Transform a simple 35-gallon cube aquarium into a captivating underwater world with this unique aquascape design. This project showcases the creative potential of unconventional hardscape elements, resulting in a visually stunning and surprisingly cohesive ecosystem. Forget traditional layouts; this build centers around repurposed Cichlid Hideaway caves, cleverly arranged around a central Mopani wood piece to create a miniature, hidden forest. The unexpected pyramidal structure, achieved through strategic placement, adds to the overall intrigue and natural aesthetic.This "Hideaway Caves Aquascape" utilizes a blend of terrestrial and aquatic plants, creating a lush, layered effect. Nutrient-rich substrate bags cleverly concealed within the gravel provide essential plant nourishment without clouding the water. The inclusion of Ancient Raton accent roots further enhances the texture and depth of the design, while Java moss, Anubias Nana petite, and Foxtail add vibrant green accents. The final result is a mature, visually appealing planted tank teeming with life, demonstrating the remarkable results achievable through innovative aquascaping techniques.
Read more: 5 Amazing Lava Rock Aquarium Caves
Tank Setup and Preparation
This project centers around a 35-gallon cube aquarium, measuring 21x21x21.25 inches. Before beginning the aquascape, I frosted the back of the tank for a cleaner look and created substrate bags filled with topsoil to provide nutrients for the plants without clouding the water. This method is cost-effective compared to using aqua soil.
A layer of black gravel was added, sloped towards the back for depth. The substrate bags were strategically placed within the gravel, ensuring a balanced nutrient supply for the plants.
Building the Hardscape Structure
The core of the aquascape uses a large piece of Mopani wood as a central element. Cichlid Hideaway caves, in various sizes, were carefully arranged around the wood, aiming for a natural, yet cohesive look. The challenge was to create a random yet unified arrangement.
As the structure grew, it resembled a pyramid. While initially concerning, the unexpected shape ultimately worked well with the overall design. Two-part aquarium-safe epoxy was used to secure the caves and wood pieces, adding rigidity to the structure.
Adding Plants and Finishing Touches
Ancient Raton accent roots were added to enhance the detail and texture of the aquascape. These were carefully woven into the hardscape without additional adhesive. Terrestrial plants, chosen for their ability to thrive in a riparian environment, were wedged between the hardscape elements.
Aquatic plants like Java moss, Anubias Nana petite, and Foxtail were added to fill in spaces and create a lush, natural appearance. The goal was to create a forest-like effect, extending from the background to the foreground.
Final Setup and Stocking
After filling the tank and allowing it to sit overnight, LED spotlights were installed above the tank. A hang-on-back filter and heater were added. The water was slightly cloudy initially, but a water clarifier helped resolve this.
The tank was stocked with glow light danios and blue ram cichlids. Additional plants were added to fill the foreground. Snails were also added to maintain tank cleanliness. Color-changing lights were added for a dynamic ambiance.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The final aquascape is a unique and visually appealing design, achieved by creatively incorporating unusual hardscape elements. The use of the Hideaway Caves, initially considered unnatural, adds to the tank’s intrigue, especially when covered with moss and algae. The terrestrial plants and roots add another layer of depth and texture.
This setup is a testament to the creative possibilities in aquascaping. It showcases that unconventional choices can lead to stunning results. While the tank needs time to mature, the initial result is impressive, highlighting the potential of combining unexpected elements for a captivating effect.
