A mid-size aquarium layout featuring The Planted moutains, 171 L (45.2 gal.), Dutch style, by Jacob Thompson. The composition is built around No Hardscape.
The hardscape with No Hardscape sets the rhythm; planting should support those lines without burying them. About 5 plant species are listed — fine for a multi-layer look, but keep a care log so slower species are not shaded out. Black diamond blasting sand medium grit substrate helps stabilize root-zone nutrition in the early weeks.
Chihiros WRGB 10th anniversary edition lighting sits at a high technical level for this mid-size aquarium. CO₂ (10 ppm of CO2, turns on 2 hours before the light and turns off one hour before the light, diffusion via a Inline Niloug atomizer splice into chihiros tubing) — see our CO₂ systems if you want to clone a similar setup. Fluval 407 with a spray bar filtration needs enough turnovers without blasting the hardscape; browse matching filters. High-tech balance means nutrients, light, and CO₂ must stay in step; one weak leg often triggers spot or hair algae.
Scroll to the specs table to match each equipment line; more inspiration in Dutch style.
