Inspirational aquariums: Mature planted paradise

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This planted tank will appeal both to the nature lover and the seasoned fishkeeper.

Green and serene, this aquascape looks simply timeless and the combination of moss, fern and hairgrass foreground appear to blend seamlessly with the hardscape.

This set-up should involve quite a low level of maintenance once grown in and would look great with a simple shoal of Cardinal tetras or Green neon tetras. The mosses and Cryptocoryne in this tank also tolerate lower lighting levels, making it less expensive to run.

What you will need

90 x 45 x 45cm/36 x 18 x 18” tank and cabinet  £500

Twin T5 luminaire lighting £160

Pressurised CO2 system £150

Heater £20

Substrate fertiliser £50

Substrate £25

Liquid fertilisers £20

Test kits £20

Decor £60

Plants £100

Total: Expect to pay £1,105

Check out some of our other inspirational aquariums:

Zebra plec breeding set-up

Calming moss tank

Rocky cichlid tank

Fun iwagumi

Classic nature aquarium

Medium sized reef tank

Posh nature aquarium

This item was first published in the June 2010 issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. It may not be reproduced without written permission.