Journal "Solar Fields" - 270L Aquascape

[Bolbi]

View attachment 120cmvid (online-video-cutter.com) (1).mp4

 

[Bolbi]

Day 106​

After trimming

 

[Art]

Wonderful composition! It looks like it's been around for years!

Congratulations! Very well done.

 

[Bolbi]

@Art, thanks! Still waiting for the lilies to grow in more, I think they'll be a lovely feature of the layout.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

Yeah those lillies will bring this to an absolutely top-tier scape. Well done!

 

[Bolbi]

Day 123​

As plant mass increased, the fertilizer dose was increased from 6 to 7 ml of Plantavit complete and potassium+ per day.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

Beautiful algae free moss. Amazing balance you have.

 

[Bolbi]

Day 138​

I'm trying to keep the Glossostigma this low, which requires regular trimming at least once a week. The potassium+ dose has been increased to 12ml per day, which results in about 15ppm of potassium per week in total (complete + potassium+).

 

[BenB]

I need more emojis. Where is the fire emoji?

That tank is amazing. When the Glosso fills in a bit better, I hope you'll take a good pic and enter a contest. I love how the moss weeps down over the hardscape. One day I'll be over my algae problems and have something that clear and nice.

 

[Bolbi]

Thank you! This aquarium is my second competition entry this year. I've already submitted my main one – which is still a 'secret' – to the IAPLC. This one is more for practice, just a bit of fun with trimming plants . I’ll probably use it to enter other competitions later this year.

 

[Koan]

need more emojis. Where is the fire emoji?

Right????




Just gorgeous Bolbi, beyond.

 

[Art]

 

[Bolbi]

Day 170​

The aquarium has reached a stage where it is necessary to thin out the plants – primarily the moss and Eleocharis in the background.
The tall Eleocharis requires careful trimming with curved scissors. The plants are cut as close to the substrate as possible, in an irregular, alternating pattern – straight, symmetrical lines should be avoided. This approach creates a natural, "wild" look.
The central part of the Eleocharis has already been thinned out, while the left and right sides are still awaiting final trimming.
Thinning ensures better water flow and light penetration, helping to reduce the buildup of debris and waste materials.

In the foreground, where carpeting plants grow, a new layer of substrate has been added. First, Amazonia Powder (about half a liter) was applied, followed by another half liter of sifted Amazonia Light. Sifting produced finer granules, up to 2 mm in size. This raised the substrate layer by approximately 6–7 mm.
This combination allows for better rooting of Glossostigma, which has a relatively weak root system. As a result, the risk of the plant being uprooted during trimming is reduced.
Additionally, adding new soil has enriched the already partially depleted substrate, which will positively influence further plant growth.

Meadow flowers – Rotala mexicana 'Goias'. An accent that adds a splash of color and breaks the monotony of the Glossostigma.

 

[Art]

Thanks for updating, @Bolbi. The tank is looking amazing.

The tall Eleocharis requires careful trimming with curved scissors. The plants are cut as close to the substrate as possible, in an irregular, alternating pattern – straight, symmetrical lines should be avoided. This approach creates a natural, "wild" look.
The central part of the Eleocharis has already been thinned out, while the left and right sides are still awaiting final trimming.
Thinning ensures better water flow and light penetration, helping to reduce the buildup of debris and waste materials.

This is pure gold level information here. An artist detailing his technique to help others learn how to do it.

 

[Bolbi]

Thanks @Art !
I remember, it was a long time ago, back in the early 2000s, when I eagerly followed APC, soaking up knowledge from those who were more experienced than me at the time. Now, I just want to give back what I once received from the community.
Since then, this hobby has evolved significantly. Many myths have been debunked, equipment has improved, and the overall aquascaping process has become more advanced and accessible. I truly believe that sharing knowledge gained through personal experience is one of the most valuable contributions we can make - both for the community and for the continued growth of this beautiful hobby.

 

[Art]

I remember you on APC and thank you for joining the fun back then. I remember making posts like "Do plants hate cold feet?" focused on under gravel heating cables or "Making your own Power Sand". Things do change and evolve.

You comments on giving back and fostering the sharing of knowledge and the experience of community is why I started ScapeCrunch. The world needs a planted aquarium forum that is run by hobbyists for hobbyists, not for profit.

Glad you're here and thanks for sharing.

 

[Bolbi]

Day 243​

It feels like a never-ending story... The aquarium was ready for a final photo – even without the lilies – but I didn’t take it. It just didn’t feel right. At one point, some of the lilies melted away, but fortunately they’ve recovered and are now growing beautifully.
The Eleocharis in the background was given a major trim to help it recover and stimulate new growth.
The Christmas Moss on the branches was reattached since it had started to come loose, while Callicostella didn’t have that problem – it only needed trimming.

Micranthemum callitrichoides 'Cuba' in the middle, under the branches that were casting shade, started to lift from the substrate and was replanted. To prevent this in the future, I set up a LED spotlight to illuminate that area.

 

[BenB]

Holy crap that is beautiful.
My pics are usually dark. How do you get your pictures bright without the lighter areas being over exposed.

 

[millerschool]

Bolbi,
I really like this style, reminds me of earlier ADA Nature Style, something im pretty keen to try in the future.
Re the Trimming, DAY 138
"The tall Eleocharis requires careful trimming with curved scissors. The plants are cut as close to the substrate as possible, in an irregular, alternating pattern – straight, symmetrical lines should be avoided. This approach creates a natural, "wild" look."
could you explain this please, not sure I fully understood, can't really visualise it . also didn't realise you could cut it so close to the substrate.
Would Java Moss also work in this style ?
Thankyou

 

[JohnPilon]

Beautiful setup! I was not expecting this to turn out so gorgeous from the original layout, especially given the flat tops of the wood.

Not sure if this was asked, but did you have issues with the glue killing some of the moss portions when you planted? Never seen black super glue...so I am quite intrigued. Where did you get it?

Excited to see the picture youre waiting for the right time to get!