After finishing the nano refresh, I focused my attention on the main tank. Similar to the nano I used bagged UNS Controsoil as my base and covered with Landen Namale sand. For the main tank, I have a school of Espei Rasbora (Trigonostigma espei), a few Glowlight Rasbora (Trigonostigma hengeli) that was mixed with the Espei when I bought the school and a pair of Apistogramma hongsloi “Red Gold”.

Can’t miss the Espei Rasbora among the green plants. The first photo show two males really colored up in a display of dominance. I really love the orange bronze color of these fish.

The Glowlight Rasbora can easily blend in with Espei Rasbora especially in a fish store setting. It wasn’t until a little later that they weren’t Espei. Their shape and coloration was very different compared to Espei. Their body is more elongated with a yellow tint on their fins. The orange bronze is limited to a stripe and doesn’t bleed into the body.

Before showing off the pair of Apistogramma Hongsloi, I just wanted to share some photos of plants in the main display. The first is a different types of Rotala, I’m not sure of which they are. I got them mixed up while planting. The second is Ambulia or Limnophila sessiliflora, such a fast growing plant. I have to trim it back constantly. The last plant is Pogostemon Stellatus 'Octopus' , that I love to see swaying in the current.

I was torn between German Blue Rams or some type of Apistogramma as the showpiece fish. After a lot of research, I purchased a pair of Apistogramma hongsloi Red Gold from Tristan’s Tropical fish. They were individually bagged and arrived well. They settled in really quick into their new home.

Before I wrap things up, I’ll also share an update of the Ruby Tetras. They are eating well and seem have to grown a smidge.

Nano Refresh / March 11, 2026 by Matt Pham

I recently refreshed my nano aquarium and created a new layout with new fish. I went from just using UNS Controsoil for the aquarium to capping with ADA La Plata Sand. I also added more hardscape with ADA Aqua Gravel. A compete overhaul to the nano from what it was before. I’m just waiting for the tank to fill in a bit more before doing a full tank shot.

My current set up is the following:

Light: Chihiros WRGB2 10th edition
Filter: Oase Filtosmart Thermo 100 with Aquario Neo Flow Lily Pipes with reliever and an ADA VUPPA II
Plants: Anubias Petite, Cryptocoryne Lucens, Echinodorus Tenellus/Helanthium tenellum, Golden Nesaea, Hedyotis Salzmannii, Hemianthus Micranthemoides, Juncus Repens, Limnophila hippuridoides, Microsorum Pteropus, Microsorum Pteropus Trident, Potamogeton Gayi, Rotala Rotundifolia "Red", Vallisneria Nana
Fish: Ruby Tetra (Axelrodia riesei)

An observation I had was that the jet outlet was creating too much flow for the Ruby Tetras. Adding the reliever made a huge improvement. I didn’t use the side pieces of reliever, I felt that cut the flow down too much.