We have learned about how to grow aquatic plants topic by topic. Now, we go through the making process of planted aquariums as the final topic. Here, we show you how a popular 60cm aquarium layout is produced and introduce you to the products required for each task.

1. Creating a Live Substrate

Microorganisms from ADA Bacter 100 feed on organic compounds contained in ADA Clear Super and actively colonize within the substrate. ADA Power Sand prevents the hardening of the substrate surface.

ADA Power Sand S | ADA Bacter 100 | ADA Clear Super

2. Make a Neat Substrate Line

Make a neat and straight substrate line. Avoid the front side from becoming too thick. Adding a slight slope from front to back gives an additional sense of depth to the layout.

Use ADA Sand Flattener to flatten preparation the substrate.

3. Placing Driftwood

Driftwood serves as a framework of the composition. Place driftwood in a stable condition while considering a good right/left and front/back balance. There is no need to arrange driftwood in a complicated manner.

For pre-planting preparation, carefully untangle Eleocharis acicularis and divide into small bunches.

4. Planting Foreground Plants

Planting work will be easier if the water is poured to the level at which the substrate is barely covered with water. Doing this prevents aquatic plants from being buoyant and hands from getting wet.

ADA Pinsettes L is a must for planting of aquatic plants

5. Attaching Epiphytic Aquatic Plants

When using epiphytic plants such as Anubias for the layout, fix their rhizomes to small stones in advance. Avoid planting epiphytic plants directly on the substrate.

ADA Wood Tight makes it easier to fix rhizomes to a stone.

6. Planting Background Plants

Plant background plants by considering their colors and leaf shapes. The height of each stem plant species should be aligned as much as possible during planting.

1. Rotala rotundifolia
2. Rotala spec. 'Green'
3. Rotala macranda 'Green'
4. Rotala macranda (Red narrow leaf)
5. Rotala nanjenshan
6. Rotala wallichii
7. Ludwigia arcuata

7. Attaching Vesicularia "Christmas Moss"

With ADA Moss Cotton, attach a layer of Vesicularia "Christmas Moss" so thin that the surface of the driftwood is partially seen. Vesicularia sp. Vesicularia "Christmas Moss" can be attached to driftwood using ADA Riccia Line.

ADA Moss Cotton gradually biodegrades when the Vesicularia "Christmas Moss" starts taking root to the driftwood.

8. Completition of Planting and Pouring Water

Once the planting is completed, gently pour the water into the aquarium tank while being careful not to hollow the substrate surface. In the event of cloudy aquarium water, pour fresh water while draining the cloudy water.

ADA Advanced CO2 System - Includes all the necessary equipment for CO2 supply.

ADA Chlor-Off - Neutralization of chlorine and adjustment of water temperature are the fundamental processes of water change.

Source and Copyright of the article/photos - Aqua Design Amano - ADA