A large aquarium layout featuring The valley, 230L, by Jack Dolton. Rocks and driftwood set the depth lines of the frame.
The hardscape with Rocks sets the rhythm; planting should support those lines without burying them. On the plant side, the layout leans toward slow-growing epiphytes with species such as Anubias, bucephalandra, Ludwig — trim in layers so hardscape still breathes. Black paint substrate helps stabilize root-zone nutrition in the early weeks.
Plant light x2 lighting sits at a approachable technical level for this large aquarium. Oase biotherm 600 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 Otocinculus, Siamese algae eaters, watch bioload: a large aquarium drifts quickly if stocking is heavy.
Setup notes: Co2 injection
Use the specs table as a shopping checklist for equivalent gear — then explore 220–320L.
