Beachpath

This aquascape is inspired by the Japanese Iwagumi aquariums and diorama aquariums with a great depth effect. A path of ADA LaPlata sand directs the eye of the viewer into the background and creates the illusion of a deep aquarium. The strong red-green contrasts are particularly striking, making the aquarium appear very dynamic. Due to the numerous, highly nutrient-consuming stem plants, the aquarium ran stably from the beginning and fortunately caused few problems during the run-in phase. Amano shrimp and Bloody Mary shrimp consumed the few algae and kept the aquarium clean.

In retrospect, I would definitely try to get my background plantings (especially the Rotalas) denser. I was a bit too lazy with the prunings and too infrequently replanted the head cuttings. I also had some problems getting the Rotala H'Ra to red properly, which I managed by reducing the phosphate fertilization. After a few months, the aquarium was plagued by brush algae, which I fogged with Easy Carbo, after which they fortunately died.