I intentionally created a Nature Aquarium which evokes a sense of nostalgia. In aquascapes formed over long-term maintenance like this one, the use of many shade-loving aquatic plants help the strength of nature to be felt. Whilst the classic atmosphere induced by ferns and Cryptocoryne in a Nature Aquarium is great, in choosing rocky Bucephalandra and the thin-tipped, jagged “lion leaves” of Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’, I have also given it some added individual expression. At any rate, the nostalgic mood which emanates from the vistas of my imagination is strengthened by the driftwood, stones and aquatic plants, whose attractiveness deepens as time passes.

DATA
Photo taken on: June 8, 2023 (ADA)
Creator: Daisuke Inoue (layout production, text)
Aquarium: Cube Garden W1,800×D600×H600（mm）
Lighting: Solar RGB x 3 (8.5 hours per day)
Filtration: Super Jet Filter ES-2400 (Bio Rio G)
Material: Manten Stone, Driftwood
Substrate: Aqua Soil – Amazonia Ver.2, Power Sand Advance L, Bacter 100, Clear Super, Tourmaline BC
CO2: Pollen Glass Beetle 50Ø, 5 bubbles per second via CO2 Beetle Counter (using Tower)
Aeration: 15.5 hours after the light is turned off using Lily Pipe P-6
Additives: Green Brighty Neutral K, Green Brighty Mineral, Green Brighty Iron, Green Brighty Nitrogen
Water change: 1/2 once a week
Water quality: Temperature 25°C, pH: 6.6, TH: 50 mg/L

Plants
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis / Cryptocoryne parva / Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’ / Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Brown’ / Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae / Helanthium bolivianum ‘Angustifolius’ / Bucephalandra sp. ‘Kedagang’ / Bucephalandra sp. ‘Brownie Purple’ / Bucephalandra sp. ‘Brownie Ghost’ / Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’ / Fissidens fontanus

Fish
Rasbora einthovenii / Crossocheilus oblongus / Otocinclus sp. / Caridina multidentata

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A : Considering rooting when laying substrate 
A layer of Tropical River Soil spread over Amazonia Ver.2 makes it possible to grow aquatic plants within the decorative soil. Bury stones in the substrate to raise the floor, emphasizing the layout’s background to foreground incline. With thin driftwood pieces intertwined in it, alluring openings are created.

B : Bucephalandra
Plant Bucephalandra, which has a strong rooting ability, by wrapping directly around Manten Stones. Increase plant volume by encouraging them to grow on the stone surface as well as in cracks.

C : Cryptocoryne
The Cryptocoryne planting area has two types of soil layered, for long term maintenance, so that they grow relatively slowly while still absorbing nutrients.

D : Showing the current’s speed with epiphytic aquatic plants
Dotted around the central vicinity, Bucephalandra appear to cling to Manten Stones, giving image to the speed of the water flowing between the stones.

E : The unifying effect of long term maintenance
Over time the Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’ and Fissidens fontanus grow thick and cover the driftwood, giving the impression that time has bound them together.

F : Underwater impressions imparted by tape-shaped aquatic plants
Tape-shaped plants in the background sway as they yield to the water’s flow, the appearance of fish swimming between the leaves further clarify the submersed impression.