“Fresh Greenery in Early Summer”
After a long winter, from budding spring to early summer, life of plants continues to sparkle. I aimed for a brilliant green contrast by planting Taxiphyllum barbieri, Anubias, and Hemianthus micranthemoides while envisioning that fresh greenery is thriving quickly towards the sun. The cool-looking cosmetic sand also gives a sense of depth while the blue background gives a pleasant seasonal impression.

DATA
Shooting date: March 11, 2022 (ADA)
Creator: Naru Uchida (layout creation・text)
Aquarium: Cube Garden W90×D45×H45（cm）
Lighting: Solar RGBx1, turned on for 8.5 hours per day
Filter: Super Jet Filter ES-600 (Bio Rio G)
Material: Unzan Stone, Branch Wood
Substrate: Aqua Soil – Amazonia ver.2, Power Sand Advance M, Bacter 100, Clear Super, Tourmaline BC, Tropical River Sand
CO2: Pollen Glass Large 30Ø, 3 bubbles per second via CO2 Beetle Counter (using Tower)
Aeration: 15.5 hours after the light is turned off using Lily Pipe P-4
Additives: Brighty K, Green Brighty Mineral, Green Brighty Iron, Green Brighty Nitrogen
Water change: 1/2 once a week
Water quality: Temperature: 25℃, pH：6.2, TH：50mg/L

Plant
Mayaca fluviatilis
Philodendoron sp.
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Eleocharis montevidensis
Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’
Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’
Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’
Bucephalandra sp. ‘Sintang’
Hemianthus micranthemoides
Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’
Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Red’
Rotala sp. ‘Inle’
Bacopa caroliniana
Ceratopteris oblongiloba ‘Laos’

Fish
Barbus fasciolatus
Sundadanio axelrodi
Boraras brigittae
Sphaerichthis vailanti 
Crossocheilus oblongus
Otocinclus sp.
Caridina multidentata

Composition focused on emersed plants

I selected some Branch Wood pieces and Unzan Stones to make the base of Philodendoron sp. stable. By broadening the base of the composition materials in a pyramid shape when arranging them, the impression near the water surface becomes not too heavy. The tunnel part becomes a great accent to loosen up the impression of the aquascape.

Light Screen 90
By lighting up an aquascape from the back with Light Screen 90, various effects can be demonstrated, such as beautifully highlighting clusters of aquatic plants, and effectively emphasizing shadows. Gradation Sheet can add a beautiful finishing touch to the background.

Planting to create a natural feeling

I planted Philodendoron sp. with large leaves and Ceratopteris oblongiloba ‘Laos’ with delicate leaves and stems for the scenery above water. I was able to express a natural feeling by mixing two species with different looks. While Taxiphyllum barbieri in the part above water plays a role in connecting with the underwater part, it also hides the base of the emersed plants and retains water. In the aquascape at the time of shooting, Philodendoron sp. is relatively young. However, I would like to enjoy how it changes because the species can be maintained for a long time.

Adding contrast with leaf color shades
I created a beautiful green contrast in the midground by planting Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’ and Hemianthus micranthemoides in bright green, and Taxiphyllum Barbieri in dark green.

Keeping the brightness without growing plants densely
I reduced density by picking leaves moderately while keeping stem plants free and easy towards the back. I chose warm colored Rotala as an accent to the aquascape.