Aqua Journal 12-2012

DEC. 2012

[ Special Feature ]

Paradise of Stem Plants

ADA’s Lighting Systems Higher brightness and a more simple design

lighting system, AQUASKY, NEW! LED designed for planted aquariums.

ADA’ s AQUASKY is the world’ s first LED lighting system developed specifically for planted aquariums. A new lineup, compatible with aquarium tanks 45cm wide and 60cm wide, is to hit the market, this fall. For 60cm wide aquariums, the single light model - AQUASKY 601 and the twin light model - AQUASKY 602 are available. Choose a model according to the type of main aquatic plants planted in your 60cm-wide aquarium. You can also install maximum of 3 LED lighting units (AQUASKY 601 x 1, AQUASKY 602 x 1) to a 60cm aquarium tank. AQUASKY 602 is capable of providing the same illuminance level as Solar I. AQUASKY series makes possible to fully appreciate aquatic plant layouts, which was hardly achieved by other LED lighting systems before. *We measured the center spot illmunicance level with following condition: Direct illuminance level measured at 12cm from the lighting source for AQUASKY 602, and 30cm for Solar I.

High luminosity LED lighting unit developed with ADA’ s lighting technology

AQUASKY 602 featuring high light distribution performance

W60×D30cm AQUASKY 602

(Measurement distance: 12cm, assumed distance between the light source and water surface)

N AT U R E A Q U A R I U M D ATA

front

back

It employs the material and structure of outstanding heat radiation performance.

It provides excellent light intensity, which is created by efficient LED layout.

A key to AQUASKY’ s brightness is its high luminosity LEDs and their layout.Numbers of high luminosity LEDs are regularly distributed in a shifted manner, and it makes possible to illuminate a whole aquarium layout. Heat generation is a common problem of high luminosity LED lamps. ADA solved the problem by employing the high radiation performance aluminum material and its unique fin structures.

2 months after installation (trimmed 4 times)

Aquarium：Cube Garden W60xD30xH36cm Lighting：AQUASKY 602 (LED 0.4W/each x 63/ 2 units) Filter：Super Jet Filter ES-300 (prototype), Bio Rio, NA Carbon, Lily Pipe P-1, Lily Pipe V-3

Substrate：Aqua Soil - Amazonia, Power Sand S CO2：Pollen Glass, 3 bubbles per second via CO 2 Beetle Counter (using YA/Ver.2)

Additives：Brighty K, Green Brighty STEP2 Water Change：1/3 once a week F) pH：6.8 TH：20mg/ℓ Water Quality：Temperature 25℃ (77° Aquatic Plants：Wabi-kusa Eleocharis parvula×３、 Wabi-kusa Glossostigma×５、Wabi-kusa Stemmed Plants Mix×４、 Wabi-kusa Stemmed Plants Mix Red×１

Fish ／ Invertebrates：Trigonostigma espei, Otocinclus sp., Caridina japonica

8554-1 Urushiyama, Nishikan-ku, Niigata, 953-0054 Japan

http://www.adana.co.jp

The image shown is a Wabi-kusa layout aquarium about 2 months after installing AQUASKY 602. AQUASKY 602 is capable of providing plenty of light for light-loving Glossostigma, Eleocharis parvula, stem plants and other heliophytic plants.

The single light model for 45cm wide aquariums

AQUASKY

451

The practical single light model for 60cm wide aquariums

AQUASKY

601

The twin light model for 60cm wide planted aquariums

AQUASKY

602

■Light housing unit size：W430×D68×H10mm ■Clear stand size：W450×D100×H95mm Product specification Input voltage：AC100∼240V 50/60Hz Power consumption：22W Current consumption：650mA ±5% Luminous flux：1,800∼2,160lm Color temperature：Around 7,000K LED：0.4/each×45 ／ LED lifetime：Over 30,000hrs Operating temperature range：0∼35℃

■Light housing unit size：W570×D68×H10mm ■Clear stand size：W600×D94×H120mm Product specification Input voltage：AC100∼240V 50/60Hz Power consumption：30W Current consumption：900mA ±5% Luminous flux：2,520∼2,850lm Color temperature：Around 7,000K LED：0.4W/each × 63 ／ LEDlifetime：Over 30,000hrs Operating temperature range：0∼35℃

■Light housing unit size：W570×D68×H10mm ■Clear stand size：W600×D188×H120mm Product specification Input voltage：AC100∼240V 50/60Hz Power consumption：60W（30W per lighting unit） Current consumption：900mA ±5%（per lighting unit） Luminous flux：2,520∼2,850lm（per lighting unit） Color temperature：Around 7,000K LED：0.4W/each × 63 (per lighting unit) ／ LED lifetime：Over 30,000hrs Operating temperature range：0∼35℃ ※AQUASKY 602 comes with 2 adapters. Each adapter takes one lighting unit.

AQUASKY 451 is compatible with ADA Cube Garden / Cube Glass in the following sizes: W45 x D24 x H16 (cm) glass thickness 5mm W45 x D24 x H30 (cm) glass thickness 5mm W45 x D27 x H30 (cm) glass thickness 5mm

AQUASKY 601 is compatible with ADA Cube Garden / Cube Glass in the following sizes: W60 x D30 x H18 (cm) glass thickness 5mm W60 x D30 x H36 (cm) glass thickness 6mm W60 x D30 x H45 (cm) glass thickness 6mm

AQUASKY 602 is compatible with ADA Cube Garden / Cube Glass in the following sizes: W60 x D30 x H18 (cm) glass thickness 5mm W60 x D30 x H36 (cm) glass thickness 6mm W60 x D30 x H45 (cm) glass thickness 6mm

*Due to the characteristics of LED, there is a variance in range of color temperature. *Install AQUASKY 601 and AQUASKY 602 to a 60cm wide aquarium (W60xD30xH36cm) for higher light intensity. *Photo is for image only. The product has a power supply cord on the side. *Other displayed products are sold separately.

Travelling across Japan

Vol.48 Zao, Yamagata, Japan

01

ADA’s compact-size Jet Filter

SUPER JET FILTER ES-300 SUPER JET FILTER ES-300 is a great external canister style filter to enjoy Nature Aquarium with small aquarium sizes up to 60 liters. Despite its compact form, this product assures excellent filtration capability and has a fine, robust body. Lily Pipe Mini

Equipped with a small, but powerful filter pump ADA’s original filtration structure Professionally handcrafted body with excellent durability ■Standard Filtration Media  Anthracite (activated carbon in net) 2L, Bio Cube 20 1L ■Pump Specification  Flow Rate: 6.0L/min (50Hz), 7.2L/min (60Hz)  Maximum Pump Head: 3.0m (50Hz), 3.6m (60Hz) ■Standard Accessories  Outflow Glass Pipe (Ø10), Inflow Glass Pipe (Ø13),  Clear Hose (Ø10) 1m, Clear Hose (Ø13) 2m, Hose Clip ■External Size:Ø144 x H360mm ■Capacity: 3L

Lily Pipe Spin

*For freshwater aquarium use only. *Flow rate and maximum pump head shown in data are under a no-load condition. *Set-package for 60 liter aquarium, SUPER JET FILTER ES-300 (LILY TYPE), comes with an outflow glass pipe (Ø10) and inflow glass pipe (Ø13). *Set-package for 36 liter and smaller aquarium, SUPER JET FILTER ES-300 (SPIN TYPE), comes with newly-developed LILY PIPE SPIN (outflow) and LILY PIPE Mini (inflow).

02

SUPER JET FILTER ES-300

Slows the flow of water by creating a circling flow inside

LILY PIPE Mini V-2 LILY PIPE SPIN Lily Pipe Mini V-2（Inflow） ■Size: W55mm x H210mm （Ø13）

Lily Pipe Spin P-1（Outflow） ■Size: W68mm x H150mm （Ø10）

Lily Pipe Spin P-2（Outflow） ■Size: W68mm x H150mm （Ø13）

ADA’s LILY PIPE SPIN is designed for small size aquarium up to 36 liters. This product works well to slow the water flow from SUPER JET FILTER ES-300. * For glass thickness 5 - 6 mm.

water flow

View from Juhyo Bridge (Zao, Yamagata, Japan) This was the first photograph of the season for 2008, taken from Juhyo Bridge, Zao at noon on January 1st. It had been an unusually warm winter and there hadn t been much snowing. A sudden cold wave finally brought about a much anticipated heavy snowfall on New Year s Eve. Standing on the bridge, I took a picture of the landscape deeply covered in fresh snow, the town in the distance had become covered and invisible through the mist. I made a new year s resolution to capture as many images of beautiful Japanese landscapes for the next ten years, and I had the sense that this scenery represented an auspicious start to a new year. Shooting data / Deardroff 5x7, Super-Symmar 110mm XL, 1/15 sec at f22, RVP F 5×7 inch format film

DECEMBER 2012

Special Feature

Paradise of Stem Plants Travelling across Japan Vol.48 Zao, Yamagata, Japan World Report in Canada

World Report in India

Vol.19 Growing Healthy and Beautiful Stem Plants NATURE AQUARIUM Q&A

Special Feature

Paradise of Stem Plants The Secrets to Balanced Planting With their pretty pastel coloration, various leaf shapes and the way they spread their soft leaves in water, stem plants have a way of always attracting us to their beauty. Each type of stem plant has its own unique charm and it should be effectively brought out in the layout. A layout using stem plants naturally reflects the intention of the producer, which is one of the fun parts of making this type of layout. The Special Feature of this issue introduces the basic rules for skillful planting of colorful stem plants.

What are the Most Important Things to Ensure the Effective Use of Stem Plants? Difference in impression is determined by different balances.

Bilaterally symmetrical layouts (right/left balance of 1:1) very often appear unnatural and give a less dynamic or dull impression. The most basic right/left balance for the layout is 3:2 (which is an approximate value of the golden ratio) which delivers the perception of a stable beauty.

It is Important to Ensure a Good Balance of Planted Stem Plants Most stem plants form a lush, appealing bush through planting at the appropriate density and through repeated trimming. These bushes of stem plants are very important towards making a defined composition. The basic compositions are classified as: concave, convex and triangular styles. These compositions are formed by the border line created between bushes of aquatic plants and the use of open space. Using the example of the most popular style, the concave composition, the layout often looks unnatural and out of balance if the bushes of stem plants

are symmetrical on either side. To make the layout appear attractive, balance the right and left sides to a ratio of 1:1.618 (the golden ratio). Of course, it is difficult to achieve the exact golden ratio in the aquarium. Therefore, we recommend that you create a balance according to the ratio of 2:3, which is an approximate value of the golden ratio formula (as a note, left-right reversal causes no problems (e.g. 3:2 vs. 2:3)). Always keep this balance in mind as you are planting or trimming your stem plants!

What is the Golden Ratio of 1:1.618? The ratio at which people feel the most stable and beautiful is the golden ratio. The rectangle illustrated below is a golden rectangle whose sides are in the golden ratio. A golden rectangle is partitioned into a square and a new golden rectangle is formed when its long side is divided at the length of the short side. This partitioning can be repeated as shown in the illustration.

Paradise of Stem Plants

The trimming line is important to maintain a good balance of stem plants. Trimming of stem plants should be performed to ensure the left/right balance of 2:3 (or 3:2 as in this layout).

How Do You Use Colorful Stem Plants Effectively?

Rotala rotundifolia Rotala rotundifolia (Green)

Rotara macrandra Rotala rotundifolia (Green)

Pogostemon sp. 'Dassen'

Using red and green stem plants A bush of stem plants with a rich variety of colors is formed by planting Rotala Rotundifolia (Green) at the sides while planting red plants in the center.

Rotara nanjean Rotala rotundifolia Rotara macrandra sp.

Gratiora sp.

Using red stem plants This layout using red stem plants as the main plant features very delicate color variations that are effectively produced by using a combination of stem plants that have a more yellowish and orangish red hues.

You can easily achieve a balanced planting of stem plants when considering their colors. Diverse color patterns are one of the great features of stem plants. The colors of stem plants are broadly divided into green and red, each of which has multiple subtle shades. To be more precise, green stem plants offer different shades ranging from dark green to light green; while red has shade variations ranging from orange and pink to deep red. This subtle change in color is closely related to our visual impres-

sions, and therefore determines how we plant and use stem plants, such as the combined use of green and red stem plants in a balanced manner and the use of some red stem plants as an accent, greatly influences the impression of the layout. The first step of making a good layout using stem plants is to figure out how to plant stem plants taking into consideration the difference in their colors.

Paradise of Stem Plants

Rules for planting

Difference in Color Impressions Stem plants have various colors and the color of each plant influences the layout s overall impression. This section discusses the varied color impressions of aquatic plants according to their colors and tones.

Strong

Varied degree of impact by color (or hue)

Weak

In general, aquatic plants are in red, orange, yellow, greenish yellow and green hues. Among those color variations, red gives the strongest impression, followed by green. The impact of the plant becomes weaker as the plant s color gets closer to yellow.

Strong

The Impact of Aquatic Plants are Determined by Their Color Tones Color has three dimensions - hue, brightness and saturation. The basic color (hue) of an aquatic plant is determined by the plant s pigments and therefore the color variations of the plant is basically determined within a range between green, yellow and red. Even just the red colored aquatic plants come in many different saturation levels of red - ranging from the vivid reds of Rotala Macranda to the dusky red of Ludwigia Peruensis; while green colors also differ with various brightness levels ranging from the bright greens of Rotala

Rotundifolia (Green) to the murky greens of Lagarosiphon Major. However, when determining the colors of aquatic plants, it is not easy to precisely distinguish between brightness and saturation. Due to this reason, the color tones that represent color density should be used instead of brightness and saturation to promote a greater understanding. Keeping this knowledge in mind, please use the Stem Plant Color Chart to the right as a reference for your planting.

Paradise of Stem Plants

Stem Plant Color Chart Red and green plants on the top row have the strongest color impression. As you go towards the bottom row, the color impression becomes weaker. Among the plants on the same row, plants on the left have a stronger color impression than plants on the right side.

What is saturation? Saturation refers to the intensity of the color. Pure colors such as red and green contain the highest saturation levels, while mixed colors (such as red and orange or green and yellow) have lower saturation levels. For aquatic plants, the color saturation differs between each species. It also varies depending on the light, nutrient and other conditions of proper plant care. In general, healthy stem plants display vivid colors.

High

Low

What is brightness? Brightness refers to the lightness and darkness of the color. Lighter colors are contain a very high brightness, while deeper and darker colors have the impression of low brightness. The lightness and darkness of the color comes to represent strong and mild color tones in black and white imagery. The tones of stem plants which are used as background plants in the layout are very important elements that greatly influence the overall impression of the planted aquarium.

High

Low

The impact of the color can be clearly seen if a colored image is converted into a black-and-white image. The portions with darker tones have a stronger impact while the portions with milder tones have a weaker impact.

Rotara macrandra "Green" Rotara nanjean Hemianthus nbrosum Hygrophila violacea Hygropila difformis

Rotala rotundifolia (Green)

Using aquatic plants with different leaf shapes The impression of Hygrophila difformis with its relatively large leaves is softened by reducing the amount you plant and by planting narrow-leaf stem plants around it.

You can achieve a balanced planting arrangement of stem plants when considering their leaf shapes and sizes. Stem plants contain a variety of leaf shapes, such as the narrow leaves of Rotala and the large leaves of larger-sized Ludwigia. You may have the experience of having randomly planted stem plants without considering their leaf shapes and consequently the aquascape eventually gave a disorganized and scattered

appearance, leaving a less dynamic impression. Good balance cannot be achieved if the leaf sizes of the stem plants does not fit in the size of the aquarium. It is very important for you to figure out the optimal balance of stem plants by pursuing the best combination of colors as well as the leaf shape and size of the plants used.

Paradise of Stem Plants

Large Leaf and Narrow Leaf ‒ How to Make Proper Use of Various Leaf Sizes for Optimal Impact?

Rotara macrandra Hygrophila stricta Rotala rotundifolia (Green) Gratiora sp. Hemianthus nbrosum

Using large-leaf stem plants Hygrophila Big Leaf is a large stem plant with long leaves. In this layout, this plant is planted slightly on the left to moderate its impression and ensure a good balance.

Rules for planting

Shape and Size of Leaf Stem plants have variously sized leaves. The impression of stem plants arranged in the layout greatly varies depending on the size and shape of the leaves. This section discusses the leaf shape and size of stem plants.

Various degrees of impact determined by leaf shape

Just as in the case of figures, stem plants with larger-sized leaves give stronger impressions. On the other hand, stem plants with narrower leaves form an outstandingly beautiful thicket.

Leaf Shape and Firmness/Softness of the Impression There are various shapes of stem plant leaves. When looking at stem plants only, the ones with large leaves give a stronger impression while the impression becomes weaker if the plant has narrow leaves, as shown in the above illustrations. The leaf shape influences the firmness and softness of the impression of the cluster of stem plants. A bush of stem plants with larger leaves gives a firm and heavy impression; while the soft and light impression of narrow-leaf stem plants will stand out when arranged to form a thicket. In an actual concave layout, the weight of the cluster on the right and left sides varies depending on the leaf size as well as the color impression of the plants. To help you make a better combination of stem plants, please refer to the chart on the right which introduces the some of the most commonly used green and red stem plants with different leaf sizes.

Stem plants used as an accent The ratio at which people feel the most stable and beautiful is The attractiveness of stem plants is brought out when you create a bush or thicket with them. At this time, stem plants that have a stronger impact serve as an effective accent plant by being placed in a thicket of a single species or with other similar types of stem plants. The plants highlighted here have a great presence even when only a small quantity is used, therefore they are ideal to be used as accent plants in a layout. You can balance the layout by using and adjusting these plants as accents to the overall scene.

Limnophila aquatic

Pogostemon stellatus

Ludwigia perennis

Polygonum sp. Pink

Paradise of Stem Plants

Green stem plants with large leaves are suitable to express a natural feeling. Narrow leaves give a more fantastic impression.

Red stem plants with large leaves have the strongest impact and give off a very heavy impression. This impression gets lighter as the plant leaves become narrower.

The Golden Ratio Supports the Balance of the Layout

Tension adds a touch of spice to the balance

Mr. Amano began his talk by stating that One of the most important aspects of creating a good layout is to achieve balance; and above all, the most important thing is the golden ratio. The golden ratio is approximately 1:1.618 in figures, or rounded up to 2:3 for convenience in the aquarium. Taking Iwagumi as an example, the center of Oyaishi, or the main stone, is placed at a location at which the tank width is divided at the ratio of 1:1.618 (≈2:3). And then, Fukuishi, or secondary stone, and Soeishi, or accompanying stone, are placed in such manner that the line between the center of the main stone and the side of the tank is divided at the ratio of 1:1.618 (≈2:3) (refer to Fig.1). This ratio also applies to the weight of the stones. It is important to develop a sense of creating layouts that involve the mental calculation of this balance.

The optimal balance of the stones is achieved when the ratio of the main stone and its supporting stones are placed at the weight ratio of 1:1.618 (≈2:3). However, the layout may sometimes look a little dull if the balance is too perfect. In this circumstance, making the stones slightly off balance, for example at the ratio of 1:3, creates a tension and firms up the overall atmosphere of the layout. Nonetheless, an excessive imbalance such as 1:0.5 and 1:1 ruins the overall balance and significantly detracts from the appearance of the layout. For this reason, this change in ratio should preferably be up to 1:3. This applies not only to the weight of the stones but also to all the elements relating to balance of the layout. The trimming line for the stem plants in the background is a good example. Many aquarists are inclined to trim the stem plants in the background symmetrically, but an exactly symmetrical placement can undermine the natural feel

of the layout. The effective ratio to achieve a good right/left balance of the stem plants is 1:1.618 (≈2:3) which delivers the optimal balance, or a maximum of up to 1:3 which is the limit to create a tension while maintaining the balance.

Identify the shades of the leaf color From here on, stem plants are used as our example. We will give the explanation on the assumption that all the stem plants have almost the same leaf sizes, since the visual element of leaf size and shape influences our perception. As we describe visual impacts such as heavy or light, a leaf with a dark green has a heavier impact, while a leaf with a light green has a lighter impact. The golden ratio applies even when planning the gradient of color you will create from the various shades of stem plants. There are deep red and pink leaves under red leaves, while green leaves contain many different shades. The approach Mr. Amano developed in identifying shades of color is to look at

Takashi Amano Layout Seminar

Learning the Basics of the Planted Aquarium In January, Takashi Amano s special seminar was held for the students of the Nature Aquarium Course, International Pet World College. The Aqua Journal Editorial Team accompanied Mr. Amano to the seminar. This section features a special tutorial on the layout based on Mr. Amano s lecture titled Tips for Making a Layout which had been introduced in the seminar. We hope that you will come to understand the basic formation of the layout and use it as a reference for your future layout creations, while reflecting on your own sense and taste.

Paradise of Stem Plants of the prior balance, the weight becomes unstable and an unbalanced impression will be created. As can be seen from this example, it is important to determine the color balance based on the color shades that correspond to the ratio used for the composition. When using the same species of aquatic plants on the right and left sides separately, the quantity of plant used must not be equal (i.e. 1:1) on both sides, College students are listening attentively to Mr. Amano s instructions. The opportunity to get Mr. but you should mainAmano s advice while looking at an actual layout is very precious. tain a difference, such as 1:1.618 (≈2:3) on either side. a color through a black and white filter in our mind. Every color shows its shade if converted into a black-and-white image. If you have trouble visualizing this at first, we suggest that you take a photograph of stem plants in a layout and convert it to a black-and-white image using a program such as Photoshop or Instagram. To determine which color has a stronger impact between yellow and yellow-ish green, Mr. Amano suggest you convert those colors to a black-and-white image in your mind to identify which color is darker. Technically speaking, a color is divided into ten scales, with 10 being black, 5 being gray and 1 being white. Approaching color balance from the viewpoint of identifying color shades helps you see the difference in color, no matter what the actual color is. When aquatic plants are then combined at the color shade ratio of 1:1.618 (≈ 2:3), such as when combining plants with a color shade of 7 with another plant with a shade of 10 or combining plants with a color shade of 4 and 7. Doing this will lead the entire balance of color at the ratio of 1:1.618 (≈2:3). Meanwhile, let s assume the right/left balance of stem plants is set to 1:1.618. When the color balance is at 1.1618:1, which is the reverse value

Fig.1

Weight is felt by leaf size and shape Discussions up to this point were based on the assumption that several varieties of green or red aquatic plants were used and they all had relatively ordinary shapes and the same size of leaves. Now, let s evaluate cases where stem plants have differing shape characteristics. When comparing a large leaf and a small leaf, the weight of the large leaf is obviously heavier. Then, how about the comparison between a sharp leaf and round leaf? When the surface area of the leaves is the same, the sharp leaf has the stronger impact; and when the two leaves have the same diameter, the weight of the round leaf is heavier. Note that the difference in the surface area of the leaves has a greater visual impact compared to the difference in leaf shapes. What we have to pay attention to when discussing this matter is the growth of aquatic plants. Even if the plants look well-balanced immediately after being planted in the aquarium, the overall balance may be lost as the time goes by and the plants grow larger. To address this

Fig.2 Oyaishi (main stone)

Fukuishi (secondary stone)

concern, it is necessary to have, in the planting stage, a clear image on how the aquatic plants should be when the aquascape is completed.

What is the theorem for a scalene triangle? Aquatic plants featuring large leaves or sharp leaf shape can be planted in small quantities, like just a few stalks, to serve as an accent of the layout. This technique can be extended to the use of red plants in the midst of an aquascape using green aquatic plants. Using a lot of plants or leaves that have a strong impact may spoil the balance with the surroundings. Therefore, the strong impression should be dispersed in the aquascape to moderate the impact. The planting positions are ultimately your option on how and where to place, but you should keep in mind that it is an important point to plant each plant in the positions of each corner of an inverted scalene triangle. At this time, the number of stalks to be planted should be an odd number like 1, 3 and 5; and the shape of the triangle formed by the plants must not be an equilateral triangle to avoid a symmetrical arrangement. This is the theorem for a scalene triangle in planted aquarium (refer to Fig.3).

It is a necessity for you to obtain a sense of deviating from the manual As can be seen from the above example, we need to have a pluralistic viewpoint, more specifically, the golden ratio is the basic foundation and the theorem for a scalene triangle is the basic element for character when creating a layout. While this is the basic manual and formula for success in layout creation, you also need to learn how to deviate from these basics when your technique becomes more advanced. This becomes a process of fine adjustments made by purposely restructuring the composition using your own sense and feeling of how the layout should look to express a greater level of creativity. Your development in this unexplored field is dependent on your own sense and taste.

Fig.3

Golden ratio Soeishi (accompanying stone)

Balance of Iwagumi Among various layout materials, Iwagumi requires an exceptionally high level of composition skill. However, even beginners can easily try Iwagumi once they understand the basic points of stone placement.

The Balance of Shades of Aquatic Plants

Balance of Planting Positions for Aquatic Plants with Strong Character

When the size of the leaves are the same, select the aquatic plants to be used in such a manner that the color shade balance of approximately 2:3 is achieved. This will lead to an approximate 2:3 color shade ratio among all the aquatic plants in the aquarium and create a well-balanced impression of the layout.

Avoid using too many plants with strong character. Keep in mind that the quantity of such plants should be as moderate as 1, 3 or 5 stalks. Ultimately the planting position is in your hands, but a good balance can be achieved if you choose to plant them in a way that a scalene triangle is formed by connecting them together.

This 60cm (24in) aquarium is a wellbalanced tank as its width and height are placed in a ratio very close to the golden ratio. In this layout, the framework is formed with driftwood and stem plants are placed in the background. It is important to keep a good balance of stem plants while taking into consideration the position of the driftwood and aquatic plants arranged in the mid-ground. Within this layout, the red stems are planted in the center and slightly to the right side of the center, while bright yellow-green stem plants are arranged to the left to ensure a bilateral balance of 2:3.

Tank

/ Cube Garden Mist W60×D30×H36 (cm)

Lighting system

/ Grand Solar II (NA Lamp 36W Twin ×2) Lighting for 10 hours a day

Filtration system / Super Jet Filter ES-600 (Bio Rio) Substrate system / Aqua Soil - Amazonia, Bright Sand, Power Sand Special S, Bacter 100, Clear Super, Tourmaline BC, PENAC W for Aquarium, PENAC P for Plants CO2 system

/ Pollen Glass Type II - 2 bubbles per second with CO2 Bubble Counter (Using Tower)

Air

/ Aeration with Lily Pipe P-2 for when

Additives

/ Brighty K & Green Brighty STEP 2

Water change

/ 1/3 water change once a week

Water quality

C; pH: 6.6; TH: / Water temperature: 25°

lighting is OFF at night

20mg/ℓ NO2: