My Miniature Aquascape

I thought I'd share my latest project: my first miniature aquascape. Total cost: approx £40.00.



Vase / candle holder bought from The Range for £7.99.


Remove all the ugly 'rope' and the metal band.


2KG of fine natural Gravel from Aquatics Supplies shop @ £3.95 + similar quantity of John Innes No 3 potting compost @ approx £3.


Add potting compost to a depth of approx 20mm and firm it down.


Add approx 10mm layer of gravel. Make sure the gravel is thoroughly rinsed before using.


Less than 1KG of Rock from Aquatics Supplies shop @ less than £2. Superglue @ £1. Small piece of Java Fern from Aquatics Supplies shop @ £3 - £5. Superglue the 'rhizone' (the woody part the leaves grow from ) onto the largest peice of rock.


Place rock in a pleasing arrangement towards the centre of the jar. Then top up with the remaining gravel making a layer approx 30mm deep.


Ikea sell verious aquatic plants in pots of water @ £2 each. Two small pots of 'Monte Carlo' carpeting plant from Aquatics Supplies shop @ £3.65 each.


Break apart the 'Monte Carlo' into small sections and, using tweezers, gently push into the gravel spaced apart giving room to spread out.


Eventually, the Monto Carlo will, hopefully, spread out and create a 'carpet' of green.


Place a small plastic bag over the 'Monte Carlo' and gently pour water onto the plastic to avoid disturbing the plants


Add the stem plants at the back, behind the rocks.


I should have made my gravel layer a bit deeper. Make sure it's about 20mm of soil with about 30mm of gravel on top.


Place in a bright place.

Very nice indeed Simon. 

Very nice. Have you thought how to deal with the algae problem yet?

Good question!

I'm hoping that the plants will out-compete the Algae, and that there isn't enough light to promote a bloom.

Also, as there is no livestock I can overdose with 'liquid carbon' if needed. Liquid Carbon (Gluteraldehyde) acts as an algaecide.

I just bought 1L with 50% higher concentration than EasyCarbo for £10.

Also, I can do water changes as large and as frequently as I need to.

Hopefully it won't become a problem.

I'll update this thread in future with any news and new photos once it's grown a bit.

Looks good Simon, you will have to shows some more pictures as it gets established.

Anne

Very impressive and inspiring.
I'm going to show the wife to be and see if she will let us do such a thing as a centre piece on our tables.

Lol
Granted it will take a bit of arm bending, but hopefully after seeing my 180L completed and planted she'll go for it, as well as seeing  your project.
*fingers crossed*

I have to say I'm very tempted myself. I can see one of those would look great in the bathroom which is the only tank free room in the flat.

Where did you get the liquid carbon from Simon? I'm almost out and I need to order more.....

I love this Simon and will also be watching its progress.

I currently have a 3 litre jug sitting on the ledge in the conservatory with water (changed when I remember) a few bits of left over plants from the big tank that broke off when I did a water change, and a lump of coconut shell.

It hasn't grown any algae since the cooler months appeared, possibly because its an unheated conservatory so that might make a difference if yours is in the warmth of the bathroom

Oooer Simon thank you for the offer. I'd be worried about the concentration levels, one wrong move and I'd be preserving my fish!

I know what you mean. Thing is, we could easily calculate the correct concentration based on your tank size and your current dosage, which is how we came up with the right concentration for my tank.

Up to you. I understand if you feel it's too risky.

I add 5ml of Api CO2 Booster daily usually.

In what size tank?