If you're going planted, you just have to attempt a nature aquarium at some point.
The tank pictured here has all the classic ingredients, including a Glossostigma carpet covering the foreground, green Rotala clipped into mounds and a design that leads the viewers through the aquascape and beyond.
Top this set-up off with a shoal of small tetras and some shrimps.
What you will need
120 x 60 x 60cm/48 x 24 x 24” rimless tank with Japanese-style cabinet £750
Luminaire choice of lighting , either T5, metal halide or LED £450
Pressurised CO2 system £150
Heater £20
External filter £90
Substrate fertilser £50
Liquid fertilisers £20
Substrate £25
Test kits £20
Plants £100
Total: Expect to pay around £1,675.
Check out some of our other inspirational aquariums:
This item was first published in the April 2010 issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. It may not be reproduced without written permission.