The idea
Create an 85 L jungle‑style planted tank that showcases a vibrant school of small community fish. The layout will emphasize natural wood, leaf litter and dense foliage, giving a miniature rainforest feel.
How it will look
A central piece of driftwood draped with Anubias and Java Fern creates a focal point, while a background wall of Vallisneria adds height. The foreground is carpeted with Monte Carlo and Java Moss, interspersed with Amazon Sword leaves. Cardinal Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora and Rummy‑nose Tetra swim in shimmering schools, with a trio of Otocinclus quietly grazing algae.
Water parameters
- Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
- pH: 6.5 – 7.2
- General hardness: 4 – 8 dGH
- Water flow: about 340 L/h
Fish and stocking
- Cardinal Tetra – 6 individuals
- Harlequin Rasbora – 6 individuals
- Rummy-nose Tetra – 6 individuals
- Otocinclus – 3 individuals
All species thrive in the same temperature range, are peaceful and stay well below the 1 cm adult size that would cause overcrowding in 85 L. No fin‑nipping or predatory conflicts are expected.
Plants and hardscape
- Driftwood (natural piece, ~30 cm long)
- Anubias Barteri (potted) – 2 pots, placed on wood
- Java Fern on Lava Rock – 2 rocks, attached to wood
- Amazon Sword – 2 stems, planted in the mid‑ground
- Monte Carlo (tissue culture cup) – 2 cups, foreground carpet
- Java Moss (portion) – 1 portion, spread on wood and rocks
- Vallisneria (bunch of 5) – 2 bunches, background vertical strips