Axelrodia riesei

Nano Refresh 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.

When I was photographing the Ruby Tetras, I saw a Pearlweed pearling.

I’m excited to see how this tank will look once the plants begin to fill out the tank. While I wait, it’s time to overhaul the bigger aquarium!