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18 Aquascaping The setup There are different possibilities for the composi- tion of the aquascape as such. The all have in common that the focal point should not be in the center but slightly shifted to the side. This creates a harmonic and pleasant impression. Colorful elements or eye-catch- ing structures (e.g. a larger rock, a red plant, a branched root) may serve as focal point. Smaller tanks should contain only one eye-catcher. The impression other- wise becomes too uneasy. Optical creation of depth is another basic setup guideline. You can achieve this spatial illusion, among others, by staged planting (small, surface covering plants in the foreground, big solitary plants rather in the background). While dark plants with large leaves should rather be placed at the sides, brighter fine- leaved plants are mainly placed in the center. This en- hances the impression of depth and creates balance and tension by playing with contrasts. Free spaces are another important stylistic ele- ment. The tank should not be overloaded with design elements and plants. The “negative” areas that remain free create calmness, depth and width. They are fur- thermore important for the specific swimming behav- ior of fish. Avoid static, straight-lined or strictly symmetrical constructions. They appear unnatural and unbalanced. Rocks and roots should be planted, thus creating a more natural impression. Maintenance After setup, regular and careful maintenance of the tank – gardening – is the key to a successful and long lived aquascape. The versatile stem plants, in par- ticular, need to be cut back frequently (preferably be- fore a partial water change). The basic requirements of the plants must be ful- filled in a suitable way for getting splendid, intensely colored plants with balanced and strong growth in re- turn. Nutritional requirements of aquariums can be very different. They are, among others, influenced by the species and number of plants, by light intensity and lighting time, temperature and carbon dioxide supply. Optimal growth is only possible if all necessary nutrients are available in sufficient amounts. Plant growth will be affected if just one is missing (according to Liebig’s Law of the Minimum), and algae can spread due to lacking competitors. Nutrient intake takes place through the food, the water used for partial water changes, and via the corresponding fertilizers. All plants require light for photosynthesis (build- up of organic material from inorganic precursors). Suf- ficient light intensity is essential. The light color, how- ever, may be varied within certain limits for harmonizing it with the desired impression of the aquascape. We recommend innovative LED technology with particu- larly low energy consumption for optimal and individu- ally selectable lighting. Carbon is the basis of all life on Earth. Lacking carbon dioxide is one of the most common reasons for insufficient growth of submerged plants. The sera CO2 fertilization systems ensure the plants are safely and intensely supplied with this basic nutrient. Besides carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, the plants require a whole range of other nutrients for their growth and their health. The new and improved sera complete range for balanced plant care allows supply- ing the aquarium plants with all these substances in a directed and individually balanced way. The sufficient availability of some parameters can be checked with water test kits (e.g. sera Fe-Test). However, insufficient supply with other nutrients can sometimes only be detected indirectly via damages (e.g. potassium – necro- ses, small black dots, among others). The most common deficiencies are caused by an insufficient supply with carbon, nitrate, phosphate, potassi- um, iron and magnesium. Ailing, pale or poorly growing plants, however, Using suitable products prevents unnecessary plant damage

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