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Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

The scape is heavily planted with what appear to be various species of fern and moss, which are expertly arranged on the hardscape to create a lush, overgrown, and natural feel. The dense foliage mimics a true forest floor, but underwater. The light color of the sand substrate contrasts beautifully with the dark green of the plants, making the scape appear even more vibrant.

The school of small, silver fish adds a dynamic element to the scene, highlighting the depth of the aquascape and drawing the viewer's eye into the dark recess created by the driftwood. The overall composition is harmonious and tranquil. It perfectly captures a feeling of a submerged, untouched wilderness. The title "Dark" is very fitting, as the scape plays with light and shadow to great effect.

[AQUARIUM SIZE]
W: 1300 x D: 500 x H: 450(mm) 

[AQUATIC PLANTS]
Anubias sp. 'Mini Coin'
Anubias sp. 'Pangolino'
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Paxing'
Anubias sp. 'Petite'
Bucephalandra sp. 'Belindae'
Bucephalandra sp. 'Belindae Mini'
Bolbitis sp. 'Mini' Guinea 2002
Microsorum sp. 'Mini Coral'
Microsorum sp. 'Dwarf Narrow'
Microsorum sp. 'Windelov'
Cryptocoryne parva 'Mini'
Lomariopsis cf. lineata
Callicostella prabaktiana

[FISH / INRERTEBRATES]
Moenkhausia costae
Crossocheilus oblongus
Caridina multidentata
Clithon corona

Lighting: Chihiros A1201 x2
Filtration: Oase BioMaster Thermo 600, Eheim 2217
CO2: Pressurised 3 bps - DIY CO2 reactor (connected on Eheim 2217)
Substrate: Lava gravel, quartz sand
Hardscape: Dogwood, Seiryu stones
Fertilization: Bolbi Plantavit complete 3ml and Plantavit potassium+ 4ml - daily via dosing pump
Water change: 40% once a week (first 3 months twice a week).

 

Step 1: Ideas 

Step 2: Materials

Step 3: Hardscape

This layout is inspired by the seasonally flooded rainforests of South America, where terrestrial landscapes transform into aquatic environments during the rainy season. The goal was to capture the subdued, shadowy feel of these ecosystems, where light penetration is limited and life thrives in subtle ways.
The hardscape is built around diagonally placed driftwood, creating a dynamic sense of movement.
Plant selection focused on low-light, slow-growing species such as Anubias, Bucephalandra, and various ferns, chosen for their resilience and texture, while moss enhances the impression of age and natural flow.
From the dim background, a school of Costae tetras provides subtle motion and a hint of shimmer, echoing the way fish in nature drift in and out of visibility under dappled light.
"Dark" evokes the calm, layered beauty found within nature’s hidden rhythms.

Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 

Step 4: Planting

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 

Step 5: Final

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 Aquascaping steps - Dark - IAPLC 2025 Fine Works - Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

 

 

Author Antonio Nikolic / Croatia

Facebook: bolbi.aqua
Website: bolbiaqua.com

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