The title “Autumn Blush” was inspired by the final plant choice, all of which contain the sense of falling leaves or the end of a season.

This is a layout created in a 60cm opti-white aquarium and features solely the use of Oliver Knott Nature Soil substrate system.

The planting process was relatively easy. Stems were divided up in the usual manner and planted from the font to the rear. I’ve also used the “cube” method for planting HC, which in my opinion, leads to quicker horizontal growth of this plant.

For quick an instant clear water, I’ve adopted the Oliver Knott method of filling the tank with water. This simply consists of adding crumpled up newspaper to the rear of the aquarium and then placing the outlet of the hose pipe within the newspaper. initially, start slowly and increase the rate as the tank fills.
The following image emphasizes this method.

The plant list is as follows:
HC x 3
Diplis diandra x 4
Rotala rotundifolia x 6
Ludwigia arcuata x 3
Micranthemum umbrosumx 3
Juncus repens x 2
Alternanthera reineckii x 2
Eleocharis acicularis x 2
Anubias bonsai x 4
Tenellus x 4
Cryptocoryne wendetii green x 2

The lighting is the new series 4 mini pendant from Arcadia and consists of 1 x 150W Metal Halide.

The inhabitants are currently, 10 Amano shrimp, 10 Ottos, 6 Neon tertas, 3 Pencil fish and a pair of beautiful rams.

Here’s a look at the aquarium 1 week into it’s life. More images and updates will follow over the next few weeks.

Many thanks for your time and be sure to check out the gallery page for more images of this tank.

- Mark Evans