2021.04.02
連載：Aqua Journal vol.306
Enjoy DOOA ‘Thinking of the shadowy freshwaters of West Africa’
Deep down in a jungle
The successful presentation of the charm of Anubias is all about how well you can express the passage of time with your layout. This layout was inspired by the tropical rainforests of West Africa. It depicts the powerful vitality of plants that grow on the forest floor, where light is blocked by thick tree branches and leaves. The image of the native habitat of Anubias is that of a narrow, clear stream, where the plant grows securely on driftwood and rocks to not be swept down-stream. My goal with this paludarium was to create a layout that would allow viewers to feel the energy of plants that continue to grow despite drastic changes in their growing environment where water level fluctuates in dry and wet seasons.
DATA
DOOA Paluda Light 60
DOOA System Paluda 60
DOOA Mistflow
Mistflow cap
DOOA Circulation Fan 40
Metal Cabinet 60 (Black)
Power Cord S-70
Horn Wood
Yamaya Stone
DOOA Tropical River Sand
DOOA Wabi-Kusa Mist
Plant
Wabi-Kusa Mat Taxiphyllum barbieri
Wabi-Kusa Mat Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Peacock Moss’
Anubias barteri var. nana
Anubias baeteri var. nana Petite
Anubias barteri var. glabra
Anubias sp. ‘Gabon’
Shooting date: January 19th, 2021 (ADA)
Creation/Text : Naru Uchida
ⒸAQUA DESIGN AMANO
DOOA Paluda Light 60
DOOA System Paluda 60
DOOA Mistflow
Mistflow cap
DOOA Circulation Fan 40
Metal Cabinet 60 (Black)
Power Cord S-70
Horn Wood
Yamaya Stone
DOOA Tropical River Sand
DOOA Wabi-Kusa Mist
Plant
Wabi-Kusa Mat Taxiphyllum barbieri
Wabi-Kusa Mat Taxiphyllum sp. ‘Peacock Moss’
Anubias barteri var. nana
Anubias baeteri var. nana Petite
Anubias barteri var. glabra
Anubias sp. ‘Gabon’
Shooting date: January 19th, 2021 (ADA)
Creation/Text : Naru Uchida
ⒸAQUA DESIGN AMANO
South Africa
Photo by Takashi Amano
Picturing seasonal changes at a narrow stream bank and its origin in mind.
The places where Anubias grow naturally fascinate me, because clusters of the plant growing on rocks and driftwood alongside a river look very attractive. In the beginning, a piece of Anubias washed ashore by chance and succeeded in taking root and establishing itself, and it has since grown and multiplied, coping with various environmental changes. While working on this layout, I fancied that the landscape was created through such a passage of time. The moisture in the air is very important for the growth of Anubias. By controlling the mist and air circulation appropriately, you can bring out their natural, beautiful appearance. The layout recreates a humid climate of their native habitats, which is made possible only by System Paluda.
Capture the space vertically and widely with fluctuation of water level in mind.
Using the wide surface of the System Paluda as a canvas, I arranged the layout materials by leaning them against it, and recreated a scene where Anubias grows steadily.
Using the wide surface of the System Paluda as a canvas, I arranged the layout materials by leaning them against it, and recreated a scene where Anubias grows steadily.
1. Making a cave with driftwood
During the creation process, I imagined that this little cave-like space would be a perfect hiding place for fish when it’s submerged under water, and for reptiles and amphibians when it emerges above water. It is important to always think of the dwellers when creating a layout, so that the aquarium can turn into something that viewers can feel a symbiosis with nature.
During the creation process, I imagined that this little cave-like space would be a perfect hiding place for fish when it’s submerged under water, and for reptiles and amphibians when it emerges above water. It is important to always think of the dwellers when creating a layout, so that the aquarium can turn into something that viewers can feel a symbiosis with nature.
2. A well-developed cuticle layer
Anubias is an amphibious plant, but the glossy appearance of its terrestrial leaves is especially delightful. Here, its beauty is further accentuated by Paluda Light.
Anubias is an amphibious plant, but the glossy appearance of its terrestrial leaves is especially delightful. Here, its beauty is further accentuated by Paluda Light.
3. Diversity created in an aquarium
An improved variety of Anubias with beautiful undulated leaves. A deep sense of nature can be created with plants of the same genus (Anubias) when their differently shaped leaves are well arranged.
An improved variety of Anubias with beautiful undulated leaves. A deep sense of nature can be created with plants of the same genus (Anubias) when their differently shaped leaves are well arranged.
4. Tropical River Sand
The white cosmetic sand represents a landscape scene of a river. In order to portray the area in a river where the water level fluctuates, driftwood and rocks were arranged in a way that the water could accumulate about 3 to 5 cm.
The white cosmetic sand represents a landscape scene of a river. In order to portray the area in a river where the water level fluctuates, driftwood and rocks were arranged in a way that the water could accumulate about 3 to 5 cm.
Using a pioneering system of the next generation.
With Power Cord S-70, a smart power strip, an environment straight out of the natural world can be recreated. By scheduling the operation time of Mistflow and Circulation Fan 40, you can create suitable conditions for the growth of plants and bring out their natural beauty. Since the environment in the aquarium is constantly changing, it is important to observe it carefully and assess its condition with your own eyes.
Standard management timeline
An example of a standard timeline. Using this timeline as a reference, adjust the operating time of Mistflow and Circulation Fan 40 depending on the types of plants to be used.
An example of a standard timeline. Using this timeline as a reference, adjust the operating time of Mistflow and Circulation Fan 40 depending on the types of plants to be used.
Management timeline suitable for Anubias
The key point of the timeline to grow beautiful Anubias is to maintain a high humidity. For this reason, operate Mistflow for a longer time. Also, Circulation Fan 40 is kept running for another 5 minutes after the Mistflow stops in order to reduce the humidity in the tank. This is not only to prevent condensation from forming on the glass surface, but also to prevent the Anubias from rotting due to excessive moisture. Please note that with this timeline, you will need to drain the water more frequently, because the water accumulates on the bottom of the tank faster.
The key point of the timeline to grow beautiful Anubias is to maintain a high humidity. For this reason, operate Mistflow for a longer time. Also, Circulation Fan 40 is kept running for another 5 minutes after the Mistflow stops in order to reduce the humidity in the tank. This is not only to prevent condensation from forming on the glass surface, but also to prevent the Anubias from rotting due to excessive moisture. Please note that with this timeline, you will need to drain the water more frequently, because the water accumulates on the bottom of the tank faster.
In-depth maintenance techniques
1. Paluda Clean PC prevents water scale.
To avoid calcium stains on the tank, use Paluda Clean PC. Place a bag of Paluda Clean PC on the right side of the Mistflow tank so that it will be exposed to flowing water and effectively reduce the total hardness of the water. It can be easily replaced on a regular basis by simply removing the Stainless-steel mesh cover.
To avoid calcium stains on the tank, use Paluda Clean PC. Place a bag of Paluda Clean PC on the right side of the Mistflow tank so that it will be exposed to flowing water and effectively reduce the total hardness of the water. It can be easily replaced on a regular basis by simply removing the Stainless-steel mesh cover.
2. Enjoying the daily watering task.
When water is poured directly into the Mistflow tank, it may exceed the amount of water that can run off the outflow slits, and water may fall from the cascade and accumulate in the tank. Therefore, use a watering jug to add water over the Noise reduction sponge placed in the Mistflow box.
When water is poured directly into the Mistflow tank, it may exceed the amount of water that can run off the outflow slits, and water may fall from the cascade and accumulate in the tank. Therefore, use a watering jug to add water over the Noise reduction sponge placed in the Mistflow box.
3. The Importance of Ventilation
Here, a Circulation Fan 40 was installed to exhaust air to the outside, and to gradually lower the humidity to a moderate level. Good ventilation can prevent excessive moisture and create an optimal environment for plants.
Here, a Circulation Fan 40 was installed to exhaust air to the outside, and to gradually lower the humidity to a moderate level. Good ventilation can prevent excessive moisture and create an optimal environment for plants.
4. Periodic cleaning is recommended.
The High absorbent sponge may become dirty and smelly with use. Add 1 capful (8mL) of Superge to 5 liters of water, and gently wash the sponge in it on a rou-tine schedule.
*Wear gloves when cleaning.
The High absorbent sponge may become dirty and smelly with use. Add 1 capful (8mL) of Superge to 5 liters of water, and gently wash the sponge in it on a rou-tine schedule.
*Wear gloves when cleaning.
Make the most of Terra Tape.
Change the thickness at the base by adjusting the number of wraps of the tape to fit the gap between driftwood and rocks. Due to its material characteristics, the tape can be cut by hand, and because it is self-adhesive, there is no need to tie it down with thread.
Change the thickness at the base by adjusting the number of wraps of the tape to fit the gap between driftwood and rocks. Due to its material characteristics, the tape can be cut by hand, and because it is self-adhesive, there is no need to tie it down with thread.
