A mid-size aquarium layout featuring Relaxation, 139.2L, by Thomas Carl Bjorn. The composition is built around Potting soil.
Hardscape (Potting soil) forms the skeleton — negative space between wood and stone guides the eye from foreground to depth. On the plant side, the layout leans toward slow-growing epiphytes with species such as Java fern, water sprite, Hormwort Bahia grass — trim in layers so hardscape still breathes. Painted ocean blue substrate helps stabilize root-zone nutrition in the early weeks.
2 led lights lighting sits at a approachable technical level for this mid-size aquarium. Sponge filter and a UV sanitizer filter filtration needs enough turnovers without blasting the hardscape; browse matching filters. Low-tech tip: favor slow growers and avoid dense planting if filtration is modest.
With Mollies, plecos, sword tail, watch bioload: a mid-size aquarium drifts quickly if stocking is heavy.
Use the specs table as a shopping checklist for equivalent gear — then explore 80–162L.
