A mid-size aquarium layout featuring Rio (AGA 2024 #235), 166 L, by Steve Leathead. The hardscape focus sits on Seiryu stone.
The hardscape with Seiryu stone sets the rhythm; planting should support those lines without burying them. On the plant side, the layout leans toward a mixed planting with species such as Marsilea Hirsuta, Cryptocoryne Parva, Cryptocoryne Lucens — trim in layers so hardscape still breathes. ADA amazonia version 2, UNS Bora sand, UNS Kona gravel substrate helps stabilize root-zone nutrition in the early weeks.
Chihiros WRGB 2 lighting sits at a moderate-to-high technical level for this mid-size aquarium. Oase Biomaster 350 filtration needs enough turnovers without blasting the hardscape; browse matching filters.
Lighting, filtration, substrate, and plant details sit in the specs table below, or browse more layouts in 162–220L.
