This article details the creation of a stunning river rock nano aquascape, built as an entry for an Aquatop aquascaping contest. The author documents the entire process, from initial inspiration and material sourcing to the final planting and introduction of a betta fish. This step-by-step guide provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced aquascapers, showcasing techniques for hardscape construction, plant selection, and maintaining a thriving nano-aquarium ecosystem within a compact Aquatop Pisces tank.The project highlights the creative use of readily available materials, overcoming an unexpected obstacle (a snowstorm preventing access to river rocks) by utilizing a local gravel supply yard. The author shares practical tips on securing the rock formations, choosing complementary plant species, and managing water flow and fertilization for optimal plant growth. The resulting aquascape is a testament to ingenuity and meticulous attention to detail, making it an excellent tutorial for anyone interested in building their own beautiful nano aquarium.
Pros And Cons
- Easy to set up
- Neat shape
- Touch control light
- Fairly strong current (may need adjustments for slow-moving water-preferring fish)
Read more: 5 Stunning Polished Aquarium Rocks for Your Tank
Aquascaping Contest and the Aquatop Pisces Tank
This project started with an exciting aquascaping contest featuring several talented YouTubers. We all received the same Aquatop Pisces all-in-one nano aquarium to create our own unique nanoscapes. The challenge was to design and build the most appealing aquascape within the five-gallon tank. The winner would be decided by a public vote on Aquatop's Instagram page.
The Aquatop Pisces tank itself is a compact and easy-to-set-up all-in-one unit. The included internal filter was simple to install. A neat touch-control light completed the package. It's designed for ease of use, making it suitable for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
Choosing and Gathering Materials: River Rocks and Substrate
My initial vision involved a unique hardscape using river rocks, creating a sloping hill effect. I typically use more exotic stones, but this time I wanted a natural, locally sourced look. Unfortunately, a snowstorm prevented my planned river rock-gathering expedition.
Instead, I visited a local gravel supply yard. This unconventional approach proved efficient, providing a diverse selection of rocks to choose from. After collecting a suitable quantity, the next step was to thoroughly wash and sort them by size and color.
Hardscape Construction and Plant Selection
The hardscape arrangement was a crucial step. I experimented with various rock placements before securing them using cyanoacrylate glue and small pieces of cigarette filter material for added strength and stability. This method ensures a sturdy, long-lasting foundation for the aquascape.
Plant selection is just as important. I decided on a mix of root-feeding and stem-feeding plants. This included ludwigia mini red, bacopa compact, lobelia cardinalis, and marcelia crenata as my carpeting plant. I also included some bucephalandra and cryptocoryne species.
Planting and Tank Setup
Planting the chosen plants was a relaxing and enjoyable process. I carefully removed the plants from their growing medium and planted them using chopsticks (though tweezers would have been more precise).
After planting, I filled the tank and added aquatic plant fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Daily dosing of fertilizer and bacteria food was crucial before introducing the betta fish. I also added decorations to help break up the strong water current.
Final Touches and Conclusion
Over the following days, I monitored plant growth and adjusted the water flow as needed using the glass plant holders as baffles. Adding the betta fish was the final touch. I used a bacterial starter and food to help establish a healthy environment.
The Aquatop Pisces tank is a great choice for a nano aquascape, especially for beginners. The ease of setup and compact size make it ideal for those with limited space. The included features like the internal filter and touch-control light are convenient additions. The contest itself was fun and engaging, encouraging creativity and showcasing the talent of fellow aquascapers.
