Blue Aquarium

Skeleton of a Bush is the Aquascaper’s first serious attempt to create a beautiful aquarium garden. The plant selection was the first major challenge of this aquascape. After a trial with over fifty species, thirty-five species of plants were selected for the aquascape. The goal was to combine the different plant shapes, leave structures and growth rates into a balance aquascape that evoked harmony and fluid-eye movement.

The central focal point and the foundation of the layout consisted of the dead skeleton of a bush plant (located on the right). The piece of driftwood with the thin curled branches was perfect for this aquascape. Crinum calamistratum was planted so that its curled plant leaves would complement the similar shaped branches of the driftwood.

Pagoda stones where placed at the bordering edges of the white sand over the first few months of the aquascape. Also, on the left side, mangrove driftwood was incorporated to balance the side, and complete the aquascape. Lava rock was placed beneath the driftwood to prevent plants from growing under the driftwood.

For the substrate, Seachem Fluorite and Caribsea Eco Complete were placed at the corners of the aquarium where the majority of the stem plants would go. In the center, a wide white sand path was created to add brightness and contrast.

During the first four months, this high-tech, high light aquarium experienced algae issues. Extensive research on plant biology, fertilizers, carbon dioxide injection, algae, and lighting helped the Aquascaper understand the needs of the plants to the point where the Aquascaper developed a “feel” for the aquarium. This led to regular following of the Estimate Index and PMDD fertilization methods that ensured plant health and the eradication of algae. For fertilizing, a formula of KNO3, K2SO4, Fleet enema, Power4, Seachem Iron and Epsom salts is dosed.

Trimming takes part every week for the stem plants such as Heteranthera zosterifolia (Stargrass), Micranthemum umbrosum, Hemanthius micranthemoides, and Glossostigma elantinoides. Sometimes two or three weeks would pass without a trimming for some slower growing plants to ensure a balance and rhythmic growth of all the plants in the aquarium. Water parameters are: pH 6.6-6.8, NO3 20-30 ppm, PO4 1-2 ppm, DH 8, Kh 4. Every Monday a 50% water change and maintenance of the two external filters and the internal DIY filter occurs. The DIY filter is composed of a 1000L Eheim pump head, and is also responsible for carbon dioxide diffusion.

As the first true aquascape achieved by the Aquascaper, Skeleton of a Bush is a great achievement and far beyond the level of where the Aquascaper thought he would be. This aquascape received a 6th place ranking in the large category and a 10th place world ranking at the Acuavida Aquascaping Contest 2009. It also received a 66th ranking in the 2009 International Aquascaping Plant Layout Contest (IAPLC).

Source : aquascapingworld.com