24 x 18 x 18
- Filter
- External canister filter rated for aquariums up to 90 gallons, with side-mounted spraybar.
- CO2 System
- Pressurized CO₂ with inline diffuser. Injection begins 2 hours before lights on and stops at the end of the photoperiod.
- Lighting
- Dimmable 24-inch, six-bulb T5 fluorescent fixture. 9-hr photoperiod with ramp-up and ramp-down period for viewing.
- Substrate
- Natural river gravel
- Hardscape Materials
- None
- Background
- External black rubber coating
Species
Paracheirodon innesi (Neon Tetra), Trigonostigma espei (Lambchop Rasbora), Epiplatys annulatus (Clown Killifish), Neocaridina davidi (Cherry Shrimp), Caridina cf. cantonensis (Super Tiger Shrimp), Planorbella duryi (Pink Ramshorn Snail)
Plant species
Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Tropica’, Microsorum pteropus ‘Mini Trident’, Lobelia cardinalis ‘Mini’, Ludwigia ovalis, Hygrophila difformis, Nymphaea zenkeri, Riccia fluitans
Fertilization
Comprehensive (macro- and micronutrient) liquid fertilizer, dosed daily, with 50% weekly water changes.
Luke Jones
Hahira, GA, United States
Quick Stats
- Style
- Dutch
- Size
- 61x46x46 cm
- Volume
- 121 L (32.0 gal.)
- Plant Species
- 7
- Fish Species
- 6
Judges' Comments
A relatively small aquarium with six plant groups that are similar in shape and size. No solitary planting to enhance the sense of depth. The layout is strongly suggestive: three in front, three in back. A nice fish population, but the quantities are missing, making it difficult to assess.
— Bart Laurens
This is a beautiful little Dutch in a challenging size tank to make one. You showed a lot of restraint with number of species. The groups are fat and full with good space between them all. This makes for really good depth which is even more impressive considering the tank dimensions The downside for me is the lack of a strong focal spot in the correct position (1/3 from either end) The Lobelia street is too much in the dead center. Personally I think one extra species in the left foreground could help offset the too-symmetrical-look if you brought it on to the right and pushed the lobelia street out of dead center at the front But I definitely respect the restraint you showed with only 6 species. The species limit is there to force big groups. You certainly did that and it shows with excellent depth and fullness. This is a very nice little Dutch
— joe harvey
This is a unique situation - this tank feels like it is the center third of a 6-foot long tank. I want to call out the perfectly shaped groupings and bushes. There are few entries, if any, this year that accomplish trimming, contrast, pruning, and maintenance quite as well as this one. As a 2-foot tank, there is no beginning or end. There are no focal points. Plants of inappropriate size seem put in the substrate without context. Leaves me wondering what magic this person could have done with a 6-foot long tank.
— Vin Kutty
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