Harmony
About This Aquascape
The Siamese Algae Eaters will be moved to a 125 gallon tank after they grow to 3-4 inches. They’re just growing out in this tank. The Microsorum isn’t planted in the substrate. It’s just held by clips low to the ground.
- Filter
- Fluval Fx 4
- CO2 System
- 65 ppm CO2, beginning 3 hours before lights turn on, continuing until they turn off, so 11 hours total
- Lighting
- Week Aqua P900 Pro at 60 par at the substrate level
- Substrate
- Aqua Natural Black Galaxy Sand
- Hardscape Materials
- Black lava rock supporting the bolbitis
- Background
- Black vinyl window cling covered by moss
Species
12 Pseudomugil gertrudae 15 Melanotaenia praecox 14 Hoplisoma similis 4 Crossocheilus siamensis (juvenile)
Plant species
1. Hydrocotyle leucocephala 2. Piloteichaceae sp “Pilo Moss” 3. Blyxa japonica 4. Bolbitis heudolotii difformis 5. Hygrophila triflora 6. Echinodorus Aflame 7. Limnophila wilsonii 8. Penthorum sedioides 9. Rotala macrandra “Kochi” 10. Microsorum Narrow K 11. Nymphoides Taiwan 12. Vallisneria “Leopard”
Fertilization
50% weekly water changes, micros daily, macros 50% right after the water change and 50% divided daily over the next 6 days to keep nitrates around 20 ppm.
Tracy Ruhlman
Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Quick Stats
- Style
- Dutch
- Size
- 90x56x46 cm
- Volume
- 231 L (61.0 gal.)
- Plant Species
- 12
- Fish Species
- 4
Judges' Comments
A relatively small Dutch-style tank. The plant groups are neatly arranged. Personally, I would have exchanged with the Bolbitis heudolotii difformis and the Hygrophila triflora. Bolbitis thrives at the surface, and the Hygrophila would then have the space to grow to maturity. The Vallisneria "Leopard" could be moved back a bit at the back to allow the Nymphoides Taiwan in the corner to show off its full potential. The Limnophila wilsonii group is a bit too prominent. As for the fish: the tranquil Pseudomugil gertrudae won't be thrilled with the active Melanotaenia praecox. Bottom-dwelling species are also represented with the Hoplisoma similis.
— Bart Laurens
Technically speaking this is one of the best entries this year, if not the best. By that I mean things like placement, space between groups, a street that goes all the way back with a little back wall showing through, contrasts in colors and heights, moss on all three sides, solid focal point in the correct 1/3 spot, negative space in the foreground. This tank doesnt just check all the boxes, its an impressive demonstration of these fundamental core principals. There's some advanced techniques on display too. Like having the biggest Blyxa in front and smaller ones in back to create depth. A couple more plants wouldve really brought that look home The Purple Knight seems like a perfect plant for the focal point, and its in the right place. But its too small atm to really command the attn it needs to. Feels out of scale with the rest of it. The Bolbitis on the left isnt the best choice of plant for right there. A dark green or two always adds a nice effect, but right here being dark it blends in with the wall too much, and the other two greens also to some extent. The picture doesnt do it any favors however, Im sure it looks better in person One more small critique, I like your idea with the Narrow K. Personally think itd look better if it didnt follow the exact contour of the Lobelia street, and wasnt all the same height. More of a bush instead of a quasi-street. Also Ive never seen Narrow K leaves get that fat while staying so short. Not sure if you have those buried really deep or what, but its always best to leave Microsorum's rhizome exposed above the substrate Overall this is a really good Dutch tank. With just a few small tweaks itd be a great one!
— joe harvey
This is a well done tank. I see what it aims to do and it almost achieves its goal. Great to see moss walls attempted, but make it passively disappear into the background to provide mood rather than be an active participant. The combination of three messy plants (Aflame, Triflora, and Bolbitis) removes much-needed structure on the left. The Hydrocotyle feels underdeveloped. Good effort - this person has what it takes.
— Vin Kutty
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