After moving into my new apartment, I realized that the aquarium setup was in need of a bit of an overhaul. The plants were overgrown and the layout wasn’t quite what I had in mind, so I decided to embark on a complete rescape of the aquarium.
One of the first things I did was add a standing wooden driftwood piece that projects above the water level. I wanted to create a natural, forest-like aesthetic, and the driftwood really helped to accomplish that. It’s not only visually appealing, but it also provides a place for the fish to hide and explore.
I also replanted and pruned my Japanese Hydrocotyle, which has really taken off since the rescape. It was a bit overgrown before, but now it’s spread evenly across the sand, adding a touch of greenery to the aquarium.
In addition to the plants, I decided to switch up the type of sand I was using. My previous sand was just a plain, uniform color, but I wanted something a little more interesting. A friend recommended a blend of aqua soil (brown) and beige sand, and I have to say, I’m really happy with the result. The mixture of colors gives the base of the tank a more elegant and cohesive appearance, and it looks much more natural than the plain sand did.
I also added a few ferns to different positions in the aquarium. These add even more visual interest and help to create a more natural-looking environment. Ferns are great for aquariums because they’re hardy and easy to care for, and they look really nice when they’re planted in small clusters.
Finally, I have around 14 beta fish in the tank. These are very sensitive fish, and they were born in this aquarium, so I’m hoping they’ll last for a long time. Beta fish are known for their bright colors and interesting patterns, and they add a lot of visual interest to the tank. They’re also relatively easy to care for, which is a plus.
Overall, I’m really happy with how the aquarium looks now. I’m trying to take a minimalist approach to things in my new apartment, and that includes the aquarium setup. It’s a small touch, but it really helps to create a sense of calm and tranquility in the space. The combination of the standing wooden driftwood, the Japanese Hydrocotyle, the blended sand, and the ferns all work together to create a natural and cohesive look that I’m really happy with.