This document provides step-by-step instructions for aquascaping a tank. It describes laying down substrate, arranging rocks and wood to create a scape, and planting various plant species like Blyxa japonica, Rotala rotundifolia, and Glossostigma elatinoides. Photos accompany each step. The aquascape is then maintained by trimming plants and adjusting heights over a few weeks as the plants grow and fill out the layout.

1. Passo a passo

2. CUBO

12. #1, The tank is 90X45X45cm in dimension (it only mentioned the length, but looks really similar to the tank in my other post~3feet) The laying out of the substrates is the first step in aquascaping. Substrate choices are many, and often fall between the sand and the mud categories. This time I am using the American fine sand as the substrate. This is also the substrate choice that I use most often. Prior to laying down the sand, a layer of rich fertilizer must be spread across the tank. (I am skipping the photograph for this part) You can choose whatever substrate fertilizer you want, but I am using the German BRUSTMANN fertilizer as the source of nutrients. Evenly spread it across the tank, and then slowly pour in the sand on top.

17. #6, Stop filling in the water when it’s about 80% full (This is not a set rule; each person can decide how much to put in). Try to look at the tank from different angles to gauge its aesthetics, and whether personal preference/standard has been met. Certainly, if one can appreciate a tank from more than one angle then the presentation of its theme will be much greater.

18. #7, Moving on, we are ready to do some planting. I am taking some plants from my other tanks because I really like them. However, the plants and the rocks must be in a uniform relationship. If not planned carefully, everything will look wrong. I will use Blyxa japonica(http://www.tesri.gov.tw/content/planet/pla_aquatic_2.asp) I like this plant because it is very suitable for fore- to mid-ground. It is useful in filling in the gaps as well as giving a sense of focus. Try not to plant too densely because this plant branches readily; planted too densely and it will cause unsightly formation amongst the rocks. We can plant in-between rocks. Plant with reserve to better control the overall appearance. (With more practice and experience, one will better gauge in these kinds of activities) ***This is a Taiwanese plant site, which includes lots of aquatic plants. Unfortunately, it is in Chinese; Latin names are employed to an extent. It is very informative if you can understand the language. The above link is already in their aquatic plant section, and many of you will instantly recognize many familiar plants as well as new ones.

21. #10, Again, I plant it densely; its pinkish color will further complement the already present illusion of depth in the tank. Other background plants include Ammannia gracilis, Rotala macrandra ‘Green’, Nesaea spp. During the process of planting each stem, care must be taken to avoid planting too quickly without much thought. One must not plant incorrectly due to tiredness or mind rush.

22. #11, The first layer of the back left side we will use Nesaea spp.; second layer will be Ammania gracilis. Coloration is the main distinction between the two plants. Nesaea spp. has reddish stems and yellow-green leaves. Ammania is completely red. By incorporating both plants and their multi-colors will increase color depths in the background. A group of Ammania is again used, and this time to fill in the middle part of the tank to act as the main focus. Rotala rotundifolia is used to decorate the sides to further complement the overall look of the tank, making it look fuller and complete.

23. #12, Now that the middle and back of the tank have been filled, the only remaining area to work on is the front. Glossostigma elatinoides will be used here. Of course, you can also use Riccia fluitans or Echinodorus bolivianus. Once that’s done, the whole tank scape will be finished. We now move on to tank husbandry. (Can use unwanted plastic card board to scrape off any stain and dirt on the glass surfaces. Finish off with cotton to wipe off any remaining dusts) Finally, fill in with water to the desired level, and we are done.

24. #13, When we first planted the tank, everything was in disarray. However, after a period of 2-3 days, things will start to fit in. We can better observe the plants in their formal shapes. At this point, we can adjust their locations and heights. Next thing to do will be growing and maintaining.

25. #14, Observe the whole scene from the top. I prefer to leave some empty space in order to bring about a sense of liveliness to the visual perceptions.