its new growing environment. It is important to remove any dead or melting foliage quickly from the aquarium so it doesn’t rot and pollute the water or fuel algae growth. Some complete plant losses are expected during this period, but hopefully it will be minimal.

There can also be various types of algae blooms that occur in a new planted aquarium as the plants become established, begin to actively grow, and outcompete algae for nutrients. Not over-lighting the tank at this stage is critical. During this period the LED light will be on for only 8 hours each day and algae growth will be monitored. The addition of algae eaters in the near future such as Amano shrimp and Nerite snails, should be enough to keep up with the small amount of algae that does grow in a properly balanced, established aquarium. 

Check back for the next Adventures in Nano-Scaping blog where we will cover the initial addition of livestock and the fertilizers and supplements used!