29 - 12/11/2023, 3:13

Forest Bend

A large aquarium layout featuring Forest Bend, 381L, by Andrew Huang. Combination of ADA Amazonia version 1 and UNS Controsoil black and with a lava rock rubble base set the depth lines of the frame.

Hardscape (Combination of ADA Amazonia version 1 and UNS Controsoil black, with a lava rock rubble base) forms the skeleton — negative space between wood and stone guides the eye from foreground to depth. Window film substrate helps stabilize root-zone nutrition in the early weeks.

ATI Dimmable 48'' SunPower T5 High-Output Aquarium Fixture – 8x54W Bulbs lighting sits at a moderate-to-high technical level for this large aquarium.

Scroll to the specs table to match each equipment line; more inspiration in Collection.

Setup specifications

Dimensions120 × 60 × 53 cm
Layout nameForest Bend
Volume381L
BackgroundWindow film
LightingATI Dimmable 48'' SunPower T5 High-Output Aquarium Fixture - 8x54W Bulbs
Noon burst for 4 hours a day, total photoperiod 10 hoursFiltration
1x Eheim 22171x Fzone 15L Astra-Stream Stainless Steel Filter
Media: ADA Bio Rio and Eheim Substrat Pro, Eheim EhfimechPlants
Bacopa colorataBolbitis sp.
Cryptocoryne affinis 'Metallic Red'Cryptocoryne bullosa 'Sarawak'
Cryptocoryne nurii var. 'Raubensis'Eleocharis acicularis 'mini'
Fontinalis antipyreticaLilaeopsis brasiliensis
Ludwigia senegalensisMicrosorum pteropus 'narrow leaf'
Pilotrichaceae sp. 'pilo moss'Plagiochilaceae sp. 'Cameroon'
Rotala macrandra 'mini butterfly'Rotala macrandra 'narrow leaf'
Rotala mexicana 'Aragauia'Rotala sp. 'mini pearl type 4'
Rotala wallichiiAnimals
Caridina serrata x500 (probably more)Trigonostigma somphongsi x40
HardscapeCombination of ADA Amazonia version 1 and UNS Controsoil black, with a lava rock rubble base
Malaysian driftwoodBlack lava rock
NotesFertilizers (traces and potassium) are added in small amounts multiple times a day via a GHL Doser. Aeration by airstone is provided overnight. CO2 is injected at 5 BPS (counted through an ADA Beetle Counter) and diffused through an ADA Pollen Glass Beetle.
The layout was inspired by my experiences in southern Texas, which contains many interesting environs with juxtaposed forests and prairies. As the tank and its planting evolved, it took on an autumnal forest feeling.The aquarium itself has been operating since 2016 and houses a large self-sustaining population of tangerine tiger shrimp (Caridina serrata).

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