Journal "Dark" - Contest tank 2025

[Bolbi]

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.

Dimensions: 130x50x45cm - 292 liters or 77 gallons
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
Flora: 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
Fauna: Moenkhausia costae, Crossocheilus oblongus, Caridina multidentata, Clithon corona
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).

Hardscape construction​

Planting​

Day 115​

Day 164​

Day 225 - Final photo​

 

[techman81]

Beautiful!

 

[millerschool]

Congratulations. Love how as soon as the water went in, the hardscape gains a new dimension, with the surface reflection

 

[Bolbi]

I’m not completely satisfied with how it turned out. This was the version for IAPLC since there wasn’t enough time for refinements. I’m planning to make a second version where the main structure will stay the same, with some adjustments and added details. See you in “Dark II”.

 

[Luciën]

Really awesome.. Nice ranking, love the wood on day 164 but the fullness of the plants on the final shot..

 

[Bolbi]

What I’m not fully satisfied with in the final photo is that some of the ferns, particularly the Bolbitis, were not fully developed. A more mature Bolbitis would have added a greater sense of fullness. The image also feels like it lacks detail. For example, on day 164 I added vines in the middle where the dark area is, hoping to break up the monotony and add visual interest. Unfortunately, by the time of the final photo, the vines had darkened and became almost invisible. With a lighter background, or perhaps a spotlight to highlight that section, they might have stood out more effectively. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time refining the final photo.

 

[gjcarew]

For what it's worth I made your tank my Zoom background. Really fantastic, dramatic hardscape here. I think this is your best work